Please Help With Dashboard Removal On 2G

[Thamobster15781]

hey guys im trying to remove my dash out of my 98 eclipse so it can be painted...i find alot of threads online but there are no diagrams or detailed info on where to find the screws and locate them to remove..if anyone has any diagrams or info please let me know..and also im spraying it with a house of kolor pearl automotive paint...since the dash expands and contracts would i be able to paint it with vinyl and then go over it with another paint...just wondering..but the dash removal is much more important at this point..please help..thanks nick

 

[SexyDSM95]

...or you COULD try to use the search button

 

[Thamobster15781]

...or you COULD try to use the search button

use the search button for what..ive already looked and searched and havent found any diagrams or detailed info on removing the dash

 

[Defiant]

Try the Tech section:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73670

 

[95 Mitsu]

Here is one I saved a long time ago, its pretty good,

Ok guys jus to let you know this is on a 2G and it is a bee-otch to do.

Tools needed:
Philips screwdriver
Regular screwdriver
A rachet,extension,10 mm socket

Basic info:
The dashboard is not just the top part it is basically from the shift knob forward
Patience is the key
Don't be an a$$hole like myself and attempt this at night outside when it is 18 degrees
*Also read this post in full before attempting this project because there is a lot of work involved and you may want to not do this*
Ok lets get started.
This is based solely on memory so i might be missing a bolt or 2, just use your common sense.
***Before doing almost anything to your car you almost always want to disconnect the battery from the engine and this is a time you should do that***

1.Pop off either the tweeters/plastic plates ont he top of your dash and if you have speakers unclip them and set them aside.
There is a 10mm bolt on each side(they are kinda hard to reach cause the damn windshield is in the way)
2.Remove the plastic panel underneath the steering wheel(panel where the hood popper is on)by removing the 2 plates and then the screws. Feel around for a few bolts and remove them also.
3.Remove the 2 pieces surronding the key slot and the steering column(there are 4 philips screws on the underside facing up)
4.Remove the black plastic piece around gauge cluster(2 philips screws on the topside)
5.Remove the gauge cluster by removing the philips screws.
6. There are a few bolts behind that to remove.(after this it is a good idea to push the big clips that hook the gauges up back behind the plastic piece. to do this the 2 on the left go left and back through the slot and the right one gets pushed right.)
7.Now move on to the stereo. If it is factory or aftermarket it is in you best interest to remove the deck completly. there are 2 screws at the bottom you have to remove on the black square(you should understand what i mean when you get there)
8.Remove you glove box. There are bolts all over the place for this bad boy. There are 2 clips you have to pop off the track(one on each side)bolts on the left side when you open it and some underneath)*When you get the glove box off there will be a wire that you have to remove for the light in the glove box.(at the same time you might as well unhook the airbag(a clip the wires are in red wire loom).
9.After you remove the glove box you will see a couple bolts you have to remove.
10.The is a plastic piece that has a vent in it in the bottom left corner(near the door speaker when door is shut) there is a bolt and a screw holding it and you have to remove it to get at another bolt.
11.go back to the drivers side and pop out the cruise/foglight buttons and unhook the clip. Do the same with the center part too.
12. Now it is time to make sure you removed all the bolts by slowly lifting off your dash
13. Now here is the fun part. Located near you hood popper there is a nice chunk of wires that goes into your dasshboard.
find and remove any clip restricting it from coming out(some in that area, some down way behind stereo, some buried underneath passenger side airbag.) When you do all that got back to the gauge bezel area where you have to pop out 2 gray clips(on the engine side) which holds the chunk of wires in place.
14.Pull the wires through and Presto your dash is free to be taken out.
15.2 people is recommended to remove the dash
1.Because it is one heavy mutha
2.It gets kinda hard getting around the steering wheel/blinker,etc.
16.Your best bet is to take the dash out of the passenger side.
17.Look at the mess you have made and cry cause you will be thinking to yourself that you will never get it back in.

 

[SexyDSM95]

use the search button for what..ive already looked and searched and havent found any diagrams or detailed info on removing the dash

Ok JUST to humor you I used the search button and found 3 threads pertaining to what you asked

 

[dsmnate]

As far as your paint question goes... If you want it to look right in my opinion its gonna have to be fiberglassed. If you want more info about fiberglassing it just PM me. I did mine over the winter and have posted pictures and threads about it. I also have a spare dash that I'm going to probably fiberglass and sell in the near future.

 

[Batman272]

It sucked getting out

 

[jayson427]

you better know what your doing with the dash. taking out isnt bad getting all back together correctly is the issue.

 

[bradselph]

Has the zombie apocalypse started already?.... oh wait its just a thread.

 

[Chrispy0530]

Holy thread revival batman! ...o wait, that's his actual name too .


I remember pulling my old gray dash a year ago when swapping with a black one. Only difficult part (sort of) was swapping the VIN plate and re-installation.

Take your time with it and make sure everything goes back correctly//connected. (example; dimmer switch or you'll find yourself with no interior lights )

 

[Apak00]

Here u go!

Hope this help you!

send me a msg if need another diagram

Good luck!!

 

[dsm420arookie]

I'm in the middle of taking mine out. Luckily the guy who had it before already had half of it done

 

[bratte88]

thanks for the link! I find searching isnt' easy too.. most threads from 2002 have expired images so some of them are pointless