Knee Pad Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Knee Pad Removal
Well I was all primed to put the CLB bypass in yesterday but got shut down by the bloody knee pad. After removing all the screws/components etc. the directions called out, no amount of tugging or pulling or twisting, would convince it to 'pop' loose as the directions suggested it would do. I figured if I put any more pressure on it about the only thing I'd accomplish would be to crack or break the panel.
As much as I want to get this CLB installed, I'm not to excited about the prospect of having to buy a new piece if I butcher the original. So the next move is to see if anyone out there has a diagram or picture of what the backside of knee panel attaching system looks like, and would be willing to either post it on the forum or get it to me by email. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
As much as I want to get this CLB installed, I'm not to excited about the prospect of having to buy a new piece if I butcher the original. So the next move is to see if anyone out there has a diagram or picture of what the backside of knee panel attaching system looks like, and would be willing to either post it on the forum or get it to me by email. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Diego
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,218
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From: MD
Boy that procedure looks a lot more complicated than previously advertised. Anyone else done this and can you comment on the procedure and how difficult this is. I am about to order the CLB, but am not confident I can install it.
thanks,
Dan
thanks,
Dan
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19,105
Likes: 2
From: Paducah KY
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Here's a link to some instructions from Vette Essentials that might help.
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by charlie78
After removing all the screws/components etc. the directions called out, no amount of tugging or pulling or twisting, would convince it to 'pop' loose as the directions suggested it would do. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
There is a wedge shaped, spring steel, clip that snaps into a rectangular slot in the dash, and if fits really tight.
I finally was able to locate the clip on the back side of the dash from underneath and squeeze the clip to get it to slide through the slot.
I have since removed it a couple of times more, and now know that if you pull straight out, it probably will not break anything. The clip will most likely come off of the knee pad and leave the clip in the dash before it will break anything. The clip just slides onto a tap on the knee pad, and has little barbs that dig into the plastic tab to keep it on, but if you pull hard enough, the clip will come off the tab.
If you use firm steady pressure on the knee pad, it should come loose.
You did remove the last torx head screw that is behind the trunk release switch panel, right?
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Jun 21, 2005 at 09:23 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,426
Likes: 285
From: West Barnstable MA
I had the same issue with the clip coming loose. Did not notice it, and was getting a rattle for 2 weeks, until I took it apart.
Also, make sure you have a scratch awl/ice pick so you can align the two under-dash screw holes with the speed nuts. They tend to move, and/or fall out when you are removing the panel. Try not to poke your finger with the awl when aligning the holes. Don't ask me how I know!!!!
Also, make sure you have a scratch awl/ice pick so you can align the two under-dash screw holes with the speed nuts. They tend to move, and/or fall out when you are removing the panel. Try not to poke your finger with the awl when aligning the holes. Don't ask me how I know!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,795
Likes: 2
From: Noblesville Indiana
CI 7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
I had the same problem when installing mine. A well respected member here gave me a simple tip which worked great - just loosen the radio surround trim piece!!! I did it and the knee pad just about fell into my hand. Try it. It works.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: The problem with socialism is eventually the government runs out of other people's money
Originally Posted by Net Exploit
Boy that procedure looks a lot more complicated than previously advertised. Anyone else done this and can you comment on the procedure and how difficult this is. I am about to order the CLB, but am not confident I can install it.
thanks,
Dan
thanks,
Dan
Got my CLB from Corvettes of Houston. Install of CLB didn't require going into fuse panel. As my 12v accessory plug is always hot did not need to turn on ignition.
Last edited by Hot BluZ; Jun 21, 2005 at 02:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Thanks to every one who responded. In addition to the mini instruction sheet that came with the CLB kit, I had also printed instruction from a web site that had pics. One of the sites recommended in response to my post was better yet. I hadn't realized that the upper left panel would also come off with the lower knee panel until I saw the pic with it still attached to it.
One of those lower captive speed nuts fell off during my first attempt. I thought that was pretty poor. A captive component that isn't! Here I've enough of a problem just getting the panels off and other crap is hitting the carpet.
Now all I need to do is muster up enough courage to dive in again. Maybe tomorrow.
One of those lower captive speed nuts fell off during my first attempt. I thought that was pretty poor. A captive component that isn't! Here I've enough of a problem just getting the panels off and other crap is hitting the carpet.
Now all I need to do is muster up enough courage to dive in again. Maybe tomorrow.
