How to unmount/remove dash

[53-681]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of thoroughly cleaning the shit out of my interior. I had purchased a new dash with a cap on from lurch a while back. I'd like to replace my existing one with the capped one.

 

 

Any pointers with going about removing the old dash? How do I unscrew the light dimmer and mileage resetter turn switches? What should I watch out for so I don't permanently damage anything???

Do I have to unbolt anything else before just digging into removing the dash?

 

 

 

Any advice and I will be eternally grateful (Not to mention won't grow a big head towards ya when I come to the meet ups )

 

 

 

 

 

Kind Regards,

Sam

[Zedman240®]

Removing the dash is easy....30 mins and it's done. (re-install is another story!) First remove the console, then the trim around the heater controls (4 countersunk self tapers), you can leave the dimmer and trip reset; they come out with the dash board and can be removed later. Remove the metal trim between the windscreen and dash, another 5-6 self tappers and then undo the speedo cable retainer nut from behind the speedo; you need a multi jointed wrist to reach behind the speedo gauge to undo it, and unplug the multi coloured plugs (loom for dashboard) from above the fuse box (brown, blue, white and black IIRC) then you have a few M6 bolts with a 10mm head one at each end of the dash underneath the vents, about four on top of the trans tunnel and about 6-7 under the windscreen. You will find a few other bits and pieces you will have to remove but I'm sure that's the majority...then have an assistant help remove it without catching on anything..and that should be it.

[53-681]

Oh sweet! Putting the new one on is just the same cycle, but reversed right bro?

 

 

Also, what are those multi jointed wrist thingy's?

[Retro Z]

By multi jointed wrists he means that you almost have to dislocate your wrist to reach the back of the speedo as its in a awkard spot.

 

You may need some long socket extension and long screwdrivers if the glass is still in place. And if you like you can drop the steering column down aswell. Just take your time. Get plenty of light in the cabin and do what Zedman 240 said. Oh and get a mate to help you lift it out as its Heavy

[T.A.P]

Pretty much what Dimitri said plus swearing...but it isnt as bad as the heater's vacuum operated diaphragm, I swore a lot with that one.

[Lynton]

One thing I did is color tagged all the female wire connectors with the appropriate male leader connectors so nothing was left to guessing for when you have to re assemble the dashboard, you think it is easy but a few days go by and you have already forgotten!! especially if you are non logic person, one thing to remember is all the air ducting tubes and intersecting parts especially if you have air. Lynton

[53-681]

hahaha thanx guys. I'm currently in extremely good manner mode the the following 10 days, so swearing hopefully is not an option for me

 

 

 

Time to dig in!

[Zedman240®]

Thanks Tai for reminding me...you also have to remove the steering column trim and remove the headlight/indicator stalks then remove the 4 12mm bolts holding the steering column to the pedal box because the dash metal frame is sandwiched between the two. It's been a little while since I removed one but I have another two to do very soon....

[53-681]

damn shizzz sounds like a hell on earth job! I didn't end up pulling it out today, but cleaned the interior instead...

I just found out that the 280Z seatbelts I ordered from ebay didn't fit right in my car... Are the original seatbelts (The ones that don't cling/roll back) roadworthy??? Or do I have to order some new ones? If so, from where?

 

 

Btw, thanx heaps guys

[nizm0zed]

you only need to remove the 2 12mm bolts securing the steering column to the underside of the dashboard, there is enough flex in the rest of it to allow it to slide out.

remember to put at least one of them back in though, so you dont accidentally bend the column down when the dash is out.

 

It seems like a big job, but its not, once you get it out, you'll wonder why everyone made such a big deal about it.

[53-681]

Oh shit, I didn't put one of those 12mm screws back in I hope I didn't bend the column shittttttt! Is there a way to straighten it if I have???

 

I managed to pull the dash out after much effort and questions to Dimitri

 

 

 

Is there anything I should be wary of to remove the gauges from within the dash??? They dont just slide out I've noticed, even though I unscrewed the 1 screw holding the speedo and tacho...

[nizm0zed]

you'll know about it if youve bent it, it'll be very obvious.

Its more so that if you are getting in or out of teh car while the dash is out, you may unintentionally lean on or grab the steering wheel, that may cause the column to flex down and bend.

putting a bolt back in is just a good saftey practice.

i would wager that you wont have had a problem at all.

[T.A.P]

The gauges (speedo and tacho) should slide out from the front, if not try to wiggle them until they do, careful not to scratch the dashs skin. I had to use excessive force on mine.

 

There should be two screws for each, one at the front top (looking straight at the gauges) and one at the bottom back (from the bottom dash looking up). Hope this helps.

[53-681]

I have some really bad news After re-fitting my dash I find that I can't start my Z anymore I turn the key and it sounds like its going to start, the tacho goes up to about 1K RPM then just dies...

 

 

 

Would any of you have any idea what I may have done wrong??? Ground cables perhaps??? or something not plugged in correctly???

 

 

 

If someone could even come around to my place this weekend and assist me I would be $50 grateful