81 Dash removal and knobs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail NC
81 Dash removal and *****
Looking at the assembly manual, am I correct to say that there are only 4 screws holding the dash in? Also, do I have to remove in the instrument cluster to get it out?
Second ?
How do I get the lock assembly off the glove box door?
Third? Does the headlight **** just pull off?
I'm trying to re-dye all my parts and thought is would be easier to strip stuff off to make it easier. Also, I need to repair Bubba handy work on the heat controls.
Second ?
How do I get the lock assembly off the glove box door?
Third? Does the headlight **** just pull off?
I'm trying to re-dye all my parts and thought is would be easier to strip stuff off to make it easier. Also, I need to repair Bubba handy work on the heat controls.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Looking at the assembly manual, am I correct to say that there are only 4 screws holding the dash in?
I think there are more than that, but not a lot more for the dash itself
Also, do I have to remove in the instrument cluster to get it out?
Yes you do
Second ?
How do I get the lock assembly off the glove box door?
I think there is a clip on the inside of the glove box, I'll have to look
Third? Does the headlight **** just pull off?
There is a very small button on the back of the switch, push it in and the **** and the stem will pull out
I'm trying to re-dye all my parts and thought is would be easier to strip stuff off to make it easier. Also, I need to repair Bubba handy work on the heat controls.
Removing everything is the way to go, you will need to get some wax/silicone remover and clean everything VERY well fir the dye to stick
I think there are more than that, but not a lot more for the dash itself
Also, do I have to remove in the instrument cluster to get it out?
Yes you do
Second ?
How do I get the lock assembly off the glove box door?
I think there is a clip on the inside of the glove box, I'll have to look
Third? Does the headlight **** just pull off?
There is a very small button on the back of the switch, push it in and the **** and the stem will pull out
I'm trying to re-dye all my parts and thought is would be easier to strip stuff off to make it easier. Also, I need to repair Bubba handy work on the heat controls.
Removing everything is the way to go, you will need to get some wax/silicone remover and clean everything VERY well fir the dye to stick
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail NC
Well, after cleaning the silicone from around the lock, remove the epoxed finishing nail, I still can not figure out how it comes apart. I found a picture of an assembly on ebay and it appears something on the end holds it togther. The **** and center cylinder are one unit so it goes the full length of the assembly. I'm giving up tonight and try again tomorrow
I love how Bubba even had his hands on something so simple as a glove box!!
I love how Bubba even had his hands on something so simple as a glove box!!
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 6
From: Palos Verdes Peninsula California
Definitely watch the upper ends of the dashboard when you take it out, they will crack on top if bent. The rest of it will come out just fine, just take your time. I had no troubles taking mine out or putting it back in. The painting on mine came out excellent, just prep properly like sixfooter said.
That box lock is nothing but a pain in the azz. It's just one of those things you have to mess with till you get it.
That box lock is nothing but a pain in the azz. It's just one of those things you have to mess with till you get it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail NC
Okay, I figured out the lock!!! All it takes a small flat bladed screw driver. Looking at the lock with the latch facing up, there is a small opening. In there you should see a silver tab sticking up from the inner cylinder. With the screw driver push that down, it's spring loaded. As you push, pull on the ****. It should slide out just an 1/8 of an inch until you hit another bronze colored tab. That would be the first tumbler piece. Do the same for that and the rest of the tumblers (4).
Here are some pictures.
Looks like some just forced these out since they are bent pretty bad. But they still work get and I will leave them as is.
Here are some pictures.
Looks like some just forced these out since they are bent pretty bad. But they still work get and I will leave them as is.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
If you already have the dash off, ignore this.
There are two screws in each door jam. There are two clips attached to the underside of the dash. One above the glove box and the other above the speedo cluster. Each has one small bolt holding it in place. After you get the dash out, attach the clips back to the dash. They are meant to be on the dash when it is installed because they clip on to two brackets that stick out from below the windshield.
If you don't drop the steering column to remove the dash, take the steering wheel off. I've had mine off both times I've removed the dash and it makes it very easy. Besides, removing the steering wheel is less work than dropping the column.
There are two screws in each door jam. There are two clips attached to the underside of the dash. One above the glove box and the other above the speedo cluster. Each has one small bolt holding it in place. After you get the dash out, attach the clips back to the dash. They are meant to be on the dash when it is installed because they clip on to two brackets that stick out from below the windshield.
If you don't drop the steering column to remove the dash, take the steering wheel off. I've had mine off both times I've removed the dash and it makes it very easy. Besides, removing the steering wheel is less work than dropping the column.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail NC
I still haven't decided if I'm going to pull the dash?!?!? If I feel like I can get it sprayed in the car, I'll probably leave it there.
I tried to mask it off yesterday, but my tape would not stick? Do I use plan old masking tape or is there something else I should look for. I tried this after wiping down the dash with cleaner and still no luck?
Thanks for the tip on the column! Looking at it yesterday, I thought it would be easier to get it out of the way.
I tried to mask it off yesterday, but my tape would not stick? Do I use plan old masking tape or is there something else I should look for. I tried this after wiping down the dash with cleaner and still no luck?
Thanks for the tip on the column! Looking at it yesterday, I thought it would be easier to get it out of the way.
