Having problem to take off the dash for painting, the door panels are ok, but couldn't take off the centre part and the dash, any help??

 

Hey promax,

So you're getting your parts painted, huh?

Everything is interconnected. I know you have to remove the plastic part that is on the left side of the dash. Where the hole for the vent to the door is. You pull off that plastic part and everything else should be simple from there.

I warn you that you might have to tug on it a bit hard. It's quite stubborn to remove.

So what colour are you painting it?

Later,

 

I'm doing that as we speak. I have the center panel done, the AC/radio panel almost done being stripped, and the gauge cluster is just lying around somewhere. I almost wish I hadnt started this, it's being a huge PITA. I thought since my panels weren't peeling yet at all, that I could skip the paint stripping part and just paint over them. Well the panels had a different idea. Primer went on fine, gunmetal paint went on fine, but then started cracking. As soon as the paint hit covered it, the mazda paint decided to retaliate and peel off, causing the cracking. So I check with the hobby stores around here, no paint stripper for plastics. Check all the paint stores, and walmart, nothing. I end up with paint thinner and something similar to scotchbrite pads. Well in about 3-4 hours, you can successfully strip the mazda finish off of one of the panels. Not one to quit, I've been going two days straight, and right now can't feel my fingers. I'm doing the gauge cluster, AC/radio panel, and center panel, and stopping there till I get paint stripper. The panel that's done though? D@mn it looks nice! Big improvement.

Ignore the date in the pic.....

 

Hey Neo,
I'm going to paint it just like yours, metalic black. All the door panel are off now, just couldn't get the dash out, took off all the vent from the side, but still couldn't take it off, is that any thick to remove it? Thx

 

Hey Rx7even,
so what's the trick to take the main dash out?? I notice the centre concole is attached to the main dash, so I need to get that part out 1st. Please help!!

 

There is no trick... you just have to yank that thing outta there, just make sure you pull straight towards you. DO NOT pull upwards or something will break, heh. The three main clips holding the gauge cluster in there are in the back of the cluster. I've done it a few times so it's easy for me now but it was pretty scary the first time, heh. Just pull straight towards you.