Instrument panel removal

[stu]

Had a go at getting the main panel out of the dash............. mmmmm Well things did not look too good so i thought i'd ask someone who has , I'm trying to fit lockwood dial faces et'c

Anyone help, cant see any postings as such.

Cheers Stu

[Ghost]

I had the same problem when fitting new dial faces!
It was difficult to get the main gauge cluster out of the top hatch of the dashboard, but with time and perseverance it can be done.
My problems came when I tried to install the gauges back in position through the top hatch! It was VERY difficult and I scratched the plastic face panel of the gauges ,and could not locate the gauge cluster in position.
The only solution I had was to disconnect the whole dashboard facia and install the gauges then refit the dashboard.
This is probably not what you wanted to hear, but if all else fails, be prepared to dismantle the dash.

[tweetdriver63]

When putting the cluster back in throught the top opening, I found it easier to do it in two pieces. I left the plastic cover part disconnected, and put it in place first, then the cluster itself. When they were in there, then I mated them up and snapped them together. You could try this.

[Monty]

You need to remove the steering wheel, the plastic shroud round the steering column and also lower the steering column with the lever to give more excess

[stu]

Thanks for the advice peeps............... so i'v got to go in thro the top hatch ? mmm why not dash off ?

Cheers Stu

[clemo]

your all making hard work of this...
will do detailed write up tonight...

clemo

[Gazza]

will do detailed write up tonight...

clemo

Will need it in the future.

[Sy V]

Listen to Monty.

The binnacle cluster is easiest removed/replaced by going through its own aperture (albeit it at a jaunty angle) from behind the steering wheel which first needs to be removed along with the oval trim that surrounds the cluster.

[theelanman]

Listen to Monty.

The binnacle cluster is easiest removed/replaced by going through its own aperture (albeit it at a jaunty angle) from behind the steering wheel which first needs to be removed along with the oval trim that surrounds the cluster.

listen to monty


I agree he's right tho.....
I did it the same way.....wheel off.....shroud off..... drop the wheel

I also unscrewed the 3 main screws for the cash front.....one each side of the steering wheel...and the 3rd under the hazard warning light.....

this just allowed enough room to pull the top of the dash out to allow the binacle to clear the metal work behind and come out through the top binacle cover......

cheers
G

[clemo]

i am sure montys way works very well.

but if you wish not to take the steering wheel off or shroud then try this.


remove the zero'er push knob.
remove the speedo front black retaining cover. NOTE one srew is longer than the other and upon replacement it could push the dashboard out of shape.

remove binacle cover.
and now from within the binacle area:-
undo the top plastic wire holder , this will also drop a nut and washer at the same time.. and if its fitting is totaly unglued it will come of in your hand. this also doubles up and holds the top of the speedo housing.

reach inside and remove :-
speedo cable. (black thumb clip retainer underneath at 6'oclock)
3 pin speedo sensor (push on pull off)
unclip the 3(in number) long plug in connectors.(clips on each side)


now the bit that may be different from other versions of removal.
lean in with a chubby cross head screwdriver and remove the left hand 6 bulb housing.
it is attatched by 3 small screws.
one on the far left at the top that you can see (ish)
and the other 2 situated at the extreme left and right . this are not visable .... but i will attatch a photo with my finger pointing.
now to the far right remove the management light bulb and the one next to it.



now to the front of the dash , remove the 2x round bung cover's that have a large cross head screw , screwed into a retaining nut that is clipped onto the bottom of the overall unit.

this may fall off , so listen for it !
and if it hasn't fallen of yet ... it will do when you try to put it back on.
also at this point the whole unit will drop backwards slightly.

now everything should be loose.
get a small piece of cloth and lay it over the sharp nasty metal edge running along the bottom of the dash as it's now ready to come out through there !

check the steering wheel is locked down into its lowest position and whilst using the aid of the gap in the steering wheel pull the top of the speedo perspex cover down towards the floor. BUT not to close that is scratches on the nasty metal bit.
turn the steering wheel with the speedo kind of in it to the right . so now the back white rearplastic RHS of the speedo is touching hard on the right.
now rotate the whole unit towards the left whilst twisting towards your knees.....

in the clemo book of how to remove it should now be out.

i have done this twice and it does work. it really tight but it does work without scratching the perspex front.

need telephone assistance the pm me for my number and i will talk you through it .


clemo











oh i hope this upload works...

[GeoffSmith]

Also on a WikiLEC near you!

[clemo]

now with really big pictures..
still at least i got the pictures there !

hope this helps

clemo

[Ghost]

Well Stu!

Have you attempted the dial replacement, or are you still working up the nerve to start pulling the dash apart?

[Neil D.]

If removing from the top, protect the plexiglass.
A sheet of mylar ( plastic ) taped to the face should do the job

Neil