Lower Dashboard Removal

[S4CJO]

Just in the process of getting the interior retrimmed and need to remove the lower half of the dashboard , not juts the radio but the whole lower section. Anyone done this who could share the process?

[Mr Nordic]

Hi, it is reasonably straight forward, once you have the dash top off, which is 3 nuts.

Then take the radio out, unscrew the 4 screws that go sideways ( 2 each way)in the lower dash in the radio aperture. Then remove the radio/switch assembly/lower dash facia then unplug the multi plug to this plate.

You will need to take the gauge assembly off, this unplugs easily but you will need to disconnect the heater wheels. Then there is a relay block that is self tapered to the lower dash, remove this, then unbolt the lower dash is held on by 6 13mm bolts that are now easily accessed.

Be careful with the air vent tubes, you can take the vent out of the dash or take them out with the tubes connected, just be care and do whichever cause less stress on the dash.

This now gives you a chance to put everything back with tie wraps and stop the rattles....

It sounds far worse than it is, the riskiest job is taking the dash top off and scrapping the leather trim between the glass and the upper dash panel with the studs. I use gaffa tape on the panel all around the join between the upper dash and the upper dash panel that is fixed in the car by the window.

Tip - this will become obvious vey quickly , get someone to be vigilant when you take he top off and watch for stud scrapes.
I personally cut my studs down a little and filed the stud heads to reduce scraping risk in future.

Best of luck

[S4CJO]

Thanks Mr Nordic that'll save me scratching my head once I've removed the dash top.

Thank You