Removing the dash - Is there an easier way?

[SuperK]

I'm installing factory air conditioning in my MX-3.

I've pulled ALL the lines and such, got the condenser, evaporator, dryer, compressor, and all the lines.

But... in order to pull the evap... I ended up taking the WHOLE interior frame. The frame that runs across and bolts to the steering column, that bolts to the center console frame, and runs to the floorboards... I couldn't get the dash itself off the interior frame.


It had these funky screws that were backwards and completely impossible to remove with a screwdriver.


Oh ye who hath removed thine dashes before, Is there an easier way than removing the entire freakin' frame? Did I miss something? I just went hog wild and started pulling things, but I don't mind doing that to a junk car... but to my own car, I would rather not do that.

[Daninski]

Ok I'm looking at a printout I have on swapping dashes. I see there are three screws 10mm under the window shield but you need to remove the dash trim peice before u can get to those screws. Have you undid those yet? Do a search using "Dash Swap" this was a recent post as I remember.
EDIT There's 4+2+2+4 and the screws I've already mentioned, does that sound right to you?

[SuperK]

I removed the bolts under the trim piece on the front of the windshield, there's one that holds the trim in the middle, then several underneath

I removed the bolts on the side panels on the dash
I removed the bolts behind thecenter console
I removed the bolts behind the gauge cluster

the problem I have is right in front of the blower motor on the passenger side, there's several screws that you literally have to get "behind" the dash to remove... and I don't have a small enough screwdriver to do such.

I was hoping someone who did remove the dash would have insight to where I got stumped.

I did get it off, just I removed the whole darned frame.

[Ryan]

Chainsaw?
Concrete Saw?
Hydraulic Hedge Pruner?

I would say those are last resorts.... but SuperK has been known to be a crazy man

[Daninski]

Steering column 4 bolts 12 mm, 4 bolts 10mm bolting it to the floor, 2 bolts each side of the dash and three screws 10mm. Sorry, better late then never???

[SuperK]

I guess... I pulled it out the correct way, then.


Man, I just don't want to do this to MY MX-3

[ninjajim4]

i've pulled my evaporator out before and there's no way i had to pull the entire dash out. around the glove box were some parts that seemed like it was the frame but were actually able to be unbolted.

this was on a '92 tho... but just fyi

[wytbishop]

I abandoned the idea of changing my heater core because I realized that the entire dash would have to come out to do so.

If you need any dash parts I have a complete working 94' dash just begging to be torn apart. It's fun when you don't have to put it back together.

[Daninski]

I need the stereo bazel down to the shifter. If it's the dash with the round vents, any chance of a part out? Of course this post will then be moved to the [FS] forum or risk the wrath of the moderators.

[SuperK]

Wyt's bezel is cracked. Already asked.

Plus, that's what the WTB forum is for. Come on Dan, let's get with it.

[wytbishop]

na na na na na na...you got in trouble...lmao

[SuperK]

And you can't go telling, because if you go telling, you'll be telling on yourself!

*points* Haha, Dan, haha. *continues pointing* Haha, Dan, haha.

[MazdaManiacMx3]

Kids
BTW : Dash removal is a knuckle buster no matter what.

[mudflap13]

somebody send me those dor panels and ttha carpet

[SuperK]

what door panels, what carpet?