I just read this thread in it's entirety - it's impressive how you restored the car from the condition you picked it up in. looks great so far.
the pictures helped me out as i try to figure stuff out on my car.

i have a stupid question - i searched the forums but didn't find a clear answer - to remove the dash do you need to remove the windshield? or is it just bolts? i saw that your windshield was cracked, but didn't see you remove the trim holding the windshield down so. the attached image is all i could find in the FSM.

 

you do not need to remove the windshield to remove the dash. there are two bolts on each side near the doors, two on each side of the trans tunnel and there are three under the defroster vents. the steering column needs to be dropped down. there are two bolts that allow it to come down. there is one small 8mm nut that holds a ground wire to the dash frame below where the stereo mounts. that's all that holds it in, amongst all the outer panels and the heater controls and the stereo and the cluster, etc.

 

That's good to know. I will be swapping out my carpet soon and need to pull the dash.

 

Thanks Mazdaverx! that's great to know. it's hard to find the exterior trim pieces so glad i don't have to worry about messing those up. My dash is not cracked, but it's peeling. i'm going to try to get creative and flatten it if i can, and craft something up to try to prevent it from peeling..

 

It's amazing to read through this thread and fast forward time. Keep up the great work!

 

I will keep trying to work on the car as I get time. the hardest part will be locating a good SE engine. I have a good 12A engine but I can't bear to put it in the car. i'm saving that for a Custom Silver Metallic 85 GSL that I don't have yet..one car that I need to complete my collection, lol.

 

i have been slowly collecting parts for the car and plan to start back in on it here shortly. will post more pics here soon!!

 

i have some work to do on the car today and hope to have some pics up this evening!!

 

did a little interior cleanup today. having been sitting it was in need to keep the mildew and cobwebs at bay. it was nice getting to play with the car a little bit and gather some ideas for future repairs. took a couple pics to share from today:

 

looking good.

 

What I can see of the new house looks great. Congrats!

 

Thank you!! Car may be on the list of ones to sell unfortunately. Too many projects

 

For real, just looking at your list in your signature… you must have a 10 car garage or a very forgiving wife.

 

My sig only allows me to list part of the cars I own.. A patient wife is more like it. I do need to build a large shop here on my property..

 

I have a running SE motor if you really need one. It smokes at start up and compression I think isn't that great. Miles are unknown. It really needs a rebuild, but it is complete and original. No porting, etc.