trying to remove dash

Austin_Ranger · Jan 18, 2009

I'm replacing the aftermarket stereo with a second aftermarket stereo in my 88 Ranger. I've got the screws removed from the trim piece that stretches across the dash, but it's wedged underneath a blue strip that also goes across the dash. Does anyone have any recommendation for what needs to be shoved into those little gaps underneath that strip to get them to let go? These are the strips you can see in the picture where the cigarrette lighter and the headlight knob is mounted. Photos below:

I can tip that whole silver panel forward, but it's hung up on that blue strip you can see where the word 'Ranger' appears. Any suggestions for removing this would be greatly appreciated.

Austin Ranger

PS- I just came across this site and it has got me excited about doing some more interesting mods to my truck. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

RobbieD · Jan 18, 2009

You have to pry those long lower trim peices off. They're held by metal friction-spring clips; just pull them towards the rear of the truck. The one on the left side, you'll need to pull the headlight switch knob to completely remove it (pry the release clip behind the knob, or reach behind and press a little button to release the knob with its shaft).

Behind those peices are several screws which hold the bottom of the instrument cluster trim panel (the big silver panel). You can't remove the cluster trim with these screws in place.

Best tools for this are a panel popper; or better, a hook tool called a "cotter pin removal tool" (also known as a "nose picker").

Welcome to TRS.

gertsdsbs · Jan 18, 2009

Yeah, just use a flat head screw driver and open your ash holder.

Austin_Ranger · Jan 18, 2009

RobbieD said:
You have to pry those long lower trim peices off. They're held by metal friction-spring clips; just pull them towards the rear of the truck. The one on the left side, you'll need to pull the headlight switch knob to completely remove it (pry the release clip behind the knob, or reach behind and press a little button to release the knob with its shaft).

Best tools for this are a panel popper; or better, a hook tool called a "cotter pin removal tool" (also known as a "nose picker").

Thank you for the advice! Do I absolutely need the tool, or can I just pull hard on the blue horizontal trim strips to get the metal friction-spring clips to release? I'm not against getting the panel popper or cotter pin removal tool. I just can't see back there to know what I'm doing.

Appreciatively,

Austin Ranger

tedrisch · Jan 18, 2009

Use a flathead- just be careful not to break the brittle plastic pieces or things will look "funny" when all put back together. Also- do something about that window switch and steering column. It seems that those would bother me worse than an outdated stereo. PS nice fisheye camera lens

Austin_Ranger · Jan 18, 2009

tedrisch said:
Use a flathead- just be careful not to break the brittle plastic pieces or things will look "funny" when all put back together.

Ok, I'm going out there to use a screwdriver. Thanks for the advice.

tedrisch said:
Also- do something about that window switch and steering column. It seems that those would bother me worse than an outdated stereo.

I removed the steering column cover because my repair manual said I needed to take that cover off to get the dash plate off. I've got all the screws, etc. It'll go back on after the stereo.

I lost the trim piece for the power window switches. I need to scrounge another one.

Austin Ranger

83bagged · Jan 18, 2009

nice fisheye lens to

Austin_Ranger · Jan 20, 2009

need more help

Thanks for the compliments on the camera lens. It's a 10.5mm I normally use for skateboarding photography. In this case I wanted something that could get a lot in frame within the tight confines of my Ranger's cabin.

Ok, so I'm still struggling with those trim pieces. Spent more than a couple hours gently prying, etc. Could someone describe the method for removing these as if I might be someone with no experience at all doing this? I've got small screwdrivers, etc.

I can't see what I'm supposed to pry away. I can't tell if the clips are fastened on the inside and coming through those slots to apply pressure on the outside or vice versa. Do I need to remove the inside rails for the ashtray?

Appreciatively,

Austin Ranger

IRKillroy · Jan 26, 2009

they will pop off.. they shouldn't break, but they won't move if they've been sitting there for a long time by doing it gently...

the pieces that have the ranger on it will pop off... just do it, then you can start taking everything else apart... I remember doing this 4 years ago messing with my dash wiring harness...

trying to remove dash

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