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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Dash Pad replacement - Is there a "How to guide"?

Posted by: sherman1 Mar 16 2006, 02:16 PM

Hello gents (and I use that term loosely),

Newbie here, who just joined last week, with 2 914's stuffed into my garage, much to my wife's dismay (but that's OK as she get's most of the other rooms in the house).

One of my 914's, the '71 Light Ivory 1.7, needs a new dash - I just ordered a new Dash Pad from "da factory" and it's due in next week.

So, I need to mentally prepare myself for the uncharted challenge of swapping out the dash pads.

Is there a written guide or weblink that details how best to accomplish the R&R of the dash pad, with minimal stress & red knuckles...? I figure it's a weekend project.

Here's a photo of my '71 for grins...

user posted image

Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

Cheers,
Ken

Posted by: 914-8 Mar 16 2006, 02:19 PM

do a search on this very site.

there are some very good, detailed with pictures, step by steps on how to replace the dash.

Posted by: Rand Mar 16 2006, 02:23 PM

If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure and browse through the "classic message threads." Great stuff in there. (There's a picklist on the lower right of your screen that's handy for jumping to different forums.)

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=5&t=42757

Posted by: sherman1 Mar 16 2006, 02:34 PM

Thank guys, that is great info.

I'm still learning to navigate this site, and there's wealth of 914 info here I've yet to uncover.

Cheers

Posted by: tdgray Mar 16 2006, 02:39 PM

Just did this last weekend... major pita.

Hope you have small hands and strong fingers.

Just takes mucho time... stay with it

Posted by: tat2dphreak Mar 16 2006, 02:42 PM

a trick I've found... I use a ratchet that can be actuated on the handle, bye twisting a "T".. called a sidewinder:

like http://www.shop.com/op/~T_HANDLE_RATCHET-prod-17118151-24041902?sourceid=298

it REALLY helps get the hardest ones... I think I used it and a knuckle for 1-2 of them... no blood the last time I did it..

car looks really nice... great photo

Posted by: mrdezyne Mar 16 2006, 02:43 PM

Schweet 71' by the way and welcome to the forum.....

Posted by: sherman1 Mar 16 2006, 03:39 PM

Wayne,

Thanks for the link on the "T" sidewinder wrench - that just might do the trick, as my hands are too big (he bragged...LOL)

Posted by: tat2dphreak Mar 16 2006, 03:47 PM

harbor freight has them cheaper and I think they have a 1/4" one that is PERFECT... I think I got the 14" one when I bought my 3/8... the right tool always makes things go smoother...

the tool is almost useless ofr anything else, but rocks for the dash replacement

Posted by: sherman1 Mar 16 2006, 05:59 PM

Wow, is it necessary to remove the steering wheel to get the dash pad off...?

Hope not.

Anyone?

Posted by: Rand Mar 16 2006, 06:10 PM

I started to say no, but I removed the steering wheel when I took mine off. It's nice to have it out of the way when you pull the gauges forward.

No problem, removing the steering wheel is easy.

Posted by: olav Mar 16 2006, 06:20 PM

QUOTE (sherman1 @ Mar 16 2006, 03:59 PM)
Wow, is it necessary to remove the steering wheel to get the dash pad off...?

Hope not.

Anyone?

I didn't need too.