How hard is it to remove complete dash??

[HSchroen]

Anyone here removed the complete dash assembly from a 1st Gen? I'm in the process of the removing the dash from a '92 W250 and was looking for some tips... . what keeps the top of the dash bolted to the cab? I don't need to remove the windshield do I? I've got the guages, glove box, and some of the hardware I could see on the sides of the dash removed but it is still very snug. What do I need to take off on/in the dash to get it removed? I'd like to take it out complete with the "air box" (has the heater core in it) and everything as one piece.



Thanks!

 

[Simplysmn]

dash removel

its easyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy the top towards windshield is held in by i believe 8 5/16 head screws then you remove the brace that holds it from collapsing its on pass side by glove box you also have to drop steering col. as for heater system it stays because it unbolts by its self easiest way is to work from one side to the other pulling it loose as you go. hope this helped .







shorty

 

[bgilbert]

It is not hard but is time consuming... . You will need to first remove the windsheild and the rubber. . The bolts are under the rubber. There are 2 more bolts located by the kick panals . one on the left and one on the right.

you will need to remove the speedo cluster ,air cond. ducts ,heater controls,

drop the steering clm, ect . Just take your time and do not force anything.

Removing the steering wheel is a good idea for space .

Just what he said, I recently tore apart my donor 90 CTD, and its best to remove everything. The windshield and rubber, cover the last screws holding the entire dash to the cab. Since I was just parting it, I got ticked off, and RIPPED the dash out. . not a good idea if you're wanting to use it in your crew. .



Sounds like to me, you won't want to remove two windshields, you'd have to remove the one in your crew as well to install the donors dash. Might consider using the crews dash. . unless the windshield r&r is no big deal to you.

 

[HSchroen]

thanks guys... . I was thinking the screws were under the rubber but was not sure as I could not see any. I had planned to use the windshield and rubber from the donor truck on my crew as they are in much better shape. Is it difficult to remove the windshield (without breaking it of course)?



The reason I was going to swap the complete dash and not just the wiring is because the donor dash is an a/c dash so the holes for the vents are there (Crew is factory non-a/c so no dash vents) and I was going to convert the Crew interior over to grey from the donor truck. I've got nice buckets, console, etc. in the donor so I was going to bring it over to the Crew.

Of course I guess I could just dye the dash in the Crew grey and cut the holes for the vents??



On the other hand, since I have to transfer the wiring and such anyway, the heater core on the '92 is newer, I'm converting the Crew to a/c, etc. I figured might as well start with a clean slate and swap it all over as one.

Just what he said, I recently tore apart my donor 90 CTD, and its best to remove everything. The windshield and rubber, cover the last screws holding the entire dash to the cab. Since I was just parting it, I got ticked off, and RIPPED the dash out. . not a good idea if you're wanting to use it in your crew. .



Sounds like to me, you won't want to remove two windshields, you'd have to remove the one in your crew as well to install the donors dash. Might consider using the crews dash. . unless the windshield r&r is no big deal to you.

 

[HSchroen]

It is not hard but is time consuming... . You will need to first remove the windsheild and the rubber. . The bolts are under the rubber. There are 2 more bolts located by the kick panals . one on the left and one on the right.

you will need to remove the speedo cluster ,air cond. ducts ,heater controls,

drop the steering clm, ect . Just take your time and do not force anything.

Removing the steering wheel is a good idea for space .

Did you use any special tools to remove the windshield? I've got one of those "windshield remover" tools that is basically just a knife but that is for windshields that are just "glued" in. Our trucks have windshield gaskets right? Do I need to cut the gasket or can a save it?

thanks!

 

[bgilbert]

HS, I can't really comment on the windshield, in my donor it was already cracked bad, so I wasn't concerned with being cautious. I know I tore the rubber up real bad. Figured if I were to need a windshield done, I'd leave it to a professional.



On the heater core, I strongly suggest while you have the heater box out, go to Napa and get a NEW core. It's thicker than the oem, heats better, and since the heater core job is a pain, might as well pay $40 for a new/better one while its out. Hate to get down the road after the crew is put together, and have the heater core go bad.

 

[HSchroen]

HS, I can't really comment on the windshield, in my donor it was already cracked bad, so I wasn't concerned with being cautious. I know I tore the rubber up real bad. Figured if I were to need a windshield done, I'd leave it to a professional.



On the heater core, I strongly suggest while you have the heater box out, go to Napa and get a NEW core. It's thicker than the oem, heats better, and since the heater core job is a pain, might as well pay $40 for a new/better one while its out. Hate to get down the road after the crew is put together, and have the heater core go bad.

Yeah, I'll be replacing the heater core while its out... that dont want to pull the dash twice if I can help it.



So, anyone else removed a windshield without cracking it? I'd like to save the windshield and gasket from the donor if at all possible!

 

[boatpuller]

I haven't done a windshield but thought I would let you know that most Autoglass companies have mobile service that goes around to the autobody shops and remove and reinstall glass all the time, you could probably get them to come by your place and remove the windshields and when you're ready come back and reinstall the good one, I'm sure they don't do it for free but it's probably cheaper than a new windshield if you broke it taking it out.

They also waranty their work, which is good incase it leaks after they reinstall it.



Caleb

 

[bgilbert]

I haven't done a windshield but thought I would let you know that most Autoglass companies have mobile service that goes around to the autobody shops and remove and reinstall glass all the time, you could probably get them to come by your place and remove the windshields and when you're ready come back and reinstall the good one, I'm sure they don't do it for free but it's probably cheaper than a new windshield if you broke it taking it out.

They also waranty their work, which is good incase it leaks after they reinstall it.



Caleb

Very good point, I forgot to mention this. Warranty and you don't have to worry about breaking/cracking and then be out for another windshield.