Sab

How many hours should I plan on spending exchanging my dash (best / worse)? I have recently purchased a used replacement dash and had it recovered in vinyl.
Does anyone have some instructions or tips?
Besides the vacuum lines, what should I look at or exchange while I have it apart? And what parts if any should I order?
Thanks,
Sab.

Sab

Thanks for all the advice guys. Nobody ever removed his dash?
cheers,
Sab.

Bruce Sinclair

The hardest part is pulling the center console. You also need to pull the steering wheel, glove box, and pod, Then there are four bolts that hold the dash in. Depending on the condition of the car and HVAC system there are many things that would be WYAIT items. It is a good time to replace such items as the ignition switch, dash pod bulbs, all of the vac actuators for the hvac system, the inside temp sender, the steering shaft bearing, cigarette lighter bulb , clock bulb, the gear selector bulbs (if the car is an auto) etc, etc. You should allow yourself an entire day for the task. It is a good time to do a thorough cleaning. You may be amazed at some of the things you will find. Be careful to keep track of where all of the screws came from so they all get put back in properly. It will be a good time to attend to the wires that may have unraveling tape on them. The 928 tips site <a href="http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm" target="_blank">www.nichols.nu/tips.htm</a> has step by step instructions for pod and center console removal. Have fun

Jerry 87 928S4

I recall it being something like 20 hours from the Porsche labor charts. I bought a dash cover instead

I believe Nichols has some tips.

Chris

OK so it isn't that bad, as someone else mentioned the worst part is the center console, maybe an hour, then the pod, another hour tops, glovebox 10 mins, then there are two bolts that hold the dash on and it pulls right out.

Its a tight fit around the steering support, just take yout time.

While you are in there might want to replace the vacuum actuators too.

Aligning the center console on refitment can take some time, best way is to fit the two bolts (loosely) in the top vent, then try and get the line to the dash correct. Once done tighten.

Chris

Rufus Sanders

Jerry 87 928S4, How do you like your dash cover? is it from 928 Int'l? I've been pondering a cover too, the rigid type, not carpet. Any opinions on how if fits and if it's a good choice? - Ruf

Greg86andahalf

I just ordered a rigid plastic dash topper 3 pc. set. It should be in next week and I'll post when it's installed. I put on on my GMC suburban a few years ago, and it has held up nicely and looks way better than the destruction which was my dash before I installed it.

Greg

Rob M Budd

Had mine out a few weeks back to recover. Came out pretty good.
Time consuming, but worth the effort.

Points worth noting. Working from memory so this isn't complete nor in order.
There's a bolt on the left inside the glove box under a rubber plug that bolts to the center console.
Two more bolts inside the center vent on the top.
Take out the parcel shelves and glove box.
Be careful with the glove box light switch. To much movement will break the ground wire.
With the glove box out you can see one dash mounting bolt to the right. 10 MM socket will get it.
Take the pod completely out. Working around it takes a lot of effort.
Pod switches come out toward you. Push together the top and bottom clips. Pull the switch out, then disconnect it and push the connector back in.
Be careful with the potentiometers. To much movement will break the wires at the connectors.
Disconnect the potentiometers or take out the small phillips scews that hold them in.
With the pod out, you can see another dash mounting bolt to the left. 10 MM flat wrench will do it.
There's two more bolts on each end on the dash holding it to the outboard kick panels. Easily accessible.
There's four allen head bolts through the dash that hold the steering column that must come out too.
I also took out the trim pieces on both windshield pillars, which meant I had to take off the sun visors and headliner mounting screws on each side.
This allowed the dash to go in more easily.
WYAI items
Check the vacuum units & hoses.
Check the relays that activate the vacuum units. There's 5 or 6 of them in the center just under the main heater unit. This can be done by applying power to each one. You'll hear them work.
Check the motor in the temp sensor unit.
Check the cig. lighter positive wire. It loses its insulation and will short out if it gets frayed or broken.
Check the stuff I forgot to mention.
Make notes.
I use a sectioned tray to store all like screws, bolts, washers and small parts together.
Be careful.
Don't force anything.

Good luck

4MIDLIF

Just a couple of additional tips:

Don't EVER use the windshield for leverage.

Label EVERYTHING.

Take pictures of anything that looks scary!

Be patient, and hope you don't have any leftover parts.

Sab

Great thanks a lot, I will be starting the project in a couple of days.
regards,
Sab.