dashtop removal

[Konrod]

Hi all

Guess what, search is down again.........

Does anyone have the link to the thread that had pictures if where the bolts were holding down the dashtop panel just below the window (the one with the screen vents). I've tried to locate them on my Mk1 without success, hands probably too big.

Thanks in advance

[S6PNJ]

What, this one? Sorry, I haven't seen it....

[Paulgooner]

Not very good at copying links so not sure if this will work, and I hope its the right thread. I gave up trying to remove my dash, and the bolts are still out. It was such a job for me getting them out I vowed never to put them back in. I think my dash must be siliconed to the screen, so good luck. From what I have heard its not really too bad of a job



http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[S6PNJ]

Paulgooner said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Cheeky bugger even used one of my photos in his post! (not you Paul)

[Konrod]

Thank's everyone, I didn't realise there were two, so a bonus!

J

[Richie C]

FYI if search isn't working, just whack this into Google:

siteistonheads.com search term here

Job done.

[Konrod]

OK, I am now officially peeved. The whole idea of removing the dash-top was to route wiring from a screen mounted aerial for the radio as I'm tired of getting snap, crackle and pop from the radio. I've tried to find the original aerial in the wing but failed, so decided the best route was replacement with something screen mounted. I found an aerial which will mount above the rear view mirror out of sight of passengers and unobtrusive from outside - the wiring can run hidden around the screen as there is a deep channel all the way around.

So far I have failed.

I tried to get the dash top off - my hands aren't that big but I can just about feel the nearside 10mm bolt head, can't get close to the offside one. If I remove the bolts the chances of re-fitting are nil as it would be by feel with the bold in a socket and extension .

So I decided to try another route - remove the radio pod and pull the wiring through with my hand. Removed centre console, what I can see is a nyloc nut on a vertical thread, but the thread isn't retained i.e. tumnr the nyloc and the thread turns. If if put grips on the thread to hold it I'll damage it and the nut will never come off.

I have obviously missed something fundamental, does anyone have any ideas? All I want is a decent radio signal.

Sorry if I sound like a numpty - in my defence I've built an entire car from plans, including welding, wiring, engine rebuilding and trimming. I just can't believe how thoughtlessly the fixtures have been put together in terms of maintenance and access.

J

[nrick]

J

I have big hands and managed to get the dash top off, it is a right faff but you need to keep at it. Use the wife's compact/mirror to see the bloody head and then it will be obvious. I hated the job as it gave me cramp in my hand......

[Macey]

You are not making a good case for me as I want to remove my dash top to deal with some cables etc, I will attempt mine this Sunday and report back as to the difficulty of it.

[Curdster]

OK so I had the same mission. Managed the parts bit but still failed to get a decent reception. Routing anywhere near the front drivers side will give massive interference due to a lager epart of the wiring loom hiding in behind the dash pos. I only found out when all was back toegther and the engine running. Igination on only did not reveal the problem.Doh
The two bolts holding the dash top are a nightmare, the drivers side is an absolute pain and make the passenger side look easy. You need to keep at it. I have fat hands and got them stuck a few times, but worth it. You are doing nothing wrong with the radio pod. It's one nut and bolt, and removing the centre tunnel cover is the only way to get to it.
Can I suggest tha you try and head towards the back with the antene and keep it away from the heater controls in the centre console. i.e route via passenger foot wells and passenger floor. Maybe locting a wire thin glass mounted antene on the small rear side windows. This idea will also save you havig to remove dash top and radio pod. I will be doing this next time it annoys me enough.