Instrument panel removal?
Discussion
Right, Ive just got my first esprit after years of dreaming. Its a 89 SE, in very good condition.
Im starting to change a few things such as wheels, exhaust etc etc. Anyway what I want to know is how do I take the instrument display panels out??? Ive got another one I want to replace it with (cant stand that cracked crappy wood stuff) but cant work it out?
Any help please!!
Kev
Im starting to change a few things such as wheels, exhaust etc etc. Anyway what I want to know is how do I take the instrument display panels out??? Ive got another one I want to replace it with (cant stand that cracked crappy wood stuff) but cant work it out?
Any help please!!
Kev
Hi Kev & wellcome to the wonderful world of the Esprit
Removing the binacle is a piece of cake
and here's how you do it.
http://turboesprit.tripod.com/binnacle.html
Cheers,
John W
'95 S4s
Removing the binacle is a piece of cake
and here's how you do it. http://turboesprit.tripod.com/binnacle.html
Cheers,
John W
'95 S4s
You must undo a 10mm hex bolt under the dash and remove the pod and turn it upside down to access the hardware to release the wood panels. Only the 90 model year and later can just the pod cover be removed. The 89 model had the last of the pods that had to be removed to service it.
Calvin
>> Edited by cnh1990 on Monday 27th October 19:44
Calvin
>> Edited by cnh1990 on Monday 27th October 19:44
Hi Kev
I am in Essex too! I have a pacific blue '89 SE so look out for me around Thorpe Bay.I would like to hear how you get on with your binnacle facia replacement as mine is cracked as well.I might see you at the Docu-meet on the 8th Novemeber? - (not entirely decided if I'm going myself yet - though the prospect of an Esprit convoy up there is mighty tempting)
Colin
I am in Essex too! I have a pacific blue '89 SE so look out for me around Thorpe Bay.I would like to hear how you get on with your binnacle facia replacement as mine is cracked as well.I might see you at the Docu-meet on the 8th Novemeber? - (not entirely decided if I'm going myself yet - though the prospect of an Esprit convoy up there is mighty tempting)
Colin
I have recently had first hand experience of replacing the burr elm facia panels on my 89 SE. Firstly I would say do not start the job at 4.30pm on a Sunday evening (I did)!!! It is not a quick job!
The following is a brief guide:
1. Assume the lotus position (inverted on the drivers seat with your head in the footwell)
2. Look into the mass of wires under the dash and find the 4 or 8 fixing bolts - 2/4 on the left and 2/4 on the right (can not remember exactly). Remove these bolts.
3. After getting your head out of the footwell check to see that the binnacle is loose, if it is you will find the next bits easier if you remove the steering wheel.
4. Carefully lift the binnacle and disconnect the 4 varying sized connector blocks and unscrew the connection to the speedo head, finally remove the flexible heater screen vent pipe.
5. You will now be able to lift the binnacle free, be carefull not to scratch any of the leather surfaces.
You have now completed the easy part of the task!! For the next bit I would suggest a large desk/dining table covered with bubble wrap or soft cloths as you will be spinning the binnacle backwards and forwards so take precautions so not to damage the table or binnacle. Also pull up a chair, this is a job you can do while sat down. Good lighting is essential for this job and a movable lamp is a bonus.
1. Turn the binnacle upside down and unscrew and remove any plastic cover pieces and the large steel fixing plates.
2. Identify on the new binnacle mask set the position of the fixing studs, these could be lightly wrapped in masking tape for protection, remove the tape and you should see four fixing studs on the main flat piece and two fixing studs on each of the edge pieces.
3. Having found the stud positions on the new mask you can locate the positions within the binnacle.
4. The side panels need removing first, the nuts are not east to get at, to aid in the removal of the nuts toward the front of unit it is advisable to remove the switches, mark each one as you remove it and also mark the connector block it comes out of. You should now be able to access the nut more easily. The second nut further back is more of a bitch but nimble fingers and patience do pay off. You may need to loosen off the temp guage and fuel guage to gain better access.
5. With the side panels removed you will be able to unbolt the front panel which by comparison is easy. Keep all the nuts and washers you take out as you will need to reuse them.
6. You can now fit the new panels, the side panels will probably have more spring to them so it is a little difficult to hold them in the correct place and put the nuts back on. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
7. Almost forgot!!!! the new mask set I purchased did not have the internal cowls fitted for the temp and fuel guages so I had to reuse the existing ones which are stuck on using a black rubber type adhesive, I marked their position and used contact adhesive and then a silicon sealant.
8. With the new mask in place you can refit the switches, retighten any dials, and refit the plastic cover plates and fixing plates.
9. Refit to the car making sure any earth connections are resecured, the four connector blocks are all different sizes so you can not mix them up and the speedo cable screws back on, don't forget to refix the vent hose. Bolt the binnacle back into position and test all the switches.
10. Refit the steering wheel and test drive to check the speedo, it is worth noting before you disconnect the speedo relavent speeds against revs to make sure everything works upon reconnection.
11. Sit back and admire your new binnacle facia!!!!
The following is a brief guide:
1. Assume the lotus position (inverted on the drivers seat with your head in the footwell)
2. Look into the mass of wires under the dash and find the 4 or 8 fixing bolts - 2/4 on the left and 2/4 on the right (can not remember exactly). Remove these bolts.
3. After getting your head out of the footwell check to see that the binnacle is loose, if it is you will find the next bits easier if you remove the steering wheel.
4. Carefully lift the binnacle and disconnect the 4 varying sized connector blocks and unscrew the connection to the speedo head, finally remove the flexible heater screen vent pipe.
5. You will now be able to lift the binnacle free, be carefull not to scratch any of the leather surfaces.
You have now completed the easy part of the task!! For the next bit I would suggest a large desk/dining table covered with bubble wrap or soft cloths as you will be spinning the binnacle backwards and forwards so take precautions so not to damage the table or binnacle. Also pull up a chair, this is a job you can do while sat down. Good lighting is essential for this job and a movable lamp is a bonus.
1. Turn the binnacle upside down and unscrew and remove any plastic cover pieces and the large steel fixing plates.
2. Identify on the new binnacle mask set the position of the fixing studs, these could be lightly wrapped in masking tape for protection, remove the tape and you should see four fixing studs on the main flat piece and two fixing studs on each of the edge pieces.
3. Having found the stud positions on the new mask you can locate the positions within the binnacle.
4. The side panels need removing first, the nuts are not east to get at, to aid in the removal of the nuts toward the front of unit it is advisable to remove the switches, mark each one as you remove it and also mark the connector block it comes out of. You should now be able to access the nut more easily. The second nut further back is more of a bitch but nimble fingers and patience do pay off. You may need to loosen off the temp guage and fuel guage to gain better access.
5. With the side panels removed you will be able to unbolt the front panel which by comparison is easy. Keep all the nuts and washers you take out as you will need to reuse them.
6. You can now fit the new panels, the side panels will probably have more spring to them so it is a little difficult to hold them in the correct place and put the nuts back on. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
7. Almost forgot!!!! the new mask set I purchased did not have the internal cowls fitted for the temp and fuel guages so I had to reuse the existing ones which are stuck on using a black rubber type adhesive, I marked their position and used contact adhesive and then a silicon sealant.
8. With the new mask in place you can refit the switches, retighten any dials, and refit the plastic cover plates and fixing plates.
9. Refit to the car making sure any earth connections are resecured, the four connector blocks are all different sizes so you can not mix them up and the speedo cable screws back on, don't forget to refix the vent hose. Bolt the binnacle back into position and test all the switches.
10. Refit the steering wheel and test drive to check the speedo, it is worth noting before you disconnect the speedo relavent speeds against revs to make sure everything works upon reconnection.
11. Sit back and admire your new binnacle facia!!!!
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