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Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Junior Member
Username: Nuvolari

Post Number: 221
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 10:12 am:   

Hi Lou,

I got your e-mail but for some reason it will not let me reply to it. To answer your questions, the instrument cluster is held in with 4 screws that are behind the 4 warning lights on each corner of the plate the instruments mount to. The trick of using dental floss is to keep from scratching the instument panel. This panel is made of aluminum that is very soft and scratches unbelievably easily. Perhaps these lights are in a little tight for the dental floss to be effective. In this case you need to use some kind of tool that will not mar the surface of the dash. Flat headded screwdrivers are out of the question so try something like a plastic knife or the edge of a credit card that has been sharpened a little. As a tip, when removing the screws, be sure to use a screwdriver that has been magnetized off of a magent (speakers are perfect for this) as it is very easy to drop these screws in the dash.

With regards to removing the steering wheel, removing the center nut is no guarantee of being able to pull the wheel. Most times you will need a puller that has to thread onto the steering wheel hub. Do yourself the favour and remove the allen head screws and remove the steering wheel. To remove these screws, use a socket with the correct allen drive. DO NOT use an hand held allen key. You will never get the torque you need and will only end up damaging the screws (then you will have a real problem on your hands). Once these screws are out, buy new ones as it really freshens up the look of the steering area (not to mention that it is almost impossible to remove these screws without scratching them). Good luck with the project!
Carmine Nicoletta (Ncarmine)
Junior Member
Username: Ncarmine

Post Number: 93
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - 9:18 am:   

Lou,

Here's a pic of the tool I fabricated from stock pipe.
Upload
Regards
Carmine
lou staller (Lou_staller)
New member
Username: Lou_staller

Post Number: 35
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 11:39 pm:   

Jim S, you're right. I'm trying to remove the steering wheel so I can get the instrument panel out so I can then remove the entire dash.
I tried to remove the # 3 allen screws that hold the wheel to the hub but they wouldn't move. So instead of stripping the little guys I thought it would be easier to just remove the wheel and hub. Until I tried to move the nut. I didn't apply to much force but I did ever so gently try to move it with a dull screwdriver and a light hammer. I'll try once more with just a little more effort but if that fails I'll try the allen screws again or fabricate a tool as Carmen did.
Once I get the wheel off, which I'll try again tomorrow night and can then reach the warning lights are they the 4 in each corner? And how do I get them off of the instrument panel without scratching anything? Dental floss?
david handa (Davehanda)
Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 748
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 11:20 pm:   

I have removed three 308/328 steering wheels; word to the wise, the screws are Loctited on from the factory. Make sure you use a good quality 3mm Allen wrench when you attempt this. AND don't be surprised if you end up stripping the head on one or two, and end up having to use an "Easy Out" to remove them. Replacement screws are available from the dealer or any Momo steering wheel dealer.
Verell Boaen (Verell)
Member
Username: Verell

Post Number: 754
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 10:59 pm:   

Lou,
Carmen made a tool for the steering wheel ring nut out of a piece of pipe from home Depot. Easier to work with than grinding down a socket.

Search the archives for 'Carmen' and 'ring nut' to see a photo. Also see my cautionary notes about cutting the horn wire in the same thread.

The official Baum ring nut tool is $80 or so.
James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member
Username: Jselevan

Post Number: 556
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 6:43 pm:   

Drew - I suspect that Lou is trying to remove the steering wheel so that he can get the instruments and / or the instrument cluster out. It is easier to accomplish with the steering wheel removed. There are two ways to remove the steering wheel - the easy way and the hard way. I was merely suggesting that he attempt the easy way.

Jim S.
Drew Altemara (Drewa)
Junior Member
Username: Drewa

Post Number: 142
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 4:43 pm:   

James,

I think Lou is talking about once the wheel is off there is a nut under the horn button. There is a special tool but if you do a search you will find that a number of people have modified a large 6 point socket to fit. Also if I remember correctly, you may be able to move the lock nut by using a screw driver and hammer if it is not that tight. Just be gentle and if it does not budge, use the socket.

Also, its been a while, but i believe the screws you are talking about are located behing the lights on the 4 corners of the dash pod.

Good luck,

Drew
James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member
Username: Jselevan

Post Number: 555
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 2:56 pm:   

Lou - it's easier to remove the Allen-head screws that hold the steering wheel on, that is, if the 308 has these. My Dino, Boxer, C4, and TR all have Allen-head screws.

Jim S.
lou staller (Lou_staller)
New member
Username: Lou_staller

Post Number: 27
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 12:13 am:   

I know I've read somewhere how to remove the dash from a 308 but can't locate the past threads. Can someone direct me to the threads or tell me how to take the gauge pod off. If I remember reading correctly , there are 4 small screws/nuts behind 4 warning lights that have to be removed. If so which warning lights? (My '84 GTS QV has 6 warning lights.) I've also tried the dental floss trick and can't get the floss behind the light bezel. What am I not doing correctly?

Also, what kind of tool do I need to remove the large nut holding the steering wheel on? Is it a special Ferrari tool? If so does anyone have one they will 'rent' for a few days? I'll pay all postage...

As usual, any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

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