Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88
I've got the 5 screws underneath and the 2 screws at the defroster out but the pad won't slide back to come out. The pad is in perfect condition so I don't want to bend or tear it. How much force should be required to move it? Did I miss fasteners somewhere? Thanks in advance for your help.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (es)
I've been pulling, pushing and bending for about 20 minutes and all I've succeeded in doing is getting fingerprints all along the edge.
When I lift up on the pad, the windshield pillar trim moves. I hope this doesn't have to be removed. Also, I have the Bose system so I don't think there should be speakers getting in the way.
When I lift up on the pad, the windshield pillar trim moves. I hope this doesn't have to be removed. Also, I have the Bose system so I don't think there should be speakers getting in the way.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 693
From: Boise ID
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (es)
I have only removed it once myself and memory does not serve me that well. I seem to remember removing the IP bezel and the center bezel around the heater and radio controls also. There may also be 6 screws on the bottom side. The pad has to pull back FIRST, about 2 inches. I removed the pillar on the drivers side but not sure I had to. I had the dash speakers which made it more difficult. I also can't remember if there were screws on the ends of it. Sorry I can be of no more help.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (87SAM)
I have all the trim bezels off, removed the 5 screws and 2 screws, looked for an extra screw behind the fuse panel trim, and still it won't move.
I got all the fingertips on my right hand into the defroster vent. I found a slight ridge along the underside of the pad for my left fingers. I braced my feet against the floor, and pulled as hard as I could. Managed to get it to move about 1/4" back and forth. It also squeaks like metal clips are involved. I MUST be overlooking something!!
I got all the fingertips on my right hand into the defroster vent. I found a slight ridge along the underside of the pad for my left fingers. I braced my feet against the floor, and pulled as hard as I could. Managed to get it to move about 1/4" back and forth. It also squeaks like metal clips are involved. I MUST be overlooking something!!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (es)
Although my GM shop manual says 5 screws, the illustration shows 6 screws up front:
three over the driver console
two over the center console
one to the far right.
Then there are the two screws at the def duct.
At that point instructions say to remove the IP pad.
three over the driver console
two over the center console
one to the far right.
Then there are the two screws at the def duct.
At that point instructions say to remove the IP pad.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (65Z01)
I've gotten all the screws but the thing still won't move!! It still just slides back and forth 1/4" and squeaks a little. It acts like it's glued to the winshield or something.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 1
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (es)
If you are talking about the top dash pad there are only five screws if I remeber right. You have to also remove the side pillar moldings. Don't forget about the two screws in the defrost duct or you will tear the pad. It also has spring clips that help hold it so you will have to pull some but it should come loose.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (snaketr)
I finally did get the thing out. My car has the famous "hidden 6th screw", but even after removing that, it took alot of pulling to get the pad unstuck from the foam strips at the base of the windshield.
Thanks everyone for the help.
Thanks everyone for the help.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
Re: Can't Remove Instrument Panel Pad On '88 (es)
Window moldings do not have to be removed. Instrument bezel needs to be removed just to access screws holding pad. Trick is after removing all screws pad must be lifted slightly (about 1") in front then pull straight back toward you. There are steel spring clips holding rear of pad down. Spray a little WD on clips when re-installing.
