removing dash pad in a first gen?

[19bonestock88]

my dash pad is starting to crack pretty bad now, and i want to "glass" it. how is it removed? lots of info would be greatly appreciated...

 

[3hokies]

Actually pretty easy....three or for screws near the defroster vents at the windshield. you'll have to take all the trim off the bottom of the dash. Get a clip removal tool from a parts store and pry the trim pieses off gently...usually 2 clips per piece. that will reveal the rest of the screws that hold the dash in. If you have A-pillar trim you may have to remove them too. Be real easy taking it apart cuz trim pieces are hard to come by. The dash pad should un-screw after you get the dash out...Takes 1/2 hour...don't rush. It's also a good time to replace your dash speakers.

 

[19bonestock88]

okay... i've had most of the dash out already changing stereo components, so i know how to remove the bezel around the gauges and stuff but didn't know how to take teh dash pad off... thanks!

 

[AllanD]

the trick to understanding dash pad removal is that you start by removing the low trim strip
and the dash facia...(As stated above)


The REAL trick is understanding that the metal top of the dash is removed with the dashpad and the "colored" portion of the dash is left alone.

the one "Gotcha" is to get the metal dash top off is that you must remove the speaker grilles and speakers from the dash.

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[4.0B2]

Haha those dang speaker grille screws......... Yeah. Those defeated me. I forgot/ didn't realize those mattered.

 

[AllanD]

Haha those dang speaker grille screws......... Yeah. Those defeated me. I forgot/ didn't realize those mattered.

And how exactly do you think I learned how to get the dash top out?

You need a REALLY stubby screwdriver to remove the speaker grilles.

AD

 

[Psychopete]

my screw driver selection is terrible. I used 1/4" ratchet & socket with a screw driver tip, and put a little dumb gum on the screw driver tip to keep it in the socket. Then carefully remove them, taking note not to smack the windshield with the end of the ratchet.

Even with the speakers disconnected electrically, the passenger side speaker still hits the dash frame. Found out the hard way also.

 

[AllanD]

?The screwdriver I use is a little section of screwdriver handle with an axial 1/4" diameter hole in it which is force fit onto a magnetic screwdriver bit.

Matco used to sell these pre-made for $0.99 each.

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[Rick W]

I’m a newbie. 87 ranger XLT 4x4. I’m responding to an old post here.

I want to change out or cover my dash. I also need a new windshield. If I’m reading this right, the time to do the dash is when the windshield is out.

yes/no? Comments?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not necessarily, pulling the dash on a first gen is pretty easy.

Stubby screwdriver for the speaker grills isn’t really NASA level mechanical brain surgery.

 

[bobbywalter]

That said.


Yes. Best time is when winderz is out of there.