599 defroster vent question

Does anyone know how these defroster vents in the dash are attached? Mine is broken, likely when the dash was removed to repair the leather under prior ownership. The replacement looks like it may just be pressed into place. I have included a photo of the damaged piece in place and the new part. I would appreciate any information on this - it would be nice to be able to install them from the top without having to go under the dash or take it out. Thanks in advance. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

See the bosses molded into the plastic? That is a sign that a screw threads in. I'll have a look thru the WSM later but my guess is the dash needs to come out.

 

Appears to be 3 screws per vent plate from the underside. Sorry to deliver the bad news.

 

That's right, from the bottom. It took about 6 months to get my hands on a set for my car. AND they break because of dash shrinkage. That pretty much means you are looking at redoing dash leather at the same time. Then, since these are plastic, we will find ourselves here again one day.

 

Thanks for the (disappointing) info. I think this one goes to the back burner....

 

Here is an idea....

You could insert a barbed fastener into the vent (might need to be custom) then push into the dash.