Help - dash light buttons loose

[donatien]

The row of 3 buttons for the lights is slowly coming away from the dashboard. They all still work but I think it's just a matter of time before they part company with the dash and disappear behind.

Is this is big task to rectify? Does dash need to come off and so on. Have the bible at home if that covers it.

Also if it all goes tits up tonight and they disappear with the lights on can I just pull out the light fuses to stop battery draining?

Thanks

Dave

[shpub]

Dash needs to come out to repair. Might be able to push them back by removing an air vent or radio and reaching behind for a temp fix. They are glued to the back of the dash and yes dash removal in all its glory is covered in't bible.

[jam1et]

Removing the dash is actually quite easy. The difficult bit is making sure you dont crack the off veneer when putting it back. I reckon if they fall inside with the lights still on you shouldnt have any probs reaching them to turn 'em off if you remove the radio.

[donatien]

Cheers guys. I have the brushed aluminium dash so I'm not going to knacker any veneer.

It seems as if the button action is actually light enough and if the worst comes to the worst they will probably still operate.

Dave

[joolzb]

Ditto the ease of removal of the dash and I'd prob go for that approach. I took great care not to scuff the "leather" but still managed a tiny scuff to the right of the steering column. If you've not done it before you're prob looking at a 1 - 2 hour job but all pretty simple stuff. The switches are attached to a metal strip and then to a bolt that's glued to the dash with Araldite and has prob come off(well one had on my car anyway).

I've now removed and refitted mine about 4 times so if you need any help, feel free to email me.

edited to make more sense

>> Edited by joolzb on Thursday 5th February 19:01

[davidn]

Had dash out recently, the 3 light buttons are on a long metal strip which also holds the warning lights and hazard button. This strip is attached to the back of the dash by two small nuts, 1 to left of hazard button other to right of light buttons. Don't think you can get to them even with the stereo removed but worth a go.
Cheers
David

[DustyC]

if you dont want to take the dash out how about attaching fishing line (or similar) to the switch with duct tape and then pushing the switch through.

You can then araldite the circumference of the hole and pull the switch back into place again. You could evne use the fishing line to hold the switch in place while the glue is drying.

(That is if you havent already lost the switch through the hole).

[jigs]

Sorry DustyC but that sounds like a recipe for making a total bollocks of the switches. Araldite is only needed to reattach a loose threaded stud not the actual switches.

When you actually remove the dash and see how the switches are held in place you will understand why this suggestion is not only useless but likely to gum up the switches.

If a job's worth doing it's worth doing right. Take an hour or so and remove the dash and do it right.

>> Edited by jigs on Thursday 5th February 19:24

[joolzb]

jigs said:

Sorry DustyC but that sounds like a recipe for making a total bollocks of the switches. Araldite is only needed to reattach a loose threaded stud not the actual switches. If a job's worth doing it's worth doing right. Take an hour or so and remove the dash and do it right.

That's prob my fault as my original post lacked a bit of detail.

It's also better to remove it as the chances are that the stud has come unstuck and left a load of old glue stuck to the dash, so it's much better to remove the old stuff for a better contact and better fitting switches.

[DustyC]

Fair enough. I was guessing what it was like from reading original posts and assumed they were just glued in place.

(By the way jigs, that wasnt nearly as much lip as you normally hand out. You feeling alright? I love to see your one line verbal abuse. Cracks me up, especially when its directed at members that arent used to it!)

[jigs]

It's this Gaelic translator software package I use - it sometimes goes into Gerry Adams mode. I did try an alternative Ulster Scots package but it was worse - came over all Ian Paisley!

[donatien]

OK guys so dash off it is. Will check in the bible for details.

Are there any hidden hazards here? For instance dash comes off and then half a dozen cable looms all disconnect, pop out and then can't be re-attached?

Dave

[jigs]

Just take your time - there are very good instructions in Shpub's bible (bless him - should be a saint).

Some important points:-

Always loosen the steering column(two bolts) and drop it down as far as it goes - check earth connectors.
Have some old towels at hand to protect your gearbox surround - allows you to rest dash on the leather trim.
There are only a couple of connectors to worry about. Either carefully note/photograph before disconnecting instruments or remove instruments one at a time and reconnect to the wires when free from dash.
Make sure everything is connected before refitting e.g. oil pressure light, etc.
Take particular care to have all instruments fully vertical/lined up in the dash before refitting.
Good opportunity to look around behind dash and marvel at TVR's plumbing skills.
Make sure the neighbour's cat isn't snuggled up behind the dash before refitting (decat it).

Good luck and enjoy it.