Dashboard dismantling

Trevor · 03-16-2005, 07:16 PM

I have a mount for my XM unit and I need to get the radio panel off so I can mount this bracket

to the frame immediately behind it.

I'm very concerned about accidentally breakng clips (plastic parts and I have a bad relationship) so I'm hoping someone has had some experience with that and can explain how to do this without trashing my truck.

scr38 · 03-16-2005, 08:00 PM

It's easy. The panel pulls off, straight back. You can use your fingernails at the top and pull it off. Look at these drawings:

CoachBoone · 03-16-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scr38

It's easy. The panel pulls off, straight back. You can use your fingernails at the top and pull it off. Look at these drawings:

How long are your fingernails, dude, and do you take calcium supplements?

Honestly, is it that easy? My fingernails are weathered and crusty, but if I can do it with a plastic spatula or something, then I could investigate my friggin rattles. The big question: foam strips or dynamat?

scr38 · 03-16-2005, 09:06 PM

It is that easy. Nothing special about my fingernails. If you want, you can use something like a thin putty knife. I used foam weatherstrip behind my panels to stop rattles.

CoachBoone · 03-17-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scr38

It is that easy. Nothing special about my fingernails. If you want, you can use something like a thin putty knife. I used foam weatherstrip behind my panels to stop rattles.

Awesome, thanks for the pointer. What thickness is the weatherstripping you use?
Also, have you gone into the dash around the passenger side....the glove box area? I got some rattles in there I'd like to shut up. Thanks again!

scr38 · 03-17-2005, 09:40 AM

I have removed the glove box assembly. Had to run some wires for my hands free unit for my cell phone. Attached are some drawings that should be of some help.
The weather striping I used was poly foam, adhesive on one side, 1/4" wide and 3/16 thick. It is a soft closed cell foam that conforms easily.

Timba24 · 03-17-2005, 10:01 AM

scr can you post the diagram for the instrument cluster also I have a few ideas for it

scr38 · 03-17-2005, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timba24

scr can you post the diagram for the instrument cluster also I have a few ideas for it

There is not much detail on this. I have removed the instrument cluster. Remove the lower panel first. Then snap off the top of the instrument cluster. Use your fingernails or a thin putty knife to lift it straight up. Then remove the rubber ring from around the ignition switch, and pull off the cover for the cluster. Be very carefull, the clips can scratch the clear plastic on the cluster. Tilt the steering wheel to get more clearance. Then you can remove the four screws holding the instrument cluster and remove it. Be sure to reconnect all cables properly. The attached drawings may help.

Timba24 · 03-17-2005, 11:00 AM

sweet thanks I new there had to be some screws on there it wouldnt just be clips thanks

Trevor · 03-17-2005, 03:28 PM

scr thanks a lot man, that is really going to help out. What is the source you use for those pics?

scr38 · 03-17-2005, 03:37 PM

Th service manual that I bought from Nissan. There is a $20.00 fee for 24 hours access to their database. You can download service manuals in PDF.

Timba24 · 03-20-2005, 02:11 PM

hey man any tips for me on the instuments panel I had it all undone but I culdnt get the bezel off cause the igntion ring kept hitting my shifter