Dash removal

[jtwoods4]

Hey guys I need to remove my dash and replace the evaporator coil in my 1980 w116 300SD. before I attempt to do this myself I was hoping there were detailed instructions on the step by step dash removal process but I don't know where to find that.

Can anyone help with this?

[TJ 450]

There are instructions in the service manual (on this site). Other than that, you need to remove the front seats, drop the side trims on the roof, remove a pillar trims, remove center console. The rest is pretty self explanatory except you will need to drop the steering column and remove steering wheel.

Actually removing the dash is the hard part, as it is a US car there will be differences to what I'm used to. Hopefully someone will be able to clarify.

You will have the centre A/C vent linkage to deal with as well.

Tim

[jtwoods4]

Thanks I will look in the service manual.

[Diesel 617]

From my personal experience I have cracked every dash I have ever pulled out. The right corner of the speaker usu. about 4 inches worth cracks. Even under the most ideal circumstance as described above. The front windshield really needs to be removed to do this job with the least amount of damage to the dash, it can be done with it in, but it is hard.

I have not found a reason to remove the seats, center counsel (other than climate control face plate) and lower the steering column. The steering wheel needs to be taken off and the climate control face plate (there are two small screws in the top Right and Left corners. Other than that good luck and get a plastic shim or two.I suppose if you want all the room possible, but I haven't found it necessary.

Here has been the procedure.
Remove the speaker covers and speakers
Remove instrument cluster and light switch knob to access nut (just pull very hard with pliers wrapped in cardboard to protect knob), unscrew parking break release knob.
Remove glove box liner, separate the gray retaining plugs from each other, use two small screw drivers and pull up with even force, they like to break and bend.
Remove the climate control face plate to access two small screws top left and right corners
Remove dash bolts 10mm, one per speaker access hole and one in the middle of the dash, feel around for it, will need wrench and socket + long extension to remove as its a nut and bolt. The remaining bolts are around the base of the dash under the carpet covers at knee level.
That is all the easy stuff done, now the hardest part. Your dash is now 'loose' wiggle it back and forth to break it free. You want to remove it with the right side coming up first. This is the side that always breaks on me. I have tried every way possible. I have yet to figure out how to keep it intact. You will probably need to use a significant amount of force to get it past the a-pillar, once you get it past you are in the clear.

I recommend replacing everything you can under that dash, bc doing the job once is enough to want to hire a professional. It is on par with installing the windshield gasket.

[tcj]

Hi,

if you know how you can remove the dash without cracks, and no - the windshield doesn't need to be removed.
And I agree, the steering column doesn't need to be lowered.
Just do it as it is descibed in the service manuel. And use my trick I described a few years ago to ensure
the dash will not crack.
I am sure you will find it using the boards search function.

regards,
Thomas

[jtwoods4]

Thanks guys I have a parts car that I'm going to try it on first

[Diesel 617]

https://forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/(help)-new-dash-install
8th post

[ptashek]

I can't attest to installation from personal experience, but the guys restoring my car managed to put the dash in - with windshield already in place - without any damage.
However, having removed one myself I can say it is definitely doable with the windshield in and doesn't require a lot of force, just some careful pulling, lifting and twisting. Best done with a spare set of helpful hands.

These guys make the installation look super easy, but that's with the windshield out.
https://youtu.be/K_NKoMF3k38?t=500

[nathan]

you prompted me to make a post on this, as i did it last year with the help of TJ 450

https://forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/new-dash-replacement-installation/

i want that hour of my life back, that was a lot of uploads!!

[jtwoods4]

Oh my God that job doesn't even look fun