Help with dashboard removal, 1999 S70

[800artfreed]

Yes it will take some days to complete the job. I was able to pull a used dash from the PnP in 2.5 hours. That's the best I have ever done.
When I pull my original dash I keep every screw or small assembly bagged and labeled in individual plastic bags. This makes the disassembly a little longer but really helps with the reassembly.

The PnP dash had only ONE broken tab! I used the ABS cement to glue the pieces back together and completed the repair using the ABS method with fiberglass reinforcement. One 4 oz. can was enough to do the entire dash and reinforce all 4 mounting tabs with an additional layer of fiberglass and ABS. Problem is that the ABS cement takes overnight to cure. I did not use any metal strips or screws for the firewall tabs.

I also used 3/8" x 3/8" foam weather strip tape to replace the seals on the ventilation duct outlets that will meet with the dash pad vent controls. I used 1" wide by 3/16" higher density foam weather stripping to replace the seal from the center duct into the defroster tubes.

The ABS cement was also great for making small repairs on cracks inside the dash. And I highly recommend it to repair the little flat springs used on each side of the numerous dash switches. You know where the thin molded plastic channel breaks and the flat spring falls off the switch which then allows the switch to be loose in the dash. I just put some ABS on top of the spring & plastic where it would normally be held in by the channel on the side of the switches. Let it dry and it is good enough to hold the spring and insert the switch.

I also created a way to "repair" the wiring harness foam that is probably disintegrating right in front of your eyes as you handle the dashboard. I used 1/8" thick sheets of Styrofoam packing material cut into 1 or 2 inch wide strips of various lengths to cover the original foam. Don't even try to remove the old foam, I tried and it was bad. I wrapped the wiring harness segment by winding the Styrofoam strip at an angle to the wires. I held the wrap in place using friction tape, NOT electrical tape. It is too hot under the dash in the sun and electrical tape will just get very messy. The friction tape should work better.

It's hot and I am a bit on the old side so I am taking my time to reassemble the dash. Should be finished by Memorial Day. This 1999 s70-GLT had the worst cracked and noisiest dash of my three Volvo cars and I am excited to hear how quiet the replacement dash is.

[abscate]

If you run a strip of butyl tape where the dash meets the glass it is quiet forever, plus your reefers won’t get lost in the crack.

[gmh]

15 minutes with JB weld and butyl tape on the dash to window connecting space and its quiet forever.

15 minutes with JB weld and butyl tape on the dash to window connecting space and its quiet forever.

where does the JB Weld go?

If you run a strip of butyl tape where the dash meets the glass it is quiet forever, plus your reefers won’t get lost in the crack.

...but what about the JB Weld?

[abscate]

I actually didn’t fix any of my dash nuts and just let the butyl tape hold it in position.

[Peevarino]

On my list of things to do, too, not looking forward to it at all. It’s developed quite the obnoxious creak going over my city’s terrible roads. Short term I’m going to try and tighten the bolts holding the dash to see if that helps, but not hopeful that will do anything but waste time. Now that it’s 90 or close to it every day, I’m not in a hurry to spend all that much time inside the car.

[abscate]

15 minutes with JB weld and butyl tape on the dash to window connecting space and its quiet forever.

15 minutes with JB weld and butyl tape on the dash to window connecting space and its quiet forever.

where does the JB Weld go?

If you run a strip of butyl tape where the dash meets the glass it is quiet forever, plus your reefers won’t get lost in the crack.

...but what about the JB Weld?

I DOnt recommend smoking JB Weld