328 relay panel access

I have a U.S. specs '87 car, so there may be some differences in how our relays are laid out. . . but if not, you can remove relay R without lowering the panel. First, remove the relays (S and Q) below R to give yourself some room to work. Then put a pair of needle-nosed pliers on R from below and rock it back and forth, extracting it. Relay R is the same Bosch relay as Q, so you can swap Q into the R slot and see if the pump works without buying a new relay if you don't need one. Just reverse the process to put in the relay. Once it's in its slots, you should have enough room to get a finger onto the back of the relay and ensure it's seated. Good luck!

Cheers, Mark

 

Mike,

Our panels look identical, even to the colored marks on the relays. However, I have almost half an inch between the back of the upper relay (R) and the metal strip. Furthermore, I can easily flex out the dashboard to give a little more room if I need it. While my dashboard does not give the appearance that it has been stretched or abused, there certainly is flex there until I put back on the panel cover, when everything becomes tight.

I suggest you gently pull out on the dash and see if there's enough give to let you get at relay R. If not, then we're back to your original question about how to lower the panel. And unfortunately I don't have a clue. Good luck!

Cheers, Mark

 

Hi Mike,

Have removed the fuebox on my 328 - top fits into two tabs up above dash. Cannot recall precise sequence - I'm sorry, it's been about 7mo - but removed lower screws and was able to "pull down" without difficulty. Make sure you seat tabs properly on reinstallation.

Hope this helps a bit,

Carl

 

FWIW, note you have original fuses in there with "old-style" printing. Hey, the Corvette judges look for red bands on the glass fuses...(smile)

Carl