Can you remove the dash with the body on?

[hineas]

If all goes smoothly (famous last words) we will start fitting the body on our Mk4 this week. All we have left is the dash, set the brake bias, then carpet and close up the foot boxes. There are also some minor misc electrical things to do (USB charger, for example) that shouldn't take long. But we have one problem, the vinyl for the dash is still on back order.

This brings me to my question. Is the dash able to be removed once the body is on?

If we can't remove the dash without first taking the body off, we might end up just buying vinyl from an upholstery shop. If the dash is removable with the body on, we will wait for the vinyl from FFR. The biggest issue is that I have 4 days to work on the car this week, then no time until at least October, maybe longer. I would like to get a much done as we can this week.

As a side note, we are planning on enjoying the car in the red gel coat for a while then paint. That means we probably won't be removing the body for paint for at least a year.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[GoDadGo]

Yes, if you make drop-down tabs, then yes you can easily remove the dash with the body on.

If you look at the attached video around 1:50 mark, you'll see that I've got Allen head screws for the dash, stereo, transmission cover, and clutch slave cylinder access hatch.

https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

I used the same 1/8" Allen head screws for the other access hatches too in an attempt to make the car more easily serviced.

Good Luck & Happy Wrenching!

[JohnK]

It all depends on how you attach the dash to the top hoop. Many builders have devised ways to attach the dash which either use hidden brackets that can be accessed from underneath even with the body on, or if putting screws through the face of the dash have attached small angle brackets to lower the attachment point so that the screws are still accessible with the body on.

[hineas]

That is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[GoDadGo]

That is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

I have a quick-release steering wheel too.
I just hope I don't have to take the dash out or any other part.
Should you decide to do the removable trans tunnel top, consider getting a sturdier piece from Factory Five Metals.

https://www.ffmetal.com/

[Railroad]

I have the foam backed, black vinyl dash covering. I rolled it up to prevent creases and secured it with painters tape. It should be usable. If you are interested, I will ship it to you, hineas?

[GTBradley]

I have been very successful attaching the dash with 3M Dual Lock (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JHKTDMA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I wanted to avoid screws through the dash and have it removable and I have removed the dash with the body on. I used it on the transmission tunnel cover too.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/blob:https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/e4b0525f-f125-4888-ad5b-2c6d5b1da4db

[alexmak]

I have been very successful attaching the dash with 3M Dual Lock (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JHKTDMA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I wanted to avoid screws through the dash and have it removable and I have removed the dash with the body on. I used it on the transmission tunnel cover too.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/blob:https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/e4b0525f-f125-4888-ad5b-2c6d5b1da4db

we used the same trick — industrial strength 3M on the top hoop. haven't tried removing it after the final body assembly, but I hope should be fairly easy.

[hineas]

I have the foam backed, black vinyl dash covering. I rolled it up to prevent creases and secured it with painters tape. It should be usable. If you are interested, I will ship it to you, hineas?

I'm sending you a PM. I just got an email from FFR saying they don't have an estimated time on the vinyl.

[vtullomk4]

I understand how the screws will allow removal, but how do you get the dash off the steering shaft? Don’t see how to drop the dash with the shaft in the way. Do you remove the shaft?

And I have Russ Thompson signal unit.

[GWL]

I understand how the screws will allow removal, but how do you get the dash off the steering shaft? Don’t see how to drop the dash with the shaft in the way. Do you remove the shaft?

And I have Russ Thompson signal unit.

Yes, the steering shaft has to be removed. There are two set screws in the pilot bearing that holds the shaft in place. They have to be loosened to allow the shaft to slide out. As the shaft is pulled out of the lower shaft you must be careful to locate a spring washer that sits in a recessed hole in the shaft. Don't lose this spring washer as the steering will be 'loose' when all put back together. The spring washer maintains tension between the inner and outer steering shaft. This is detailed on page 130 of the assembly manual. I've got a very early MKIV so your manual page may be different.

At this part, with the body off, it's going to be easy to get to those set screws. Once the body is on it can be done but more difficult. You also have to deal with the Russ Thompson unit which has to also be removed from it's mount from behind the dash. And disconnecting the wires. I have electrical disconnects, I hope you do the same. I've also added electrical disconnects to all my electrical switches to allow the dash to come completely off the car. It is all a little more complicated than this but this is the general idea; it can be done. I plan on removing my dash one more time and have to do it after it's painted. I'll probably put it off as long as I can. :cool:

George