Need to replace C4 Dash, anyone ever do this?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
Need to replace C4 Dash, anyone ever do this?
My 1988 C4 has a huge insightly crack that I can no longer stand to look at. I've never taken off the dash before. Has anyone done this and how do you do it? Is it easy? Hard? I'm considering all options right now. Possibly just throw a mat on it for $49 or go the distance and replace it for $500. I'd rather replace it.
Any advice to this rookie is helpful....
Bill
Any advice to this rookie is helpful....
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
It is held in by metal clips and screws. There are two screws (maybe three) where the dash meets the windshield and a handful of screws under the dash closest to the steering wheel. They go longways across the dash bezels. After they all are removed you just pull it up and towards you with a little effort. You can check Ebay for the dash pad or a Corvette salvage yard.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Hollister CA
It's not that tough, I just had mine off in order to swap out the breadloaf (crash pad).
While you've got it off, take the time to vacuum out the dashboard, tighten any screws or connectors you see, and put a bit of white grease on the cable/connectors/spring/hinge on the defroster air gate.
Just my $.02
Jim
While you've got it off, take the time to vacuum out the dashboard, tighten any screws or connectors you see, and put a bit of white grease on the cable/connectors/spring/hinge on the defroster air gate.
Just my $.02
Jim
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I got one last year from www.vette2vette.com for $100 or so. I made the mistake of painting mine tan to match my interior. It reflected off the windshield something fierce! I also made the mistake of not prepping it fully before I painted it. Someone must have used Armorall on it at one time as the paint started to flake off shortly after I painted it.
Remove 3 screws on the left side above the instrument panel, remove the 2 screws at the defroster vents in the middle of the dash. While sitting in the passenger seat pull firmly toward you. It is quite easy to handle as it is very light.
Good idea to clean out as suggested above. Be sure to use some fabric dye/spray to recolor your fake speaker covers. For some reason the sun turns them blue over the years.
Remove 3 screws on the left side above the instrument panel, remove the 2 screws at the defroster vents in the middle of the dash. While sitting in the passenger seat pull firmly toward you. It is quite easy to handle as it is very light.
Good idea to clean out as suggested above. Be sure to use some fabric dye/spray to recolor your fake speaker covers. For some reason the sun turns them blue over the years.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by corvetteronw
Remove 3 screws on the left side above the instrument panel, remove the 2 screws at the defroster vents in the middle of the dash. While sitting in the passenger seat pull firmly toward you.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Bergen County, NJ
Originally Posted by RRT vette
It is held in by metal clips and screws. There are two screws (maybe three) where the dash meets the windshield and a handful of screws under the dash closest to the steering wheel. They go longways across the dash bezels. After they all are removed you just pull it up and towards you with a little effort. .
I took mine out for cleaning and there are no hidden surprises.
You will see all the screws that hold it on.
