Joe Rose

Somewhere I saw an article--instructions,if you will--on replacing the 914 dashboard pad, but now I cannot seem to find it. Mine is cracked and I have a new one on order, but I'd like to find that article I once saw before attempting the replacement. Admittedly I really haven't looked underneath the dash, and perhaps the best procedure is clearly evident upon doing so, but I guess I'd like a little confidence builder in advance. Hopefully some fellow Rennlist user can point me in the direction of that article and/or supply some first-hand "clues" in this matter. Thanks.

Ron_H

Prepare for a job!! If you attempt to replace the padded dash top between the windshield and the edge of the dash with the windshield in the car, you have your work cut out for you. Best to remove the windshield. Then you will be able to stretch the vinyl and cut vent holes easily. Masochism at best. Took me a long time, and a lot of foul language!! But it looks nice now. Be sure you have the padding that goes under the vinyl handy.

Joe Rose

Actually, the part I want to replace is not between the windshield and the forward edge of the dash. Rather, it is the semi-hard cowl that goes over the instrument panel extending across the whole dashboard. If you have a parts book, it is part number 914 552 031 12 and costs about $500. I've seen used ones and noted that they have something like plastic studs that hold the assembly to the fixed part of the dashboard. The article and help I'm looking for has to do with replacing this part only. Thanks, however, for your insights on replacing the other part of the dash.

Jim Chambers

There are 9 studs with white plastic nuts holding the pad place (count 'em, some are very hard to find). When I have done it I remove the lower dash pad for access (don't forget the two screws on each end (covered with plugs) viewed only when doors open. You must remove the two screws holding fuse panel and let it hang. I also remove the steering wheel and pull the gauge cluster out as well as removing the glove box. Not sure about the radio because mine had none when I did the job. Maybe you could do it with less disassembly, just lay on your back and find 9 nuts!

Bleyseng

As Jim said there are 9 studs to take the plastic nuts off. Remove the radio,glovebox,inst.cluster, you can leave the steering wheel on. When you have taken the nuts off carefully pry the dash off, it does kinda stick on but will pop off.
Geoff

Joe Rose

Thanks, folks. This is exactly the information I was seeking. As this is the only thing I think I've never taken apart on a 914, I am sure I can handle it with the information you've provided.
I have the instrument cover on order, so I'll be doing the job as soon as it arrives and weather permits. Today, however, would be out of the question, as it is just too cold here and there is too much snow even to go out to the garage. Thanks again for the help.

Chris Campbell

It will help a lot if beforehand you can get your fingers "upgraded" with an extra joint and an additional 1-2" of length <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Be very careful taking the dash top on/off. It is really easy to crack them when moving them around and trying to get them lined up and seated in the right place for the nuts to go back on.

p914

I saw a dash cover at Auto Atlanta for about $100. Fits right over the old one. Easy to do.