Dashboard removal (400 style)

[terence]

Hi all
Can anyone tell me how the 400 wraparound dash is fixed in. I have a 350i fitted with a 400 style (SEAC I think as it only has 4 rather then 5 dials and is not angled towards the driver)

I have removed the vertical screw from the rear of the centre console and that all seems to be free. There is also a bolt (by the drivers right knee) that secures the dash to a metal cross beam running over the stearing column. The dash still seems rather firmly attached.

Anyone know how far the dash extends below the lower edge of the windscreen? I have had a look in the bible, which has helped me with numerouse other issues, but alas this time does not.

Any help would be mutch appreciated

[Seamus]

Could try these - I know it is a sod of a job so best of luck:
here & here

[redcar]

Terence. Is yours the same as mine, see link.If so there are 3 fixing bolts that hold the metel back plate in place, 1 in middle that you've found and one in each top corner and then 4 small nuts and bolts holding the veneer plate to the metal plate. The really difficult bit is getting to the 3 main bolts, you have to lay upside down in the footwell and force your hand up either side of the steering column to remove wing nuts, mind you dont pull wiring off terminals. Then it will extend about 2" at the top and about 1/2" at the bottom. To remove the veneer plate is easy but to refix it is a Bast--d because the bolts are not captive and are between the two plates (you'll see what I mean), I found the only way was to wedge rubber between the two plates over the bolts to hold the them in place so you can tighten, it took me about 2 1/2 hous just to figure a way of refixing. A painful nasty job, good luck.
If your dash is not as mine I've just all this for nothing.
www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/TVR/3051_small.jpg

[jmorgan]

Terence, are you on about removing the whole lot. Passenger side to drivers side, surround as well?

[terence]

Thanks for the help guys. I am trying to remove the whole lot to gain access to the heater. My dash is the version that only has 4 rather than 5 dials in the centre pannel, which is not angled like the 5 dial panel. But I would imagine that it is retained in a similar way to the 5 dial unit.

I am struggling at present trying to remove the trim panel from the alpine radio to gain access to release key slots to remove the radio. Idea here being that I may be able to reach through the hole to reach the veneer retaining bolts, plus I have a new cd to fit anyway.

I will have another look tonight and see what I can find.

[dickymint]

terence said:

Thanks for the help guys. I am trying to remove the whole lot to gain access to the heater. My dash is the version that only has 4 rather than 5 dials in the centre pannel, which is not angled like the 5 dial panel. But I would imagine that it is retained in a similar way to the 5 dial unit. I am struggling at present trying to remove the trim panel from the alpine radio to gain access to release key slots to remove the radio. Idea here being that I may be able to reach through the hole to reach the veneer retaining bolts, plus I have a new cd to fit anyway. I will have another look tonight and see what I can find.

Let me know how you get on as I too need to sort heater.

[redcar]

Terence.
Once radio is out the wing nuts are to the left & right, there is a washer on each one which should have a flat cut into it.

[terence]

Well as they say all Wedges are different. It turns out my centre pannel is just pushed in relying on the leather piping around the edges to hold it wedged in (pun not intended). There are no studs on the back and not holes for them to be fitted. After removing the veneered panel there were two self tappers (much longer than needed like 2" plus) holding the steel backing panel in. However, have still not found the "whatever they are" that hold the top of the dash to the front bulkhead. As I need to get some photos for the insurance man I will have to puit things back now and have another look later.

Thanks for your advice all

Terence

[jmorgan]

terence said:

Well as they say all Wedges are different. It turns out my centre pannel is just pushed in relying on the leather piping around the edges to hold it wedged in (pun not intended).

Mine does that. no problems with it.