Troy C

I have my 87 S4 5 speed in the shop for vacuum and A/C work. The shop is going to remove the dash. Once this stage of the car is fixed, I am taking the car to have the interior completely redone, including dash and pod.

My question is: Is the car driveable with the dash out and is there anything that would preclude the shop for making sure the vacuum and A/C repairs are complete with the dash removed?

I do not want to have the dash removed twice and I do not want to have two projects going on at the same time.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Jeff F

How is your windshield?

An option I investigated is to have your dash and pod recovered while in the car with the windshield out. My leather guy liked this option better due to less chance of fit problems reinstalling after recover.

If your windshield is perfect, this doesn't make sense, but if it is on to-do list. this route may solve your dilemma. Good luck,

Jeff
87 5-spd

Troy C

Windshield is in perfect condition. No chips or scratches. Thank you for the heads up though.

Troy C

Thought I would try and revive this question. Does anyone have input. Thank you

User 4221

If I recall, the alternator field exciter is located in the instrument cluster.

You may be able to run the car. However, you might be running on battery power only since the alternator will not have excitation from the resistor.

I'd advise to not use the HVAC in order to keep battery load to a minimum.

Scott

Kevin in Atlanta

As long as the cluster is plugged in there is no problem driving the car with out the dash. I assume the console would be pulled as well.

I say go for it.

Henry Younce

Been running my '80 5 speed for a week now, with everything down to "bare bones" - no instrument cluster or center console. Haven't experienced any problems. My dash and pod are both out for restoration.
Henry Younce

Kevin in Atlanta

Hmmmm. My 86.5 would not start without the cluster plugged in.

Troy C

Thank you all for your input. Helps alot.