Anyone done a dash pad swap?

Post by **Rondo** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:24 pm

I'm not happy with the off-beige color of the upper dash pad with my lighter beige interior and was wondering if anyone has done or seen a charcoal one swapped in. I think it might update the look. Any opinion or pics would be appreciated.

Post by **rspi** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:22 am

Google for pics, many have dark pads.

mika · Post by **mika** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:48 am

Just did this this week Rondo,

First time took me about 2 hours to get dash pad off, then I had to do it again and took me 30 min, mostly just wandering around looking for right tools. You need to removal all vents (I used tiny eyeglass screwdriver, pried right at the joint), then t25 screws all around, removal of a few side decoration trim. Then remove glovebox (easier for your 2000). Wiggle pad out slowly, one side at a time. Not hard.

Easy upgrade if you can find a dash pad in good condition at the yard..

Robert (above) has posted a good video about the v/s/70 instrument cluster removal I believe on Youtube

Post by **Rondo** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 3:09 pm

Thanks, mika and Robert. I googled some and I think they all look pretty good. I have a line on a few and might look into doing it soon. The tough part is finding the plastic ledge (?) that sits just in front under the windscreen that isn't cracked in the middle.

neworleans · Post by **neworleans** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 3:35 pm

I suggest you be very careful if you decide to swat it because the plastic is very brittle where you will be screwing and connecting.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 3:45 pm

That plastic wedge has the VIN attached to it on the driver's side. If yours is cracked but the pieces are all there, a good glue will work wonders. Replacing the black wedge requires the dash to be completely removed and you probably don't want to go there.

Remember, you should disconnect the battery before you disconnect the passenger air bag and do not reconnect the battery until the air bag is plugged in. No need for an SRS light.

Do NOT use Armorall or any other vinyl 'restoration' product on the dash pad. It will make the pad glossy and the sun will reflect on the windshield and ruin your forward vision. Just use plain soap and water to clean it.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 3:53 pm

That portion if the dash (the leading edge lip) isn't part of the cap at all, it is part of the dash itself.

I'd be happy as a pig in poop if I could find a cap that didn't have the airbag cover all curled up.

...Lee

Post by **Rondo** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:33 pm

Lee, is the part you're talking about only on the 850? I think my dash cap with the airbag is all one piece. All the ones I found still had the airbag attached.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:49 pm

Rondo wrote:Lee, is the part you're talking about only on the 850? I think my dash cap with the airbag is all one piece. All the ones I found still had the airbag attached.

It is an 850 thing, I wasn't real sure what car was being discussed. The leading edge (where it always cracks) applies in both cases though.

...Lee

Post by **Rondo** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 5:15 pm

Ok, yeah, I guess I should have put which car in the title. Sorry for the confusion.