Removable dash?

[Windsorpower]

I’d like to be able to remove the dash of my MK4 for troubleshooting and maintenance. Is there a way to do this with the body in place? The first obstacle would appear to be the steering shaft. If the hole was cut larger with a cover plate to allow the dash to drop down an inch or so? Just spitballing right now.

[Rebostar]

Pictures worth a thousand words. I remove the U-Joint below the steering shaft and slide it forward so the steering shaft hole is only 1" diameter.
Happy Trails


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[danmas]

Pictures worth a thousand words. I remove the U-Joint below the steering shaft and slide it forward so the steering shaft hole is only 1" diameter.
Happy Trails


206763206764206765206766206767206768206769206770

Very slick

[Windsorpower]

Very slick

That is slick. So you envision being able to pull your dash if needed once the body is on? It will have to be able to drop down some to clear the lip of the cowl, right?

[GoDadGo]

I made the following removable using #10 X 24 Allen Head Screws:

> Dash Board
> Stereo Console / Lower Switch Panel
> All Four (4) Stereo Speakers
> Transmission Tunnel Top
> Clutch Slave Cylinder Cover
> Pedal Assembly Master Cylinder Access Panel
> Fuel Pick Up Access Panel
> Fuel Level Sending Unit Access Panel
> Front Radiator Grill
> Lemans Gas Cap Assembly

By doing this I am able to gain access to all sorts of things using only one tool.
I have a quick release steering wheel so removing the dash is made even easier.

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

Hope this helps and good luck.

Steve

[CDXXVII]

Removable Dash

Steering column is a not a big deal to remove. Even with the Ron Francis Turn Signal Assembly

To remove my dash you just have to do a few things. Remove the steering column assembly, remove the under dash filler panel, unplug a few connectors and remove three easy to get to screws on the front of the dash. You can just about see two of the screws on the face of my dash in the photo but there are actually three. They just blend away.


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124834&d=1585198683

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124835&d=1585198767

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124839&d=1563580292

[rich grsc]

I didn't do anything extra to mine, I can remove just by taking off the steering wheel hub.

[danmas]

Removable Dash

Steering column is a not a big deal to remove. Even with the Ron Francis Turn Signal Assembly

To remove my dash you just have to do a few things. Remove the steering column assembly, remove the under dash filler panel, unplug a few connectors and remove three easy to get to screws on the front of the dash. You can just about see two of the screws on the face of my dash in the photo but there are actually three. They just blend away.


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124834&d=1585198683

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124835&d=1585198767

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124839&d=1563580292

That is so clean. You all do amazing work.

[egchewy79]

That is slick. So you envision being able to pull your dash if needed once the body is on? It will have to be able to drop down some to clear the lip of the cowl, right?

I had similar thoughts. You’ll need to drop the dash at least 1/2-3/4” to clear the body

[Grubester]

I'm not at the dashboard stage yet for my Mk4 (289), but your dashboard layout is pretty much what I'm settling on.
I have the same instruments -- almost: they're not the anniversary set. (I like the extra status lights on the tach!)
***Question is: the wiring harness you so nicely display here... is that the FFR product or after-mkt?

[CDXXVII]

I'm not at the dashboard stage yet for my Mk4 (289), but your dashboard layout is pretty much what I'm settling on.
I have the same instruments -- almost: they're not the anniversary set. (I like the extra status lights on the tach!)
***Question is: the wiring harness you so nicely display here... is that the FFR product or after-mkt?

No, the dash and wiring are custom. I was not too happy with the earlier RF harness so I pretty much took it apart and wired it to suit my needs.

I designed the dash a bit loosely around the original 427 s/c layout. I did not care for the street dash provided by FFR.

[Rebostar]

That is slick. So you envision being able to pull your dash if needed once the body is on? It will have to be able to drop down some to clear the lip of the cowl, right?

Correct! I remove 4 screws attached to the dash mount bow from underneath with a long philips #2 screwdriver, unbolt and remove the grab handle, remove 2 screws on the lower center dash mount, disconnect the upper steering shaft U-joint, remove the steering wheel and slide the shaft down. Remove 4 screws holding the circuit breaker box in place and slide it rearward, un-do 6 connectors and the dash drops down an inch or so and out it comes. And best of all no attaching screws to see.
Way better that removing the entire body.

[Rebostar]

I had similar thoughts. You’ll need to drop the dash at least 1/2-3/4” to clear the body

exactly see re-post above