400SE style dash - centre console removal

[adam quantrill]

I've had the fuel guage go on the 400SX. Apparently the sender is functioning OK so the meter in the dash needs sorting out. [I'm going to double-check this, and the wiring, myself though!!]

Is there a procedure for removal/refitting the dash centre console? I don't want to discover this for myself because I know the result will be cracked veneer etc! I just had a feel around the back and can get my hand in as far as the radio and left air vent. But there appears to be no obvious bolts etc. At least I now know where the dash lights fibre optic unit is!

TIA,

- Adam

Edited by adam quantrill on Tuesday 18th July 11:15

[pwd95]

On mine there's two bolts, one either side either side of the radio.

[adam quantrill]

Oh dear - well I can feel one (that I assumed was holding the radio on/in), but the other seems a long way away. Is there a way in from the driver's side?

[pwd95]

Yep but you'll have to evolve an extra set of elbows an moove the air vent plumbing out of the way. I haven't tried to get the bolts back on yet, the air vents are holding the panel on. I took both the centre panel and the speedo one off to re "pipe" them

If you loosen the centre console by undooing the screws between the seats under the sunglasses recess bit, you can lift it a bit which gives you a bit more arm space.

Edited by pwd95 on Tuesday 18th July 11:43

Edited by pwd95 on Tuesday 18th July 11:44

[broadside]

I recently took the dash out of the 450.

Two bolts, one either side of the stereo, capped with a 10mm nut and a couple of washers. I took the stereo cage out and manouvered it out as far as the wiring would go. The using a 10mm ratchet spanner undid the bolts. Once these are out, you need small hands or double jointed wrists you can then remove the veneer fascia off very gently. Once that is clear you can pop the stereo cage back through the veneer. The dash panel is held in place by two self tapper screws which come away easily. Depending on how much wire is behind the dash dictates how far you can move the panel forward. Mine was a good fit and needed working out bit by bit.

You should have plenty of access to get to the gauges and the wiring.

Good luck !!

Nige'

[adam quantrill]

Thanks!

Some of this sounds like a job for my 9-year-old son. Well, he's too big for the chimney these days, but his hands are half the size of mine, so he can earn his keep fixing my fuel guage....

[adam quantrill]

Well it appears that I can feel the bolts at both sides of the radio, as there is room on the driver's side to get my hand in as well. When I get a new guage I'll try removing it.