Dashboard removal (the whole unit)

[CV35Ian]

Can't find the instructions on this, I'm sure they were on forum. Lots about getting wood off and labelling connectors etc. And I've probably asked this before, ages ago.
I've done this on an SD1 in under an hour - simple as basically three exposed bolts either end and all the wires are colour coded multi plugs.
So where do I start, is there an idiots guide?
Replacing dash with recovered in leather unit, all new wood, new instrument gaskets and re blacking dial bezels, also electronic speedo and yes Led bulbs in dash.
Will also look at heater - seems warm most of time whilst Its exposed.
Re Choke as that needs to come out for wood replacement. Is it best to just pull through the knob and inner and then reverse to refit. Worked on an MGB but don't want to cause myself any unnecessary headaches.
Ian

[stagwingnut]

Basic instructions are remove the top speaker to reveal 3 multi plugs , you can then take out the front instrument panel as one , no need for labelling , u may encounter a earth cable to body to undo or two , 4 long bolts through top of A posts , two either side ,two more under the dash to body brackets , obviously centre console out , that’s the basic things I can remember, don’t forget your Speedo cable . Regards Graham

[CV35Ian]

Thanks, ill let you know how I get on!

[NeilR]

Only two bolts each side at the A posts. Then one on the underside of facia each side,
visible when instrument dash removed and glove boxe removed (upwards into body brackets).
+ of course, the steering column clamp.

As for choke cable, best to remove knob 7 pull out from behind dash. As it's a twin cable, if you pull the inner out
you'll never get it back in easily.

Neil

[CV35Ian]

OK Ive got on well this morning, only problem I can see is how do you disconnect temp gauge pipe from gauge to remove it from dash, it's the oil pressure/temp combined gauge. Or do I need to disconnect from engine end and pull through

[marshman]

If it is the capillary sort, which I assume it is other wise there would just be a wire to unplug , you have to disconnect the sensor from the engine - you will lose some coolant - and feed the whole tube back through the bulk head. Be careful not to kink the tube and bend it too much, if you fracture it then it will no longer work. It is a sealed system!

Roger

[trunt]

IIRC the temp sensor cannot be disconnected at the gauge?? At least on the original type gauges..

[CV35Ian]

Thanks both I'll undo from the engine then. Also need to re prime oil pressure pipe once gauge refitted.

[CV35Ian]

Oh and I totally forgot. How do you remove control knob from choke etc so I can change the centre console wood. Looked at choke for starters and it seems really solidly attached.

[Lingen]

Ian.
Some choke cables have removable knobs, and others are moulded on. If yours has a small hole in the stem, it can be unscrewed and removed. If not......
Mike.

[sujitroy]

while it is out take a look at the health of the wiper boxes. regrease them. be careful if u remove them. those threads strip and Those boxes are not cheap

[jbuckl]

Ian.
Some choke cables have removable knobs, and others are moulded on. If yours has a small hole in the stem, it can be unscrewed and removed. If not......
Mike.

I have noticed 3 types of choke knob attachment:-
1. Hole in moulding; push button in shaft to release.
2. Grubscrew in moulding, undo to release.
3. Molded on, cannot release.

1 is original 2&3 aftermarket.
have not seen a knob that screws on or off the shaft so far. Ooh Err.

[CV35Ian]

I've had another WhatsApp chat re knobs this morning, things looking up for a 57 year old who's senso of humour hasn't changed since school!!

[NeilR]

It was a really stupid place to put a choke cable - done for looks & not functionality.

Mine is on a similar bracket to bonnet release cable, under the dash on right hand side,
next to the bonnet release cable. Just needed the warning light wire extending.

Neil.

[CV35Ian]

Well as a quick fix I've split the knob (ouch) off with a bolt splitter, now to find someone who has just the knob so I can glue another on. So hopefully reassembly will begin this week.
Things looking up.