280i dash removal - help

[Sireatalot]

Afternoon Chaps.

I need to replace the oil pressure line on the 280i - I have a new line purchased and ready to fit but need to get the existing line off the dial.

however, I cannot get my hand up behind the dash / dials to remove the line in situ so would like to pull the dash forward a couple of inches in order to gain access.

From what I can see, there are two bolts holding the dash on ( one the the lower right of the steering wheel and one below the glove box to the right side of the fuse board cover.) I have undone these and the dash is loose at the bottom but still seems attached somehow - are there any bolts holding the top of the dash on ? am I missing something obvious ?

Cheers
Dom

Edited by Sireatalot on Friday 2nd June 15:20

[v8s4me]

Yes there are. Feel along the front edge of the dash moulding close to the windscreen. About 4" inboard of the 'A' post you be able to feel the top of a bolt. Put your other hand up under the dash and you should feel the nut. Good luck with the left hand one because it is very close to the top of the glove box moulding. You might find it easier to refit if you cut a hole in the top of the glove box so you can get a socket and extension on the nut. If you haven't already done so, remove the steering column coverts as well and this will give you another couple of inches.

[marcus1875]

Out of interest what year is the280i? Mine is 1982, but its an electric gauge.
Marcus

[Sireatalot]

v8s4me said:

Yes there are. Feel along the front edge of the dash moulding close to the windscreen. About 4" inboard of the 'A' post you be able to feel the top of a bolt. Put your other hand up under the dash and you should feel the nut. Good luck with the left hand one because it is very close to the top of the glove box moulding. You might find it easier to refit if you cut a hole in the top of the glove box so you can get a socket and extension on the nut. If you haven't already done so, remove the steering column coverts as well and this will give you another couple of inches.

Thanks for that, will have a look tomorrow

marcus1875 said:

Out of interest what year is the280i? Mine is 1982, but its an electric gauge.
Marcus

Mines a 1984

[RCK974X]

on mine (1982 DHC) i replaced the hex nuts with 'butterfly' nuts, which makes it a LOT easier to tighten and remove the dash. (6mm thread on mine). it a real bugger to get the spanner/socket in for the first time.

Again if it's like mine, you DON'T have to remove the nuts completely, just loosen them, as the dash moulding has slots, so it will then pull off.

Remember to disconnect the speedo cable first !!

[v8s4me]

RCK974X said:

on mine (1982 DHC) i replaced the hex nuts with 'butterfly' nuts, ...

Me too. Top tip this

[Sireatalot]

Thanks guys.

Found the other 2 bolts and 20 mins later - dash is out. Oil line replaced and dash now in, thanks again for pointing me in the general direction.

Cheers
Dom