The dashboard is a fixed metal part of the chassis, and it is quite difficult to remove all the elements from within this framework. This is luckily counteracted by the overall simplicity of the car.
It was difficult to reach in everywhere to loosen the delicate chrome and wood panels, but by far the most difficult was to get in there and remove the instrument cluster. Most modern cars have simple electrical plugs that connect to the instrumentation, but in this case, several metal and copper pipes that physically convey water temperature and oil pressure had to be carefully loosened. The instrument cluster has the look and feel of a very old, delicate science instrument at the back, and you have to contort your arms and body into ridiculous positions to be able access the back of the cluster whilst still in position. I only found out later that I actually only had to loosen the one large retaining screw, as well as the main electrical plug, and that I could then pull the whole cluster out far enough in order to loosen the rest from the front
Interestingly enough, I had to physically remove the temperature gauge module from the instrument cluster, as it is connected to the engine with a single-piece metal pipe that cannot disconnect from the gauge itself (visible in the image above, wrapped in plastic for protection). But I fear for the day when I have to put the instrument cluster back together again!
I'm sure that the damaged soft vinyl covering of the dashboard could be repaired, but I'm just going to use the one from the other car, still in great condition. The wood, however, will be carefully re-finished.
No comments:
Post a Comment