430 "live thread" I'm Currently Removing my dash for defrost vent replacement

Hey guys, I perhaps could have started this sooner, oh well. I'm about to remove my dash to replace my defrost vents, about 80% of the way there. If anyone has any questions about the process, I'll check this thread periodically and answer them as I go.

It's really not difficult to do at all, however I say that with the experience of pulling more difficult dashes than this (GM SUV's are the absolute worst).

Let me know what you've got if you have anything.

- Shane

 

I feel like it's fairly similar?

 

Absolutely not! I got the aluminum replacements from Rizzo a few months ago. Decided I would bring home the tools from work and take care of it today.

Edit: typing on mobile is hard

 

I also just realized I glossed over your name riz, sorry dude! Thanks for the quality product!

 

The gentleman right above here, Rizzo308. Contact him directly thru PM.

 

Morning Pete. I considered filming it as there is a single video on YouTube showing the process, it does a fairly decent job at setting you up for success. I however would have had to buy a GoPro or something or try and terribly film with my phone. There were a few items that it didn't depict:

1) there's a random "connector" at the VERY bottom right corner of the dash, as in attached to the dash but damn near against the carpet. I genuinely have no idea what it is, and it could only be undone by three screws. Not a huge deal but a note nonetheless.

2) if you have the key for the airbag shutoff on the right side, the video states it's just pressed in to the dash, however mine had metal tabs holding it in so I simply just disconnected the small electrical connector to it. No huge change otherwise.

3) there's three allen screws that are directly behind the glove box after removal that he states need removed, they do not need to be removed

4) there's a 10 mm nut directly behind the cluster he states needs to be removed, it does not need to be removed.

5) after removal of the passenger airbag, you'll see 4 allen screws, paired up on the left and right. Only two of them need removed, but for the life of me I can't recall if it's the outer or inner ones (I've slept since then). I believe it's the inner ones that need removed. The outer ones just secure a bracket for the glove box and comes out with the dash.

The video is also a lot of back and forth in my opinion, undo something on the left side, undo something on the right, back to the left. If you work methodically, I worked from the right to the left, everything is pretty darn smooth. Beginning to end only took me about 3.5 hours? I wasn't desperately watching the time...

To finally get to your question, I believe this is doable in a one car, it'll just be tight. For full removal for you, perhaps leave both of the windows down that way whichever way you have more room, obviously doors open as well, you can tilt as necessary. The dash itself isn't gigantic and if I had to guess only weighs maybe 30-ish pounds.

When you do attack the job feel free to message me or post up here as necessary.

- Shane

 

Also a note for everyone, this is pretty much all that's necessary for removal:

- 2 mm allen
- 3 mm allen
- 4 mm allen
- 5 mm allen
- A couple different sizes of Phillips screwdrivers
- 8 mm socket in quarter inch (3/8 size won't fit) simply for removal of the turn signal / wiper switch unit
- potentially a 10 mm socket (the video states there are three, 10 mm screws way underneath the dash, mine were 8 mm however)
- a 3 inch and a 6 inch extension to reach various bolts
- plastic trim removal tools, just the small one is fine
- 3/8 inch and 1/4 inch ratchets. Even if you have an electric impact like I used to take things apart, I didn't use it much going back together so I didn't crack/break anything.

There's a couple things that aren't pictured or very strongly recommended or needed: a small 90 degree pick - undoing electrical connectors is a breeze with it. A T30 security torx bit for removing the driver airbag.

Again, if anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask.

- Shane

 

Haha, I'm glad you mentioned that as the driver side came off no issues, but the passenger side was still attached with that sealant. I went straight to the blade and full-surgical and was able to cut it away pretty quickly. But most definitely something I wasn't expecting.

 

Good for everyone to know! I didn't know this and purchased Rizzo's units months ago.

Honestly not a ton. Given the low mileage and pretty obvious care the car was under prior to me, everything was pretty darn tidy.

Complete from beginning to end, as I mentioned I wasn't hyper focused on the clock. I work extremely quickly at work and whether I like it or not, that also bleeds in to personal projects despite knowing I can take all the time I want.

 

Joe is definitely right, the way the leather almost adheres to other things is a very real thing. Also, don't underestimate the strength of the windows adhesive at the very corners at the top. I fought the same thing for a min or two then wriggled a bit more and it came free. But the right side would pull away then suck back in to place because of that adhesive. Just cut it as necessary

 

For me it was one of those - ok, I've tried to be gentle about this, I guess I need to get uncomfortably aggressive with it. It will eventually come loose though