Instrument Panel removal

[RSD]

1973 Opel GT- I am attempting to remove the instrument panel to replace the radio, which does not work, with little success. It appears to be loose now except by the steering column. I did remove the plastic collar from the steering wheel but it is still not loose. I checked the repair manual but no process exists. Thoughts would be very much appreciated. Thanks

[Djaz]

I dropped the steering colum, Because the dash is very crispy at 30 yrs old, I didnt want to stress any more than I had too.

[markandson]

Yes, drop the steering column and then you will have to reach in and pry the wiring harness down so it does not catch on the sheet metal extensions around the hole that the threaded spring clips are attached to.

[RSD]

Thanks. I'll give that a try. The car has been sitting in an unheated garage for 28 years so I am working though all the related issues. thanks again.

[jlthunder]

Don't forget to disconnect the spedometer cable at the back of the speedometer.

[Anonymous D]

I checked the repair manual but no process exists

Instead of guessing (because you can break the hard-to-find gauge panel), try consulting another guide, such as the 1973 Opel factory service manual.

[jlthunder]

There are 2 screws on the side of the panel near the Brake Light/Hazard switch. There is a hole on the passanger side of the dash, near the footwell. A cover plug might still be there. Just pry it out and you will see the screw. There is a similar screw on the drivers side behind the small cover near the hood latch (if the cover is still present). Remove the 2 screws on the small cover and you will see the screw.

Good Luck.

[bellamy]

Originally Posted by Anonymous D Instead of guessing (because you can break the hard-to-find gauge panel), try consulting another guide, such as the 1973 Opel factory service manual.

He is not guessing. He has looked at the info he has access to and found no answers so he consulted the people on this site, many who would be considered experts.

[Anonymous D]

If he's using an inferior service manual (of which there are many, like Chilton's or earlier Opel guides), then he should acquire a better service manual for critical repairs (like removing the brittle dash gauge panel).

[jlthunder]

I agree with both of you. Lets keep this on topic. If his manual is not complete, that is what we are here for.

Summary:
Remove all screw on front of Dash
Remove 2 side screws
Disconnect speedometer cable
Remove 4 screws holding steering column up to drop the column
As dash is removed, watch for wires hooking onto dash mounting points on dashpad.
If the dash is to be removed from the car, unplug colored connectors at fuse box which go to dash
Unplug any associated wires(Defrost wire, speaker wire, etc)

Install in reverse procedure

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[Redskinsjbs]

Originally Posted by jlthunder I agree with both of you. Lets keep this on topic. If his manual is not complete, that is what we are here for. Summary: Remove all screw on front of Dash Remove 2 side screws Disconnect speedometer cable Remove 4 screws holding steering column up to drop the column As dash is removed, watch for wires hooking onto dash mounting points on dashpad. If the dash is to be removed from the car, unplug colored connectors at fuse box which go to dash Unplug any associated wires(Defrost wire, speaker wire, etc) Install in reverse procedure Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

Just to add, if the dash is to be removed, make sure that you undo the two amp gauge wires.

[jlthunder]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs Just to add, if the dash is to be removed, make sure that you undo the two amp gauge wires.

Yup, I forgot about them. Doing this from memory

Don't forget to disconnect the negative at the battery if you remove these two wires