Removing dash on 1983 Tasmin

[UKAuto]

We need to redo the wood on my son's Tasmin. On my 1985 350i the panels came off easily, however, on the Tasmin it looks like they are bolted on(?)

I was told it may be easiest to pull the entire dash board, is this the case? If so, I assume it is held on by two studs that I loosen the nuts on - and two brackets at the lower edge each end (and maybe at the steering column.

Obviously I will also need to deal with the gauges. Any other guidance?, any good photos?.

[gralin69]

LOWER THE STEERING COLUMN AND YOU ARE CORRECT 2 X 6MMM NUTS (10MM SPANNER) 1 behind left hand side Glove BOX and behind Fuel Gauge right side lossen both and there is enough spare or was on mine to ease forward and rotate almost 90 deg to access rear. Sorry no pics but think from seeing panel from behind that it must be held in from behind as clocks are behihd it forming s bezzel effect.
Good Luck
Gra

[dixiebabes]

There is s bolt next to the center console left hand side that needs removing. Also don't take the nuts behind the dash off completly just a few turns then slide he dashboard off. you need hands
like a little girl to get to the nuts by the way

[UKAuto]

dixiebabes said:

...you need hands
like a little girl to get to the nuts by the way

That just sounds wrong, but I get what you are saying - thanks.

Thanks for the guidance - will give it a shot.

[UKAuto]

Got to it on Sunday. Dash out, all gauges hooked up and hanging by the wires. Also took out terrible aftermarket air conditioner setup (NFG), passenger seat, most of the carpet - but ran out of steam.

Need to finish removal of other seat and carpet, then we can work on all the bits to put back in to the car next spring.

[RCK974X]

dixiebabes said:

..the dashboard off. you need hands
like a little girl to get to the nuts by the way

TIP:

It may sound obvious, but I changed the standard nuts on mine for (6mm) wingnuts with larger diameter washers, so I can tighten them by hand, and removal/refit is MUCH easier, although it's still a small struggle to get my non-girlie hands in !

I've taken the dash out a few times for electrical problems...

[mrzigazaga]

dixiebabes said:

you need hands like a little girl

I got no chance then!!

[UKAuto]

RCK974X said:

dixiebabes said:

..the dashboard off. you need hands
like a little girl to get to the nuts by the way

TIP:

It may sound obvious, but I changed the standard nuts on mine for (6mm) wingnuts with larger diameter washers, so I can tighten them by hand, and removal/refit is MUCH easier, although it's still a small struggle to get my non-girlie hands in !

I've taken the dash out a few times for electrical problems...

Great idea!! The dashboard is in the house and work is being done on the wood, and on the vinyl. Who knows what evils will lurk in the wiring when it is all back together - think we will get some wing nuts involved at this stage.

[V8TVR1978]

Last time I saw you Rob,................. I think you will have no problems getting to the nuts.............. Sorry, but someone was going to say it and i rememeber a flash drive incident from 2009.

UKAuto said:

dixiebabes said:

...you need hands
like a little girl to get to the nuts by the way

That just sounds wrong, but I get what you are saying - thanks.

Thanks for the guidance - will give it a shot.

[MJG280]

As well as using wing nuts glue some sandpaper to the body either side of the bolt slot and in the centre. This gives a really good grip and so you don't have to tighten the wing nuts so much

[UKAuto]

MJG280 said:

As well as using wing nuts glue some sandpaper to the body either side of the bolt slot and in the centre. This gives a really good grip and so you don't have to tighten the wing nuts so much

NOW THAT IS SMART! Thanks for the tip.

[UKAuto]

V8TVR1978 said:

Last time I saw you Rob,................. I think you will have no problems getting to the nuts.............. Sorry, but someone was going to say it and i rememeber a flash drive incident from 2009.

UKAuto said:

dixiebabes said:

...you need hands
like a little girl to get to the nuts by the way

That just sounds wrong, but I get what you are saying - thanks.

Thanks for the guidance - will give it a shot.

Wayne, guess I have to take the abuse in equal measure to what I dish out ;-)

Took me a minute to figure out what you were on about!