2000 Dashboard Removal

[JstCloseUrEyes]

Firstly, I'd like to say Hi to everyone, as I am new to these forums, so, Hi Everybody.

Ok, to my question...

I have a 2000 Grand Prix GT, and I am wondering how on earth can I take the plastic dashboard piece (it's the one that is one solid piece that pretty much covers the whole front of the drivers side dash/radio area) off. I don’t want to go in and pry it off anywhere and crack the darn thing. I am interested in taking it off to do a little paintwork on it. Please, and assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

[GPFred]

I have a 2000 GP and recently had to exactly this on my dash. You have to drop the bottom panel under the steering column. The its just a matter of gently pulling & prying the panel off. Check out various postings here refering to removing the radio, repairing the display light in the radio, etc. There are some fairly detailed instructions. Basically the face panel is held to a panel behind it with a type of metal spring clip that fits in a slot. The clips will either slip out of the slot, or come off the back of the face plate. The are easily put back on later. Watch out for the wires going to the running lights switch as you will have to remove the connection to take the panel out after you have pried it off. Also, you'll have to drop your tilt steering wheel down as far as you can get it in order to slip the face panel out of the way. By the way, what are you after behind the dash?

[JstCloseUrEyes]

well, thanks for answering me, I was going to look into painting that plastic part of the dash board....however I had my mind changed by some people who have had very bad experiences with it...besides, I was unsure if I was actually going to do it or not...

But, thanks again.

[WRBsGTP]

Just wondering, but how many clips hold the bezel in place and where are they located?

[GPFred]

If I recall there were about 8-10, I think. As you are looking at the dash board, It seems there were a couple on the right side one either side of the radio, a couple of them either side of the steering column, a couple on the left side near the A/C vent and daytime running light switch, and one or two along top edge(although I'm not sure about this one). Sorry I don't have a better idea for you, it just seemed to me that it popped off fairly easy. You shouldn't have to put a whole lot into it. I started at the left side and worked my way toward the radio.

[WRBsGTP]

Thanks. I appreciate it. It's hard to tell by looking at it how much pressure it'll take before it just snaps apart.

[GPFred]

One other thing, some clips may come off the back of the bezel and remain in the main dash board behind it, you'll see how to release them from the dash behind and how they attach to the bezel. You just have to push them back on the tabs on the back of the bezel before you put it all back together.