Ok, I went thru the FSM and searched this site, but it looks like there's no way to remove just the HVAC/radio trim panel without first removing the instrument panel/hood, due to those 2x damned screws that are under the hood piece. WTF was Mazda thinking when they designed this? The FC was so much easier to work on for stuff like this.

I picked up a replacement HVAC/radio panel that I'm going to refinish & install along with a new Kenwood head unit. Was wondering if anyone found any tricks or shortcuts to get access to those 2x screws that limit the amount of dash disassembly required?

Cheers,
Pete

 

Pete, the gauge cluster face/hood clips need to be unhooked from the dash to allow access to the 2 HVAC side screws. Unfortunately there isn't any other way.

 

Sad but true...it's a total pain.

 

Yep. Good thing is the whole cluster doesn't need to come out, if you can pop it loose you can get enough access for the 2 screws at the side.

Many of the 93's had WAY too aggressive clips on the hood that clip it to the dash, sometimes you have to pull like you wouldn't believe to get them to pop free.

Dale

 

Thanks guys, that confirms what I expected... what a PITA!

 

yea, put both hands on top of the gauge hood, fingers spread.... then just pull it towards you like you want to give it a hug. just keep pulling until it releases. the steering column panels have to come off, then i believe its 3 screws for the gauge face. 2 on bottom and then one on the side between the dash and door under the vent. do your best to spread out the load with your hands. if you concentrate it, then the hood will explode in your hands. like dale said, you may have to pull pretty hard. a lot harder than you think...

 

Well getting the instrument panel hood removed enough to remove the HVAC/radio panel went easier than expected. It probably helped that the previous owner replaced the hood with a new one not too long before I bought the car, so the clips weren't holding on with a death grip. Unfortunately when I removed the HVAC/radio panel, this abortion of a wiring job was unveiled...




So it looks like the head unit install won't be a simple plug & play affair with the adapter connectors that came with the radio from Crutchfield. Gotta crack out the FSM/wiring diagrams and fix this mess first.

On another topic, I'd like to remove the plastic legends for the temp dial, fan speed & mode select switch from this HVAC/radio panel and use them in the one that I'm refinishing. How do you get those out? they seem to be glued in.... Pictures of the old HVAC/radio panel to illustrate.

 

Yep, they are glued in. A little heat (like a hair dryer) and some patience can get that out.

Dale

 

I was able to get my old 93 cluster hood loose several times without breaking it. Being warm helps, the plastic isn't as brittle, but I also used a plastic spatula to work it from the backside so it's not all pulling from the front.

 

Good tip.