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How-To: Remove/replace the instrument panel trim pad (passenger dash)
The following How-To covers the explanation of how to Remove/Replace the Instrument Panel Trim Pad (Passenger Dash) and includes specifications, schematics, etc.
These How-To guides are neither endorsed by or property of Corvette Forum or myself in any way/shape/form. All liability stemming from any actions taken in relation to these guides is solely placed upon the user.
Thank you Theta, for taking the time to post the instructions. It doesn't look too difficult as it is just a little more than installing an aftermarket shifter......I think..........
I am down to the right hand inner screw on the passenger panel and simply cannot see how it is possible to get anything on the screw to get it out. Any tips or things I have missed. I have removed all the other panels as desdcribed.
Okay, I have done all of the mods on my C7 Z51 and this Mod changing from 2LT to 3LT is giving me the blues. The last piece giving me problems is the Passenger Side Dash Pad that sits over the Glove Box.
I am not very good at clearly understanding the manufacturer diagrams in some threads as they don't seem to be clear and informative from a DIY perspective. I learn or do better with videos and photos and step by step in terms of doing something I haven't done before.
I have searched both forums and none seems to provide me a clear understanding at least for me on this Glove Box Pad removal/swap. Even the removal of the glove box is problematic although i have all six screws removed and it appears that something on the left side is preventing it from dropping down. I've looked at 2-3 threads already so perhaps its just me struggling with this even though I am pretty good following a process and working through barriers so any help would be appreciated!
The task is pretty daunting but can be done but there are so many undocumented hurdles in threads that makes the DIY project frustrating and even makes you wonder why GM assembled in such a weird way.
That said, the glove box pad is such a PIA I would recommend dealer install if price is reasonable or else forgo the mod or like me i am up for a challenge and good feeling of accomplishment when it's complete and looking awesome. Below is a picture of what you are in for if you take it on yourself. It's a lot of work to remove and replace one Pad but end result satisfying.
KGrant hits the situation right square on the head. Be ready for more than the diagrams indicate. Magnify them if possible. I did mine with the assistance of a retired mechanical engineer/hot rodder with lots of tools. We almost had to abandon the project at step one when we could NOT get the shift **** off. Upon further review, we saw that the diagrams described how to remove a MANUAL ****, and I have an automatic C7. A search of the internet finally found a relevant enough video of a late model Camaro with auto - you just pull the **** up (hard!).
Some steps are easy, others are not. Write down what you did alongside the diagrams that you have printed off. It will often include extra steps. Pay attention to the order you disconnect wire junctions in the console & diagram the channels that the wires go in. We ended up breaking some stuff near clips on the back of the pad & had to do the same thing to get the new one in. Re-using the old temperature controller to the new pad is the way to go.
We had to do a big backtrack, so the total time was 6+ hrs. Glad I did it, but glad it's done. Be confident of your abilities & tools before attempting.
The A/C surround that looks yellowish on this pic is a stainless steel part that I got to balance the chrome on the passenger vents.
Looking good to me now. No pieces were marred during this production. I now have a 2.5LT
If you follow all the diagrams I didn't think it was that bad. The hardest part to me was getting to.the two screws in the middle of the dash pad. None of the diagrams really showed how to get to them. I had to remove the plate on the bottom of the airbag if I remember correctly. Here are the two screws. This is the plate that needs to be removed.
KGrant hits the situation right square on the head. Be ready for more than the diagrams indicate. Magnify them if possible. I did mine with the assistance of a retired mechanical engineer/hot rodder with lots of tools. We almost had to abandon the project at step one when we could NOT get the shift **** off. Upon further review, we saw that the diagrams described how to remove a MANUAL ****, and I have an automatic C7. A search of the internet finally found a relevant enough video of a late model Camaro with auto - you just pull the **** up (hard!).
Some steps are easy, others are not. Write down what you did alongside the diagrams that you have printed off. It will often include extra steps. Pay attention to the order you disconnect wire junctions in the console & diagram the channels that the wires go in. We ended up breaking some stuff near clips on the back of the pad & had to do the same thing to get the new one in. Re-using the old temperature controller to the new pad is the way to go.
We had to do a big backtrack, so the total time was 6+ hrs. Glad I did it, but glad it's done. Be confident of your abilities & tools before attempting.
The A/C surround that looks yellowish on this pic is a stainless steel part that I got to balance the chrome on the passenger vents.
Looking good to me now. No pieces were marred during this production. I now have a 2.5LT
Mike,
Your car looks awesome and the door panels you have coming will further enhance the interior from the 2.5T to a 3LT.
I am glad you were able to get pass the barriers and glad our PM chats were helpful. As mentioned, a good forum member from Oklahoma volunteered to walk me through it over the phone along with text message pictures along the way when I got stuck.
I say that to say the corvette owners are the best and I appreciate all the willingness that everyone has to help a fellow corvette owner. It's all about paying it forward because people have helped me and anytime someone reaches out to me I am willing to assist in anyway.
It's also worth noting that so many threads have good step by step instructions and people share their knowledge and experiences and collectively have saved owners millions and millions of dollars doing mods ourselves over the years.
I removed the screws holding the metal under tray, I removed the screw that im pointing at, I just removed the center console shift plate. I cannot see how removing the center shift plate gives access to further removing passenger dash trim. What does this give me access to ? I’m stuck.The picture showing wire connectors is what I see looking up above glove box. The two screw holes on each side of the wires is where the screws go to hold the metal plate up.
If I recall correctly, intuitively it doesn't seem to make sense to remove the shift plate but look closely in that area as there might be 1-2 screws that needs to be removed.
I found that a lot that doesn't seem to make sense to do, you really do need to do so don't assume or try to make logic of it just remember what you did and take pictures and use a light to find hard to find nuts and screws.
This is why this DIY is a PIA.... Good Luck....I'll see if I have any pictures of the disassembly when I get a chance......Kyle
Originally Posted by Johnp94
I removed the screws holding the metal under tray, I removed the screw that im pointing at, I just removed the center console shift plate. I cannot see how removing the center shift plate gives access to further removing passenger dash trim. What does this give me access to ? I’m stuck.The picture showing wire connectors is what I see looking up above glove box. The two screw holes on each side of the wires is where the screws go to hold the metal plate up.
Looks like I just got to the next step. That big wire connector has two clips, one on each side. Remove that black box. It drops down. They pry off the black plastic that’s mounted. Behind there is where the two screws are located. The box I’m pointing to is the wire connector box and the one my thumb is holding is what it attaches to. Once you pop off the black piece that is resting on my thumb, you will see the two screws up in there. Moving forward, let’s see.
It’s off, no reason to remove center console shift plate. Looks like The screws underneath are hard to get a tool on. I reached under with just a socket in my fingers and they came loose.
01-19-2015, 09:04 PM
How-To: Remove/replace the instrument panel trim pad (passenger dash)
