Dash Panel Removal!!
Discussion
Just in case you decide to remove your dash panel I have just removed mine and it was OK until I realised that the heater control would not pull out! I had the dash loose at both ends but it would not move. All nuts had been removed as per previous instructions (without too much hassle) but the middle would not budge and it was bending. It wouldnt go back in easily but wouldnt come out either.
I realised it was fastened in the middle but could not get at any fixings from any direction! I eventually levered the plastic heater control panel lip through the dash until it sat behind the dash at which point the dash then came out easily. The reason it had stuck was that the heater was fixed to the fiberglass dash by two metal brackets fixed by two completely unaccessible bolts.
The dash is a bit wobbley but I am hopeful I can straighten it but the heater panel looks a bit battered. If I need a new dash panel or heater control panel has anyone any ideas?
I realised it was fastened in the middle but could not get at any fixings from any direction! I eventually levered the plastic heater control panel lip through the dash until it sat behind the dash at which point the dash then came out easily. The reason it had stuck was that the heater was fixed to the fiberglass dash by two metal brackets fixed by two completely unaccessible bolts.
The dash is a bit wobbley but I am hopeful I can straighten it but the heater panel looks a bit battered. If I need a new dash panel or heater control panel has anyone any ideas?
Phil
I have had my dash panel out and had it re veneered recently (S3c). I had exactly the same problem. I was just about able to access one of the nuts holding one of the heater slider securing clips, and after bending the clip slightly was able to undo it. After that did the same for the second one.
You may find that slight distortion in the dash panel can be removed by putting in a vice between pieces of wood.
When it came to putting my heater sliders back, I bent one of the clips so that it clamped against the metal of the dash panel rather than against the fibreglass behind the dash. It was pretty secure with just one clip, but a little glue on the other side after fitting the dash panel back made sure.
I am not sure of the source of the sliders, ?Ford Escort?
I have had my dash panel out and had it re veneered recently (S3c). I had exactly the same problem. I was just about able to access one of the nuts holding one of the heater slider securing clips, and after bending the clip slightly was able to undo it. After that did the same for the second one.
You may find that slight distortion in the dash panel can be removed by putting in a vice between pieces of wood.
When it came to putting my heater sliders back, I bent one of the clips so that it clamped against the metal of the dash panel rather than against the fibreglass behind the dash. It was pretty secure with just one clip, but a little glue on the other side after fitting the dash panel back made sure.
I am not sure of the source of the sliders, ?Ford Escort?
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