Dash panel removal....

[phils85svo]

I have removed and repainted my instrument cluster bezel on my 85 SVO with wrinkle paint, rather than the factory fuzzy dash paint. I need to remove the dash plastic on the passenger side, above the glove box, but cannot figure out how to remove it. I have the two visible screws out, but cannot seem to get the panel out. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance,

Phil

[MikeFleming]

That panel is held on with sheet metal nuts, ~1" hex, iirc. Take out the glove box and reach up behind the panel through the glove opening. You will feel two plastic studs, ~1/2" dia, that have sheet metal hex nuts on them. Unthread those nuts and the panel will easily come away from the dash.

It helds ot have strng fingetips and at least two more joints between the wrist and elbow. Note there are sharp oblects in there so move slowly.

[phils85svo]

Thanks for that Mike. I know what you mean about the sharp objects. I found out the hard way on that!! :-(

Am going to take it out tonight.

Btw, my new 255lph pump came in today. I may install it this weekend if time permits! :-)

[Meotchh]

Attached are some pics for you to reference.
Measurements of the panel:

Overall length = 21.75
Inside Stud position vertically on the back of the panel from the top = 2" (Measurement taken from bottom edge of the panel up)
Outside Stud position vertically on the back of the panel from the top = 2.25" (Measurement taken from the bottom edge of the panel up. BTW, Sorry for the fuzzy pic on the non-fuzzy side)
Outside Stud position horizontally on the back of the panel as measured from the outside/pass duct = 3.75"
Inside Stud position horizontally on the back of the panel as measured from the center duct = 4.25"
The size of the speed nut = .683" or ~5/8"
The size of the stud = .325" or ~ 5/16"


6665
This pic is upside down compared to how it looks in the car (providing the car is not roof side down).

6666


Overall length = 21.75
Outside Stud position horizontally on the back of the panel as measured from the outside/pass duct = 3.75"
Inside Stud position horizontally on the back of the panel as measured from the center duct = 4.25"

6667


Outside Stud position vertically on the back of the panel from the top = 2.25" (Sorry for the fuzzy pic)

6668


Inside Stud position vertically on the back of the panel from the top = 2"


6669


The size of the speed nut = .683" or ~5/8"

[MikeFleming]

Oh Goodie! I don't need to look for pictures!

Thanks Mitch! (BTW you're banned, until your next post.)

[Meotchh]

Oh Goodie! I don't need to look for pictures!

Thanks Mitch! (BTW you're banned, until your next post.)

Great I needed that break!

Now you are banned for not moving the thread to the interior section & Phil has officially earned a banning as well for posting this in electrical. I have since moved it to interior, so all bans are null & void.

[phils85svo]

Ha!!! I love this place already! Not a stuffy uptight forum like the SVOCA!! And I don't mean that to any current SVOCA members. I used to post there, but the purist thing, I really don't care for it! IMHO!

[MikeFleming]

I ban myself for previously giving Mitch the permission to move threads.

( "What was I thinking??" he says to himself. )

[phils85svo]

I guess Ford never thought anyone would ever have to take this panel off huh?

[Meotchh]

Well, they didn't anticipate this being a highly serviced item.
Gloves & long needle nose worked well in the JY.

[MikeFleming]

5/8" deep socket and some hand gripping.

[Ford Builder]

When I removed the glove box it was easy to get at the two speed nuts, they where 5\8 socket

[phils85svo]

I ended up using a 11/16 through socket (from Sears, socket end slide over the bolt end, really handy). I forget that most of the time they put all of these pieces on before assembly. Removal is not even in the thought process during vehicle assembly.

[Mike Croke]

6670

As mentioned, 11/16" socket possibly a deep socket. Depending on hand size, universal joints, and contortionist abilities, these are easy or hard to access. Even with the glove box removed, there is a piece of duct work that runs right across where you'll attempt to fit a socket. It can be done without pulling the dash.

[SnakePlisskin]

Can you fit a ratchet wrench in there?

[svobrad]

I have used the 3/8" drive 11/16" socket and used an adapter down to my 1/4" drive ratchet. I used an extension (length as req'd.) to give some ratcheting space. Easier done if seat is removed - saves your back.

[phils85svo]

Too late for my back! I have DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) and basically no L5 Disc left... Oh well! I got them off. It is painted and ready to refit!! Thanks Everyone!!