dash removal

[chrissbee77]

I need to know step by step how to remove the entire dash. (the whole thing) on a 01 grand prix gt 3.8 n/s. someone stole the radio and decided to use a long screwdriver to lift the dash up by the little security light so i need to take the whole thing off. i can leave the steering wheel but im wanting to remove the rest of the front i already have the cluster removed but what about the rest of it//

[CrazyHorst]

I think you have to cut out the windshield to get to the vertical bolts in the lower corners next to the A-pillar that attach the "cross car beam" (IOW the steel weldment that's the "frame" for the IP/dash). The U-van is assembled as such and the W-car is a similar cousin.

[tblake]

I dont think the windshield has to come out.

You will have to take the lower kick panel off and knee bolster by the drivers feet.

Then I think there are large bolts, two on each side, hidden behind the weather stripping in both of the front doors. After them are out, there might be a few other bolts here and there, but then the whole dash should flop forward giving you access to electrical plugs and things like that.

It may be a good time to swap out the heater core while you are in there.

[chrissbee77]

thanks for the advice. i will start taking the rest of it apart this weekend and i suppose i will also get a new hearer core in there as well.

[tblake]

Yeah they are cheap enough and probably a good idea if the dash is coming apart. Stick with an ac delco though so you dont have to do it again.

[tblake]

And I forgot to mention you will have to unbolt the 4 bolts holding the steering column in and just let it drop down.