Replacing an old dash with a new one

[asfasasu3]

Our 89' is in real need of a new dash. The previous owner broke the dash in the middle, getting the stereo out, and also around the dash speakers getting them out. So it simply is a mess. I have bought another truck that we are planning to part out, and it has a real nice dash in it. How hard is it to get the dash out? Where do I start? Is there anything that will show me what all bolts/screws need to come out to get the dash out? Any help on this would be great!!

[stevo67]

I don't know if one is available yet, but when I built my '67 Camaro, I bought a "Factory Assembly Manual". It is the book that the assembly line workers get a copy of, so they know how to build a particular vehicle. THAT would be the most concise, Maybe a "Shop Manual" would have the info. NEITHER of those are cheap, mine cost like $89.00, and I have seen GOOD Shop Manuals go for $195.00, depending on model and coverage (some are "sets" of 3~4 books that cover different parts seperately, but you need more than one to do a whole job...like A/C book and Instrument Cluster book to remove the Dash).

You might even consider stopping by your Local GM dealer and asking if they have a Tech with a "sweet tooth" for the old S-10's...might get lucky.

[Mikeeal]

I've only pulled and replaced once dash before, my buddies 91 Mazda B2200. What a PAIN! We pulled around 100 screws/nuts/bolts out.



We got about 60 back in.

[drfiero]

It's a MAJOR PITA to do on these as well - maybe not 100 bolts though.

I did it 'the hard way' or so it seems, in an effort to cut corners and what I thought would be time. Bzzzz... wrong....

I tried to pull all the wiring etc off the back, and then pull it out. In the long run it would have been WAY faster to do it the 'right way' and just remove the essentials that are attached to the body, then remove the whole dash with the harness attached to it.

It did seem faster as I was pulling it, but boy did that theory backfire when I went to put it all back together! Nothing lined up, wires were too short (mis-routed, and no.. you won't remember either!), wires and cables got in the way of things.... etc etc....

[91sdime]

I've removed quite a few first gen dashes and they're not too bad with a little patience, start by removing the climate control and headlight switch assemblies be careful not to break the tab that holds in the temp valve cable. Then you can remove the radio and trim bezel, and the instrument cluster then you can unbolt the wiring harness from the firewall under the hood and push the block towards the inside it is easiest to remove the steering column for the extra room under the dash and to unhook the wiring.

Feel free to ask questions if you get stuck.