Dash removal-help

[moz]

I'm attempting to remove my entire dash so I can wire up my b6t conversion.

I'm currently trying to get the cluster shroud off but it seems to be caught on something.
I don't wanna damage anything as its a pain to find these interior bits in good condition.

Can anyone pass on any wisdom on getting these out without breaking them.

I've got all screws off. But it still doesn't want to budge.

I've searched but I can't find anything on dashboard removal.

Thanks guys

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[bravekozak]

Did you remove all five cluster shroud screws? Three on top. Two on the bottom.
After that just use a mini screwdriver to gently pop out the plastic inner tabs at the corners.

[F3BZ]

you did take the steering column covers off? other than the 5 screws brave mentioned the only other thing that keeps you from pulling the shroud is if it has any switches in the lower part of the shroud. it should pull out enough so you can do the old reach around and disconnect the wiring from the switch. as for the cluster itself, there's 2 ovious screws on each side to remove. then pull the cluster out enough to get your fingers back there to release the speedo cable and the circular instrument wiring harnesses. the speedo cable comes off by pressing DOWN on the tab at the end of the cable while pulling it away. the circular wiring harnesses come off buy pulling UP on a little plastic lock tab in the center of the circular connector while pulling the connector away from the cluster. those circular connectors are usually pretty stubborn to get off the pins but you can wiggle them off if you can get your hand around them.

[moz]

I've done my fair share of dashboards in the past. This is my first festiva one, and its proving to be a pain.
I'll try again when I get home from work

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[SimonTuffGuy]

5 screws... then grab from the top and pull forward, the do the bottom... unhook any of the wires to the switches on the bottom and you'll be fine. I don't recall ever needing to remove the steering column cover to fully take off that shroud... but it certainly wouldn't hurt.

PS - Read the forum rules... no swearing. This is your first and only warning.

[moz]

Thanks.

On what planet is b###ard a swear word???



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[1chrisapple]

The plastic shroud is held on pretty good so get rough with it

[moz]

Yeah. It scares me that I might break it. I'll go harder, but still with some care

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[GenevaDirt]

Yeah. It scares me that I might break it. I'll go harder, but still with some care

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Did you remove the speedo cable from the tranny? If you do that it makes it a lot easier to pull out...you have a lot more room to reach behind the cluster and disconnect the plugs and cable.

[moz]

Yeah. Engine bay is bare ATM. Nice and empty for my b6t to go in

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[moz]

Sorry I didn't update earlier.
Dash is off.
Cluster came off quite easily in the end. Like some of you mentioned, you just lift the bottom out first.

Geez those nuts near the windscreen were hard to get at.

[bravekozak]

Geez those nuts near the windscreen were hard to get at.

I like to use an offset 10mm brake bleeder wrench for those screws. It's deep enough not to slip and more comfortable than an ordinary combination wrench.
The factory torque is rather high, because they install it before the windshield goes in.

[moz]

I used a mini 1/4" drive ratchet with the universal joint. Only just got in there