How "I" removed my dashboard.

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pandemonium001
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How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by pandemonium001 »

as requested, this is how i did it, although my front screen was out already i dont know if it can be done without removing it, i would advise you do it any way, just to check for corrosion.
i had already removed the center console and radio.

My car is RHD

First remove the drivers pedal cover and the clove box.
you will see the obvious brackets to support the aft side of the dash, remove these.
disconnect speedo cable
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disconnect all electrical connections you can see connecting the dash, they are all simple spade connectors so just pull.
drivers side
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the siver knob you see there, unscrew that to release the spedo unit, and unplug on the way out.
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Image
dissconnect dash lights
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cluster outt
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next onto heater control cables, these all go with the dash
2 on the drivers side just pull the metal end out of the flap controls
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on passenger side it is a little more dificult to see but remove the retaining clip and disconnect the same this one is the cable that goes to the hot water on/off valve for the matrix
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next remove these nuts
from memory there is only the 5 large washer ones, the clip is from heater control, look up the clove box area, towards the front of the dash you will see it right up in the top. the others are qually spaced along the fron of the dash, all accessable with 1/4" drive socket and 12" extension.
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there are 2 spring clips in the middle just give it a gentle tug upwards or a gentle pry with a bar and it will pop out.
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next roll the dash out and twist it through the windscreen area to remove, keep checking you havent missed any cables.
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you should by now have this.
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Image

Good luck and hope this helps
:cheers


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Jeroen
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Re: How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by Jeroen »

Great follow up on your earlier how-to, thanks! Don't think it makes much of a difference for a LHD car either. Added to the FAQ section!
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
Reck
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Re: How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by Reck »

Thank you so much. I'm going to use this guide this weekend! Will let you know how it goes.
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croma_man
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Re: How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by croma_man »

great topic, i'll need that to replace my old dash :cheers
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petroscf
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Re: How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by petroscf »

Very useful topic, I will also need it very soon!
/oo=00=oo\
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uwbuurman
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Re: How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by uwbuurman »

Nice! I'll use it last photo first and upwards, as I already ripped it out and I have to put it back (once..)
It's the man next door!

1978 BMW 323i
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petroscf
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Re: How "I" removed my dashboard.

Post by petroscf »

pandemonium001 wrote:as requested, this is how i did it....
....
there are 2 spring clips in the middle just give it a gentle tug upwards or a gentle pry with a bar and it will pop out.
Image
.....
Good luck and hope this helps
:cheers
Before some years, I pressed the top of the dash exactly there, over these two spring clips.
( iirc I was using som cockpit spray to make it shiny, god, ever since I regret it!)
I remember hearing a noise like crack or something like that, and since then, knocks are coming from there, in bad roads, or roads with pavers etc.
Nothing seems broken(on top at least, as far as I can see)
It seems to me as if one or both of these clips are out of place, from that moment when I pressed more than I should.

Ideas? Solutions? (Apart from taking out the whole dash....)
Can that just be pressed back in place?
/oo=00=oo\
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