Dash removal

[Hartman]

I was just wondering if anyone has ever removed their 2nd gen dash. I need to do some custom work on mine, and I just wanted to get an idea of how hard it was. I know it isn't an easy task. If you have, do you have any pointers for me?

 

[ahhjaws]

I know, taking the 1st gen dash isn't too hard, I've had to do it like 5 times before. I don't know how it compares to the second. Get a Haynes manual, those are a lifesaver.

 

[Hartman]

Yeah I looked in the Haynes manual, but you know how vague they can be. I know the process of how to do it, but I'm just looking for pointers or stuff to look out for to make the job go easier.

 

[RiverRat]

It's cake after you have done a few. First time it might take 2-3 hrs. After a few you can get your times down to around 1 hr or so with air tools. Thats just to r&r dash, not the evaporator.

You can take it down yourself but it helps to have an assistant to put it back up.

Ponters:
Take off the defrost retainers first.
Disconnect electrical connectors before they disconnect themselves. (blendoor, vac lines, radio ant, grounds, etc)
Don't forget the center lower dash support and center console.

This will get the dash down. Do you have to remove it from the vehicle or just let it lay on the floor? If you have to completly remove it from the truck there are more electrical connectors to disconnect. Good luck.

 

[Hokie]

I've never completely removed a dash, but i've i've gutted MANY a Ford vehicle (buidling cop cars in highschool). Stuff like this really isn't that hard. Just keep a bowl to put screws in when you pull things apart. the best way to do it is just to have at it. interior panels are very easy to figure out how they come apart. screws and spring clips. just have a good panel tool and a cordless drill with all sorts of different tips to put in the extension. (its annoying to do everything by hand)

 

[Hokie]

Oh, and a stiff bladed putty knife for prying. they're great!

 

[Hartman]

I've removed just about every panel on and around the dash except the dash itself, so I should be good to go. In the Haynes manual, it says to put the steering wheel in the "lock" position while removing the dash. What position is that, up or down?

 

[RiverRat]

Leave the ign in the on position.
Put it in first gear.
Disconnect the battery.

 

[xploda01]

the lock position is when you take the key out of the ignition and turn the wheel until it locks....you know the locking thing for security.

 

[Hartman]

Oh that, OK thanks.

 

[MONMIX]

label
label
label
Use tape to label wire connectors.
Little baggies to label bolts and hardware.