Has anyone had a complete dash removal? I need mine removed to get to the AC evaporator, and I'm going to take it to a great Corvette dealer that has done a lot of Corvette body work/reconstruction. Should I assume there will be rattles or other issues, or is it something these professionals do fairly periodically with decent/great results? Thanks.

 

I am not sure about your question, but, if I had to remove a Dash (if it is a 3LT) for other reasons, I certainly would think about having an expert Upholster replace the leather and reglue it to the dash.

 

I had mine replaced by my go-to dealer for a failed A/C mode actuator and leather shrinkage near the defrost vent on my 3LT. Their Vette Guru did an amazing job. Fortunately, mine has not developed any buzzing, creaking etc.

 

What a job it must be to get the dash out. One of my greatest fears owning the 3LT.

 

I had my blend door actuator replaced at the dealer. Complete dash came out. No rattles or noises. Everything came out good.

 

I replaced an actuator last year and removed the whole dash. I still need to make a post on it. I don't have any creaks or rattles. The thought of taking it apart scared me, but now after having done it, it's not as daunting. Just keeping track of stuff is the hard part. Definitely have the leather looked at while you're at it. My 3LT dash has been great, but I found a couple small spots under the dash that needed some glue, so I fixed them just to be safe.

 

Looks like quite the job getting that dash all removed and then put back together. IMO, good advice about getting the dash looked at and possibly recovered if you have a 3LT.

 

Had my 3LT dash replaced 6 years ago by my local dealer.
No rattles or other abnormal noises.

 

Where in So. Cal did you have it done?

 

I hope you make a post with more details. You did it yourself? My blend door or something is stuck. AC and heat only work on the face setting. Won't switch to feet, or defrost etc

 

I had it removed for a stuck heater / AC baffle. Had to be replaced. Corvette shop $2200, Dealer $1600 It squeaks more now and all I can do is put on radio!

 

I will add everything I can, but it's mainly gonna be a problem/solution post. Not a how to. And yes, I did it myself.

 

I re-glued a place in my 3LT dash and one on my passenger door pad with the small needle syringe and glue method I learned on this forum. The poster included the exact syringe size, glue used, and very good instructions. It worked fantastic and took only minutes. You can't tell I did anything. I don't know how to tell you guys how to find it but my dash would have to be in terrible shape to ever think about removing it.

 

The original post I refer to was posted by Rctreece on December 9, 2022. I searched "3LT dash fix" to find it. A couple things I learned. The glue is waterlike so it can be drawn into, and flows out of, the small needle easily, Therefore, I inserted the needle in the higher areas of the place I was working on knowing it would flow downward. Insert the needle only enough to go thru the surface of the material, not clear thru to the foam. Then I spread it across the area and downward. I liked using my fingers instead of the nylon rollers. The rollers tended to leave a linear depression, in the material, from the sharp edge of the nylon roller, maybe I was using too much pressure. Regardless, your fingers will follow the contour of the dash better anyway. Spend a couple minutes massaging the area allowing the glue to set up and take hold. I inserted the needle on a very slight angle figuring it may hide the small hole better. The material "self heals" the small holes, I cannot even find them. I inserted the needle in a couple strategic places to fix an area the size of the palm of my hand. Worked great, for me, and took only minutes.

 

If your 'dealer' is so good why did he leave part of the dash with the sharp metal mounting brackets laying on your expensive seats. It just yells to me. you're going to have a tear or scuff.

When I was working in high end corporate aircraft we weren't even allowed to enter the cabin with shoes on, socks only. And they already had runners on the floor and all seats covered. And don't touch anything you're not actually working on. And when finished, get out, no sight seeing.

 

Circling back to this...
Finally pulled the trigger and took my car into a local Chevy dealer that has done excellent body work for me in the past. Went on a ride-along to show him there were no rattles, squeaks, etc. before I left the car. He actually noticed that I had 3LT bubbles on the dash, on both sides of the heads-up display. Good thing I took pictures before I dropped it off that showed the bubbles--about 2"x3"--or I would've sworn they were caused by the dealer removing the dash! I just never noticed them...maybe it happened recently because there were some hot days in SoCal. Or maybe the leak in the evaporator core built up pressure behind the dash that migrated up to the top? (But that seems doubtful?) So I remembered bikerdkh's post above discussing the procedure. Very helpful.

 

we have the El cheapo , 1lt !!

 

Did my own removal and replace of mode door actuator (and blend door actuators while it was apart). Had it reupholstered while it was out. Forgot to include the batwing to the upholsterer, so I have a kit coming to DIY that. The dash isn’t difficult, just stay organized (I put fasteners back where they went, baggies when not possible), and be patient. If there is interest I can create a how-to with service manual pics.