Dash Pad Removal

[lowly_tech]

I really screwed up. My wedding ring is a loose fit and today it came flying off my finger, slid down the dash on the drivers side towards the windshield, and vanished. This is on an '03 Sport Track. Where do you think it went? Into the defrost duct? I see there is an insert for the defrost vent, can that be removed without removing the whole dash? It looked like that would be a good place to start. I'm open to any suggestions. Help me before my wife finds out and I'm spending the night with Toby and Graham in the dog house.

Thanks.

 

[FreakX]

I know this is gonna sound stupid but if i were you i would see what i could do with a small magnet on a string. Slide that puppy down there and see what you can come up with. If not yeah take her off. Make sure you unscrew the screws above your gauges first though, and watch the area around like your radio and a/c. Slowly and carefully pull out.

 

[lowly_tech]

Thanks for the tip on the pad removal. Magnet trick is a nice idea, too, except that it is a gold ring, not magnetic.

 

[MONMIX]

Oh SH**
Your wife is gonna be pissed !!!
Man, it is a big world behind that dash, and acess is not the easiest in the world.
I hate to say it but you might want to look into a replacement.