Dashboard problem!!

[S3THUNDER]

Hi all, spent two hours trying to fit the dashboard. I can't get the heater control to fit on the back of the dashboard. There isn't enough room for me to get the two nuts to fit on back. I'm tempted to make the hole in the fibreglass a little bigger, so I can pull out the heater control cables to gain more space. Am I missing an obvious solution?

[Lewis's Friend]

I've just done this exact job and ended up doing as you suggest and elongating the hole about 20mm. It turned the job from impossible to (fairly) straightforward!

[S3THUNDER]

Thanks. I'll give it a go. To say it was testing my patience , is an understatement.

[v8s4me]

Have you had the dash re-veneered? If so you may not want to risk this but anyway; file 0.5 off the edge of the dash all around. Or, if you prefer, try just the top edge first. This will allow the dash to slide in and out of the moulding and give you lots of "wiggle room". Also, a second pair of hands to support the dash while you do up the little nuts for the cable will help a lot.

[S3THUNDER]

Yep, re-veneered the dash with burr walnut effect Formica,as you may remember. I think I will take a bit more off the edge ,as you suggest.

[glenrobbo]

v8s4me said:

Have you had the dash re-veneered? If so you may not want to risk this but anyway; file 0.5 off the edge of the dash all around. Or, if you prefer, try just the top edge first.

Joe,
I presume you mean 0.5mm?

Don't want anyone over trimming their shiny new dash veneer.

[S3THUNDER]

Thought I was winning,then noticed the coloured perspex i've glued to the back is stopping the heater control panel from fitting properly. The dashboard will have to come out for the third time.

[v8s4me]

S3THUNDER said:

Yep, re-veneered the dash with burr walnut effect Formica,as you may remember. I think I will take a bit more off the edge ,as you suggest.

Should be OK so long as you file away from the decorative finish on the laminate. It is very fragile though so good luck.