Removing dash / dash top once body is installed

[Rian_Colorado]

Hello all -

I'm curious about how difficult/possible it would be to remove the dash top panel down the road (once the body has been installed permenantly) . I'm planning a little more of a "custom" dash assembly, and I'll probably separate the top from the front of the dash in order to make things work correctly. I've seen a few others with similar applications. If you've done it, does it come out with a little effort? Total PITA? Any words of wisdom if you've done it - and might do it differently?

I've even seen a few with the dash top cut to match the notched part of the fire wall (presumably for this purpose?) But I think that would allow too much air into the cabin from the motor area.

Thanks all!

Rian

[edwardb]

There is a flange on the body 1 to 1-1/2 inches wide that (I think) most agree Factory Five intended for the dash to go under. However, some choose to put the dash over this flange. As a result, the dash could more easily be removed. It would be very difficult IMO to remove the dash if place under the flange. It's pretty much trapped at that point.

For my build, I considered both and chose to go under the flange. I thought it looked better. What I did, however, was redesign the gauge cluster so that by removing several screws along the bottom of the dash the gauge cluster would come out. After removing the steering wheel and Russ Thompson turn signal assembly. Also configured the dash harness slightly so that it could be unplugged by itself and moved out of the way. With that out, I can reach nearly everything behind the dash. Most of this is explained and pictured in my build thread. Unfortunately, I had a chance to check whether it worked. My Digital Guard Dawg keyless start module needed to be sent back to the factory to be reflashed. Kind of my error. But not really. Off topic here. Anyway, I was able to extract the module somewhat easily once the dash cluster was out. I also put some of the electronics on the front transmission cover plus an added switch panel. That too is removeable, although I haven't had to. I would do it all the same way again.

I made a couple of changes to the supplied large dash piece, but mainly used as is. You could make more aggressive changes to the dash piece and access things differently than I did. But personally I'm not sure I would expect the whole dash to come out. At least not easily.