I'm in the process of completely removing my dash. Down to the point where its just the aluminum piece that is the dash itself.
How do i remove it?! The back looks like its all riveted in. Am i going to have to cut it out? Are those rivets holding anything else in place?
If anyone can give me some pointers, who has already removed and redone their dash. That would be awesome.
Andy -
Your question is a little corn-fuzzling: Are you talking about removing the aluminum panel that goes all the way across the front of the coach, where the defroster vents and door handle are mounted?
Or are you just talking about the instrument cluster and it's support?
Help us help you. . .
;)
I'm at the point where i need to remove the aluminum panel. Heat defrosters, instrument cluster, wiring, handles etc are all removed already. Just want to know if theres an easier way than cutting out the panel. There looks to be like 100+ rivets holding the dash to the front of the bus and i'm not sure how to get to the other side of them. (They aren't visible on the exterior of the bus)
You will need to remove the row of rivets from the outside front of your bus to release the dash.
There are additional hidden flush rivets into the driver reinforcement sheet you will need to sheer using a sharp rigid paint scraper and a hammer, you will find them once you take the others out.
There are rivets to the window frame on the inside right and left as well.
The dash will not come out without bending it, even with the front window out.
be prepared for a fight to get it out and it will most likely not be in reusable condition once you do.
Awesome thank you! Thats exactly what i needed to hear. Definitely not reusing. Can't wait to seal up the front of the bus and insulate it properly.
Thanks!
Andy -
Dunno if you'd be interested in a "retro" look, but if so, I've got an OEM 4104 dashboard available.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
That panel across the front is a key strengthener to the front of coach. You will experience issues with windshield rigidity and flexing of on the road. You can insulate the front if you remove the heater assy and defroster ducts, etc without removing the panel. If you don't plan on driving it anymore, then never mind.