280z DASHBOARD REMOVAL / UPGRADE

[MH77280Z]

Guys, dumb question ... do i also need to unplug the harness around the steering column for the dash to slide out?
After removing the two steering column bolts the column has hardly moved. Is this because of the harness around it holding it in place?

also, are there any bolt near the driver and passenger kick panels apart from the two facing upwards?

I am done with:

- remove center console
- remove windshield finisher 4x screws
- remove front instrument panel (also removed 2 screws holding the bracket for two center air ducts)
- removed 6x dash bolts near firewall
- removed 4x bolts near trans tunnel (2x each sides)
- removed 2x bolts facing up, one on each side near the vent manual lever
- removed 2x 12mm bolts holding steering column

 

@Av8ferg

Here are the bolts you’ll need to remove. Just did this job. All are 10 mm except the steering column.
-6 near windshield under finisher. A 1/4 socket wrench with short swivel extension worked best .
- there is one bolt on each side near kick panels. One next to hood release, screw upwards towards roof. And same on the passenger side
- 4 (2 per side) where the dash frame bolts to trans tunnel
- Speedo cable (what Captain Obvious said)
- 2 x 12mm bolts holding the steering column. They help lower the column so you can get the frame clear.
- your probably hanging up right around the steering column. Where those two 12mm bolt screw into. It’s a flat plate that the dash frame has to be lifted over.
The dash comes out easier if you rock the bottom upwards towards tje windshield and the up and out .
Don’t forget the 3 wire harness connections that going in to a panel in the passenger side firewall.

Edited 18 hours ago by MH77280Z

[Patcon]

I believe there are four bolts holding the steering column up. The dash is pinched between the steering coulumn and a bracket welded to the firewall. If the column doesn't flop around, its not loose yet

[MH77280Z]

Do I need to remove these 4 bolts holding steering column to firewall?

 

[MH77280Z]

Decided to just decouple the turn signal switch and it gave enough room to lift the dash. Took only Speedo cable out from the back. Didn’t had to take any tachometer wires!!!

 

[MH77280Z]

what is the best way to take these out? Just pull out?

 

 

Edited 15 hours ago by MH77280Z

[MH77280Z]

Found it in the FSM.

Guys, while the gauges are out do u recommend changing the bulbs? they are a bit dim. Any recommendation of a plug and play bulb which will not add any extra load on the electrical system but a bit brighter?

[Patcon]

7 hours ago, MH77280Z said:

Found it in the FSM.

Guys, while the gauges are out do u recommend changing the bulbs? they are a bit dim. Any recommendation of a plug and play bulb which will not add any extra load on the electrical system but a bit brighter?

For brighter, most people go LED but that can add other complications...

[cgsheen1]

I used these in my 260Z. They work with the stock rheostat and the frosted dome keeps them from being too "brassy". Very bright - I  made the mistake of using them in the turn signal indicators. Easy to see in daylight but blinding when blinking at night. I should have used one in the high beam indicator... I installed mine in 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/QasimLed-Ceramics-Exterior-Indicator-Interior/dp/B07WGTVW7R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TBVEBXGWITLT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YcspAt-UjtnZv1sysKl6Py9lK25T9ccCTXmz6Y0RUyexUUCBDi5V08okbS3NymbEINjVtzMqrIbpenrmC4AZtCj3ZdxeTdNn4lx7VEu6_87aRytCouIfcZ8hs--B992FFftDdYVNm11nd5yWrgJvy2k5VNz4txgmxILzp0O30d33rqZpCCaNW7U-jPCYwpmyv7pozpGbvJIhj-HXIjjbHZh0FXlTtb5fMee6y24g6DM.lS_sSPWdg70RgKMfcWofsi-I4IBpd4eOvNAaAp85QIE&dib_tag=se&keywords=QasimLed%2BBayonet%2BBA9%2BBA9S%2B53%2B57%2B1895%2B64111%2BT4W%2BSuper%2BStable%2Band%2BBright%2BLed&qid=1740237537&sprefix=qasimled%2Bbayonet%2Bba9%2Bba9s%2B53%2B57%2B1895%2B64111%2Bt4w%2Bsuper%2Bstable%2Band%2Bbright%2Bled%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-3&th=1

[w3wilkes]

Did you use the white QasimLed's bulbs or the green ones?

[MH77280Z]

4 hours ago, cgsheen1 said:

I used these in my 260Z. They work with the stock rheostat and the frosted dome keeps them from being too "brassy". Very bright - I  made the mistake of using them in the turn signal indicators. Easy to see in daylight but blinding when blinking at night. I should have used one in the high beam indicator... I installed mine in 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/QasimLed-Ceramics-Exterior-Indicator-Interior/dp/B07WGTVW7R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TBVEBXGWITLT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YcspAt-UjtnZv1sysKl6Py9lK25T9ccCTXmz6Y0RUyexUUCBDi5V08okbS3NymbEINjVtzMqrIbpenrmC4AZtCj3ZdxeTdNn4lx7VEu6_87aRytCouIfcZ8hs--B992FFftDdYVNm11nd5yWrgJvy2k5VNz4txgmxILzp0O30d33rqZpCCaNW7U-jPCYwpmyv7pozpGbvJIhj-HXIjjbHZh0FXlTtb5fMee6y24g6DM.lS_sSPWdg70RgKMfcWofsi-I4IBpd4eOvNAaAp85QIE&dib_tag=se&keywords=QasimLed%2BBayonet%2BBA9%2BBA9S%2B53%2B57%2B1895%2B64111%2BT4W%2BSuper%2BStable%2Band%2BBright%2BLed&qid=1740237537&sprefix=qasimled%2Bbayonet%2Bba9%2Bba9s%2B53%2B57%2B1895%2B64111%2Bt4w%2Bsuper%2Bstable%2Band%2Bbright%2Bled%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-3&th=1

I am mainly looking to upgrade the gauge lights and the one near the AC / heater controls and also in the center console (transmission and cigarette lighter bulb). Are they all same size? (just asking i am sure this info is available in the FSM). Want to know the groups experience.