Removing FD dash - replacing carpet
Removing FD dash - replacing carpet
So, I'm replacing the carpet in my FD. I found this awesome thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/interior-ext...ash-fd-100239/
I wanted to spread it around and ***** up some attention.
Do I need to remove the radio/cd player before I try to take out the dash?
Anyone have any more tips, threads, or could add to the following?
I've got everything except the dash and dash accessories out.
Never been this deep in the interior before. I'll take add pics and drop some tips after I complete the swap.
https://www.rx7club.com/interior-ext...ash-fd-100239/
I wanted to spread it around and ***** up some attention.
Do I need to remove the radio/cd player before I try to take out the dash?
Anyone have any more tips, threads, or could add to the following?
I've got everything except the dash and dash accessories out.
Never been this deep in the interior before. I'll take add pics and drop some tips after I complete the swap.
Wow, first, let me say, have fun. Now, for a how-to :
-I removed the seats both times I took my dash out, but I don't believe it is absolutely necessary
-Remove the center console (between seats), then get rid of the shifter and ebrake with a few bolts each
-Remove the piece of the dash below the steering wheel (there is a vent in the piece)
-Remove the steering column covers
-Remove the air bag (you will find three "plugs" on the back of the steering wheel housing bolts)
-Remove the steering wheel (21mm bolt if I remember correctly). If you don't have a puller, just grab each side of it and pull HARD, just be careful cause when it comes off, if will go into your chest
-Drop the steering column (two nuts where it goes into the firewall and two bolts closer to the top, almost under the gauge cluster)
-It will also be easier if you remove the gauge cluster and the a/c panel. There are a few bolts on the gauge cluster, and when you pull it out, be careful. You will have to pull somewhat hard, but MAKE SURE you pull STRAIGHT out, or you WILL break the "hood" (speaking from experience). After the cluster is away from the dash, just undo the plugs in the back of it. Then you will see two bolts holding in the a/c panel.
-Remove (if you didn't somehwere along the line so far) the side panels. These are the pieces on the side of the dash with vents that go into the doors. The just pull off.
-Behind each of those vents you will find two 10mm bolts holding on brackets for the dash, remove these
-In the center of the defroster vents on the top of the dash, there is a little square piece of it. Lift this piece from the front and inside you will find one 10mm bolt.
-On the center console side of each passenger "foot area" there are little cliped on covers. Remove these. Behind these you will find two 14mm (or 12mm) bolts. Remove these.
-The dash is now ready to pull out. There are a few plugs to undo while doing this though. The best way I found was to pull a little and figure out where I couldn't pull, then found the plug and undid it. I would suggest studying the plugs before you unplug them. It will appear that all the plugs need to be undone at first glance, but in reality there are only a few. This will make it less confusing to put it back together.
-Your dash should now be on your lap. Hope it was enjoyable and hope the reason was worth it.
PS. I may have skipped a few plugs along the way, but you will know when you need to undo one. I wouldn't worry about labeling them or anything like that, most were easy to figure out where they go.
-I removed the seats both times I took my dash out, but I don't believe it is absolutely necessary
-Remove the center console (between seats), then get rid of the shifter and ebrake with a few bolts each
-Remove the piece of the dash below the steering wheel (there is a vent in the piece)
-Remove the steering column covers
-Remove the air bag (you will find three "plugs" on the back of the steering wheel housing bolts)
-Remove the steering wheel (21mm bolt if I remember correctly). If you don't have a puller, just grab each side of it and pull HARD, just be careful cause when it comes off, if will go into your chest
-Drop the steering column (two nuts where it goes into the firewall and two bolts closer to the top, almost under the gauge cluster)
-It will also be easier if you remove the gauge cluster and the a/c panel. There are a few bolts on the gauge cluster, and when you pull it out, be careful. You will have to pull somewhat hard, but MAKE SURE you pull STRAIGHT out, or you WILL break the "hood" (speaking from experience). After the cluster is away from the dash, just undo the plugs in the back of it. Then you will see two bolts holding in the a/c panel.
-Remove (if you didn't somehwere along the line so far) the side panels. These are the pieces on the side of the dash with vents that go into the doors. The just pull off.
-Behind each of those vents you will find two 10mm bolts holding on brackets for the dash, remove these
-In the center of the defroster vents on the top of the dash, there is a little square piece of it. Lift this piece from the front and inside you will find one 10mm bolt.
-On the center console side of each passenger "foot area" there are little cliped on covers. Remove these. Behind these you will find two 14mm (or 12mm) bolts. Remove these.
-The dash is now ready to pull out. There are a few plugs to undo while doing this though. The best way I found was to pull a little and figure out where I couldn't pull, then found the plug and undid it. I would suggest studying the plugs before you unplug them. It will appear that all the plugs need to be undone at first glance, but in reality there are only a few. This will make it less confusing to put it back together.
-Your dash should now be on your lap. Hope it was enjoyable and hope the reason was worth it.
PS. I may have skipped a few plugs along the way, but you will know when you need to undo one. I wouldn't worry about labeling them or anything like that, most were easy to figure out where they go.
93 Touring
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 968
Likes: 4
From: Longwood FL
You can replace the carpet "without" removing the dash -- the only issue is the hidden area just under the heater.
Several threads suggest just cutting the new carpet at that point, it won't show since it's under the console and right up by the firewall.
I replaced mine once and did it this way.
Getting ready to replace it again due to some fire damage and I don't intend to remove the dash this time either.
Several threads suggest just cutting the new carpet at that point, it won't show since it's under the console and right up by the firewall.
I replaced mine once and did it this way.
Getting ready to replace it again due to some fire damage and I don't intend to remove the dash this time either.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: orlando, fl.
please let us know guys...I just got my carpet in the mail and I was already upset about having to make holes in the carpet...I really don't want to have to take off the dash
by the way....where did you guys buy your carpet?
by the way....where did you guys buy your carpet?
If you dont want to cut the carpet you have to take out the dash. I got mine used in the for sale section.
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93 Touring
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 968
Likes: 4
From: Longwood FL
The Only cut you have to make is that small top piece under the radio/heater and it is totally out of sight. Taking the dash out sets you up for plenty of potential plastic breakage opportunities.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Taking the dash out is super easy
Taking the heater core out is a major pia
Sometimes if you are lucky you can pull/tug really hard and pull the carpet out from under the heater core.
Cutting the little section is likely the most practical move.
Taking the heater core out is a major pia
Sometimes if you are lucky you can pull/tug really hard and pull the carpet out from under the heater core.
Cutting the little section is likely the most practical move.
I just pulled my dash to put in new carpet. I'm also swapping out the wiring harnesses and doing other things back there as well, so it needed to come out.
However, if I were just replacing carpet, I probably wouldnt go through the hassle of taking out the dash.
However, if I were just replacing carpet, I probably wouldnt go through the hassle of taking out the dash.
I replaced my carpet and the way to do it if you don't want to cut the carpet is to get the old carpet out and then remove the foam padding on the new carpet in the area that will be under the heater core.
I did not want to remove the heater core so removing the foam under the carpet I was able to jam it under the heater core. No way will you be able to replace the carpet under the heater core if you don't
A. Remove heater core
B. Remove foam from under the new carpet to slide it under the core.
I can tell you it won't be easy either way. It's still going to be tight!
I did not want to remove the heater core so removing the foam under the carpet I was able to jam it under the heater core. No way will you be able to replace the carpet under the heater core if you don't
A. Remove heater core
B. Remove foam from under the new carpet to slide it under the core.
I can tell you it won't be easy either way. It's still going to be tight!
So, what's the big deal about removing the heater core? I remember a build thread where some dude ripped it all out and refurb'd the foam and strapped it back in. Is it just a lot of pieces and bolts?
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...w-tips-700946/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...e-read-229331/
pretty key advice from some dudes that been around
I removed my dash last night, and realized there were a few things you need to do that hasn't really been mentioned in previous posts. Besides removing all the necessary bolts (two 10mm on each end, one 10mm in the top-center near the windshield, two 12mm on the driver's side of the center hump, two 12mm on the passenger side of the center hump, and two 12mm on the steering column), you need to:
1. Remove the e-brake. I couldn't get the dash out with it in. Also remove your shift ****.
2. Remove the A pillar trims. It won't come out easily with them in place. I tried it and the vinyl got scratched up by the metal ends of the dash, so I just removed them. Just pull out the rubber seal, then pull on the A pillar trim until it pops out. There are two clips holding them in.
3. Don't forget to unbolt the hood latch cable.
4. There is a big blue plug you have to unplug on the passenger side. You also have to undo the airbag plug on the passenger side. You can undo these after pulling the dash out a bit, to make them easier to get to.
5. On the driver's side, there are several plugs you have to undo. There are two big blue ones, and a couple smaller ones, including the airbag plug. Pull the dash out a bit before trying to unplug these, it's much easier.
Now I need to remove the evaporator and heater core so I can install my new black carpet.
1. Remove the e-brake. I couldn't get the dash out with it in. Also remove your shift ****.
2. Remove the A pillar trims. It won't come out easily with them in place. I tried it and the vinyl got scratched up by the metal ends of the dash, so I just removed them. Just pull out the rubber seal, then pull on the A pillar trim until it pops out. There are two clips holding them in.
3. Don't forget to unbolt the hood latch cable.
4. There is a big blue plug you have to unplug on the passenger side. You also have to undo the airbag plug on the passenger side. You can undo these after pulling the dash out a bit, to make them easier to get to.
5. On the driver's side, there are several plugs you have to undo. There are two big blue ones, and a couple smaller ones, including the airbag plug. Pull the dash out a bit before trying to unplug these, it's much easier.
Now I need to remove the evaporator and heater core so I can install my new black carpet.
Since a lot of people seem to have trouble removing the heater core and evaporator, here are a few tips for removing them. Note that if you want to remove the heater core to remove your carpet, you have to remove the evaporator first.
1. Remove the nuts holding the evaporator and heater core to the firewall. There are 2-3 that are a little hidden underneath them, and 3-4 nuts on top.
2. Evacuate the refrigerant from the AC system (take it somewhere to do this)
3. Unbolt the AC lines from the firewall
4. Remove the heater lines where they connect to the firewall (warning: drain your coolant first, and be careful because coolant will still spill out)
5. Remove any wire connectors and pull the AC Evaporator
6. Pull out the heater core. Be careful because it will have some coolant in it. Plug the pipes with some paper towel so it doesn't drip in your car.
That's about it. It's pretty easy, except for the hassle of draining the coolant and evacuating the AC system.
1. Remove the nuts holding the evaporator and heater core to the firewall. There are 2-3 that are a little hidden underneath them, and 3-4 nuts on top.
2. Evacuate the refrigerant from the AC system (take it somewhere to do this)
3. Unbolt the AC lines from the firewall
4. Remove the heater lines where they connect to the firewall (warning: drain your coolant first, and be careful because coolant will still spill out)
5. Remove any wire connectors and pull the AC Evaporator
6. Pull out the heater core. Be careful because it will have some coolant in it. Plug the pipes with some paper towel so it doesn't drip in your car.
That's about it. It's pretty easy, except for the hassle of draining the coolant and evacuating the AC system.
Kento, sounds like your talking about the guage cluster.
Removing the dash...
Take the center console out
Take shifter off
Remove the 3 bolts that hold the 3 brake handle to the body, rest on the floor
remove endcaps, 2 bolts are behind them on each side
remove the covers on either side of the center of the dash sides, 2 bolts hold the dash to the tunnel.
Remove steering column cover, remove the 2 bolts that hold the steering column to the dash, unplug the two connectors first!
remove the center bolt that holds the top of the dash to the firewall, right in between the defroster vents
Remove hood release cable from dash, leave on car
Pull the dash out a few inches, there are 3-4 big plugs that you should see. They are on both sides.
The stock stereo can stay in place, the antenna will need to be unpluged. Heater controls, glove box, and guage cluster can all stay on the dash
Removing the dash...
Take the center console out
Take shifter off
Remove the 3 bolts that hold the 3 brake handle to the body, rest on the floor
remove endcaps, 2 bolts are behind them on each side
remove the covers on either side of the center of the dash sides, 2 bolts hold the dash to the tunnel.
Remove steering column cover, remove the 2 bolts that hold the steering column to the dash, unplug the two connectors first!
remove the center bolt that holds the top of the dash to the firewall, right in between the defroster vents
Remove hood release cable from dash, leave on car
Pull the dash out a few inches, there are 3-4 big plugs that you should see. They are on both sides.
The stock stereo can stay in place, the antenna will need to be unpluged. Heater controls, glove box, and guage cluster can all stay on the dash
+1 for dash removal being relatively easy.
Just be sure to not be in a hurry to avoid damaging anything.
Tip: remove the A pillar plastics.
They are easy to remove, and even easier to damage while removing the dash.
Just be sure to not be in a hurry to avoid damaging anything.
Tip: remove the A pillar plastics.
They are easy to remove, and even easier to damage while removing the dash.
I replaced the carpet in mine, removed the dash. Careful with the cluster hood, it is easy to break. Take your seats out, remove your a pillars, take pictures to remind yourself which plugs you undid from the harness. Get yourself 2 new heater core hoses, just cut the old ones off, pain in the *** to get off otherwise.
Well I got the dash out and I'm staring at the hvac stuff in my way. Found some more tips for that.
from: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...estion-351651/
If anyone wants to drop some knowledge about the hoses I'm about to encounter, I would be grateful.
Changed them this weekend. Needed to remove 4 vertical bolts from the ABS unit as well as the nut on the inside of the shield in order to lift the ABS unit enough to get the shield out. Even still getting the hoses out was a real PITA. Due to how the "tabs" on the old clamps were positioned, I would up unbolting the hard heater pipe that runs along the passengers side of the engine compartment (front to back) to get the lower hose out. Took 3 hours to do (it always amazes me how much time I spend tinkering with my FD, but after personally performing the vacuum hose job, I'm pretty much game for just about anything) , but glad I did as the old hoses were really really soft. I've heard these hoses (like nearly all the other coolant and heater hoses on the FD, hence why I replaced all of them on my 104k mile car) are prone to failure due to their close proximity to the turbos.
All the heater hoses on the passenger side gave me trouble too as the tabs on the hose clamps were all pointing between the hardline and the chassis! I didn't have to remove the heat sheild but then again I had the turbos off at the time so it was probably much easier for me. I would definitely slit the old hose with a knife before removing it as the heater core nipples are thin and mine were pretty stuck.
If anyone wants to drop some knowledge about the hoses I'm about to encounter, I would be grateful.
I pulled the dash when I did mine. Wasn't hard. Worst part was getting it out. The part everybody is talking about under the HVAC stuff is held in by some stud or something. I cut the stud out and slid the old carpet out. It also made putting the new (Used OEM) one in extremely easy. You can see where there is a hole in the OEM carpet for this stud. I did not pull the heater core.
I got the heater hoses off, but these AC fittings are really hard to get to. Anyone have tips?
Edit: got 'em from the top side with a couple crescent wrenches. Just took some patience.
I found that removing the rear turbo inlet pipe helped get access to the heater hoses from underneath.
I left the ABS heat shield where it was.
Edit: got 'em from the top side with a couple crescent wrenches. Just took some patience.
I found that removing the rear turbo inlet pipe helped get access to the heater hoses from underneath.
I left the ABS heat shield where it was.
Last edited by Narfle; May 11, 2015 at 10:15 PM.
I got the evaporator off. Woot! Slow progress between work/school/gf/child.
Anyways, latex glove fingers and rubber bands are a good way to close off your ac systems so you don't ruin your dryer. My AC hasn't worked, but the system had pressure. So, I think it might be electrical or compressor related.
Onward to new carpet. Hopefully I'll get the heater off today. Amazing how much debris is in the evap/blower. Definitely cleaning it out. Not much interested in breaking it apart, though.
Anyways, latex glove fingers and rubber bands are a good way to close off your ac systems so you don't ruin your dryer. My AC hasn't worked, but the system had pressure. So, I think it might be electrical or compressor related.
Onward to new carpet. Hopefully I'll get the heater off today. Amazing how much debris is in the evap/blower. Definitely cleaning it out. Not much interested in breaking it apart, though.
Got the heater out. Now just need to rip up the old carpet and lay the new one down. Any tips for putting the new carpet in? Should I just try to clean everything and use some spray adhesive?