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removing dash pad?

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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 07:23 PM
  #1  
Carl Johansson's Avatar
Carl Johansson
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Default removing dash pad?

I have the instruments and front of the dash removed . I have dropped the steering column, - but how do i take off the top part - with the radio speaker openings in it - and the VIN #. BTW - since this thing is headed for track only - Am I supposed to pull that VIN and send it to somebody - along with the old registration stuff? Or just keep it as a trophy!

Carl Johansson
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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Carl....are you referring to the upper pad? It's held in by screws in the defroster ducts, and under the front of the pad. When you look under it you'll see them. Once those are removed, just sit in the drivers seat and pull it toward you. Out it comes. What condition is it in? If it's not cracked, I might be interested in it.
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Old Jun 14, 2008 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
Carl....are you referring to the upper pad? It's held in by screws in the defroster ducts, and under the front of the pad. When you look under it you'll see them. Once those are removed, just sit in the drivers seat and pull it toward you. Out it comes. What condition is it in? If it's not cracked, I might be interested in it.
big cracks - sorry, if it were good - I'd send it to ya!
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Old Jun 14, 2008 | 08:31 PM
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On an '86 the vin number is not on the dash pad. It's on the windsheld frame which stays on the car. You did not need to drop the steering colum, just tilt it down all the way with the tilt lever. There are two screws on the center defroster vent at the base of the windshield. The rest are along the bottom of the front edge, above where your center AC vents are. Then there are two more where the cluster is. Just look under the front edge of the dash pad. The dash pad pulls back and out towards you. The side pillar trims can stay in place.
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 02:15 AM
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Oops, dup'ed myself. My bad.

Last edited by CoolVette86; Jun 16, 2008 at 02:16 AM. Reason: aggghhhhh
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 02:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 86PACER
On an '86 the vin number is not on the dash pad. It's on the windsheld frame which stays on the car. You did not need to drop the steering colum, just tilt it down all the way with the tilt lever. There are two screws on the center defroster vent at the base of the windshield. The rest are along the bottom of the front edge, above where your center AC vents are. Then there are two more where the cluster is. Just look under the front edge of the dash pad. The dash pad pulls back and out towards you. The side pillar trims can stay in place.
And the pad will come out a wee bit easier if you apply a little force to curve the both ends down to clear the pillars. A LITTLE force!
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 02:25 AM
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You can get more clerance by tilting the wheel to the lowest setting, then use the tilt lever again and hold the wheel all the way down. It won't lock so you have to hold it, but it gives you about another inch of clerance for the dash pad to pass over the top of the steering wheel easier.
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 06:16 PM
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Thanks for the help guys - I did get it out - had to take the sawsall to it after all - the rollcage legs were in the way - but now it's all cleaned out - nothing there but steel and plastic - all sorts of holes in the firewall!

thanks again,
Carl Johansson
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