Easiest Way to Remove Dash.

[Kirby]

Hey,

My Z is sitting outside since its purchase and in about 2 weeks, I'm really going to get stuck into her.

Her previous owner did one hell of a good job of bastardising everything electric in the car, so I am gonna have a good ol fun time getting everything to a decent level, it really is bad.

Anyways, I really need to get into the dash to sort some of this stuff out (hook up speedo cable while im there) whats the easiest way to do it.

Done correctly, im hoping the dashboard comes out (guages and all) leaving me with a bunch of wires.

Can anyone clarify this? maybe offer some directions or photos.

Thanks.

Ps car is 260z 2-seater.

[Bambikiller240]

Actually the wiring comes out with the dashboard. Your car will be left with the heater box and blower moter. It's been many years since I removed a dash, but it is really not too difficult. You can undo all of the heater control cables (down low on both sides of the trans tunnel), and Ignition and turn signal wiring at the Steering Collumn, fuse box wiring beneath the radio, chassis rear wiring harness and engine bay harness low on the passengerside of the firewall all by yourself It does help to have another person with you when you actually lift the dash out of the car. The FSM has some good detail about dash removal.

Note: This post is NOT a complete description of removal of dash.

[Kirby]

Actually the wiring comes out with the dashboard. Your car will be left with the heater box and blower moter. It's been many years since I removed a dash, but it is really not too difficult. You can undo all of the heater control cables (down low on both sides of the trans tunnel), and Ignition and turn signal wiring at the Steering Collumn, fuse box wiring beneath the radio, chassis rear wiring harness and engine bay harness low on the passengerside of the firewall all by yourself It does help to have another person with you when you actually lift the dash out of the car. The FSM has some good detail about dash removal.

Note: This post is NOT a complete description of removal of dash.

FSM?

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[Bambikiller240]

Factory Service Manual

[drunkenmaster]

Its not a huge deal, I did mine in about an hour or so.

From memory it was just a matter of removing the centre console, steering column "clam shell" and heater control plate. the dash frame bolts are easily visible behind the centre console and unplug any relevant wiring you come across.

I cant remember if the Haynes manual covers this but i beleive it does and i think I followed it.

Once you get started it falles into place, its much harder to think about how to do it without being there.

I beleive there is also a HOW TO posted in the techincal section of this forum.

[Bambikiller240]

Yes, it really is not that bad of a job. you don't have to remove the Heater Control Panel, just disconnect the cables where they attach to the heater box down under the dash. I took my seats out, and steering wheel off also so I had more room to maneuver (upside down unplugging wires and disconnecting cables, etc)

One thing I would suggest is to address any heater hose, heater core, water control valve, etc issues while you have the dash out. It could save you grief later.

[Tidoubleger24]

i just removed my dash the other day, and its not too bad, you have to remove the back metal tray thats infront of the dash and then theirs 6 to 8 screws 10mm i think, and then remove the heater controlls and unplug the fan speed switch, all the ignition plugs, but everything can stay. theres a couple of screws around the center console, two on sides, and maybe some more. i forget. also you have to undo all the plugs that go up into the dash on the passenger side. and then it should wiggle out 6 inches, and reach you hand in and undo the speedo. its akward to handle by yourself like i did, but with 2 ppl it should go easily. if it doesnt wiggle out freely double check yourself until it does

[240ZX]

As I remember, the actual removing and installing of the dash was not a big deal, but the steps taken in preparation for removing and re-installing the dash are not some of my favorite memories......lying on my back, contorted, and wishing I had smaller arms and hands. Oh well, they are just memories now and the fruit of these labors are...............loads of fun, as we all can atest to. God I love my Z!!!

[240znz]

Don't attempt it without FIRST labelling every connector (both sides). Make a list if you find that easier of where every little connection goes no matter how obvious it is, even the bullet connectors. Many a person has fried a wiring harness cause the hooked something up wrong. That is a major PITA.

Take as many digital photos as you can. Down load them and then fill that card up again as many times as you think you need to. I have over 100 photos of my dash removal at max resolution and I know that may be a over-kill, but I should (fingers crossed) have a OK time getting it all back in the right place. My dash won't be back in for a year I think.

Get plenty of clear plastic bags and group parts together as they come off. Label the bags and place them in a box. I know this sounds a bit silly but this does work.

Above all, take your time and don't stop for a beer half way through.....that's just fatal!!!!