77 280Z DASH Removal

[2-77zs]

Please bare in mind that this is my first Z project, as I test your patience with the crunchy new guy questions.

I consider myself relatively intelligent, so if someone could quickly run through the steps of removing my dash, I would be greatful.

Also, what is that strange (looks like dried battery acid) substance running down from under the dash, (passenger side)? The battery isn't located near the site of origin.

In advance, THANK YOU!

[Datzun76]

Check your blower motor underneath the passenger side. Mine was leaking water where the out vent attaches to the frame. Acid can get it in there if the body has rust where the top hose exits/connects.

[St.stephen]

dash removal is really rather simple. You will have to remove the metal finisher that is at the back of the dash where it meets the firewall. this is held in with phillips screws. Once that is removed you can locate the top bolts (I remember there being 5 or six and they are either 10 or 12 mm). you need to take apart the heater plenum and remove the center console to get to the others that hold the dash to the trans tunnel. the steering column needs to be dropped also.

Really once all the bolts are out and the dash is free, you can see what else needs to be disconnected such as the electrical plugs for all the guages, speedometer cable, vent hoses for the heaters etc. I find it easiest to lift the dash straight up and pull it back towards the seats and lay it across them.

if you need more detailed instructions, feel free to drop me an email.

[2-77zs]

I will tackle it later this afternoon and let you know how it went.

Again, I appreciate all the help I have gotten in the short time I've been a member.

[skip260z]

A second pair of hands makes the job go much better, try and enlist someone to assist in wrassling it out. Dash cracked? Then this reqt isn't as important as it is on an uncracked, perfect dash. The flex and strain is too much.

Also, the front fascia panel over heater/vent controls is easy to remove, make revealing other hidden bolts.

[mr.cherno]

dash removal is really rather simple. You will have to remove the metal finisher that is at the back of the dash where it meets the firewall. this is held in with phillips screws. Once that is removed you can locate the top bolts (I remember there being 5 or six and they are either 10 or 12 mm). you need to take apart the heater plenum and remove the center console to get to the others that hold the dash to the trans tunnel. the steering column needs to be dropped also.

Really once all the bolts are out and the dash is free, you can see what else needs to be disconnected such as the electrical plugs for all the guages, speedometer cable, vent hoses for the heaters etc. I find it easiest to lift the dash straight up and pull it back towards the seats and lay it across them.

if you need more detailed instructions, feel free to drop me an email.

I know that this topic is so very f-ing old... but a tutorial with pictures would be very nice.

[FastWoman]

Also, what is that strange (looks like dried battery acid) substance running down from under the dash, (passenger side)? The battery isn't located near the site of origin.

I'm guessing it's coolant. (Green??) There are a couple of hose connections near the firewall that feed the heater core. In series with the supply hose is a vacuum-actuated stopcock that shuts off coolant flow when your heater is off. You would appear to have a leak somewhere in all of that.