1983Zerrette

I am trying to take the dash out and I am having trouble getting the gauge cluster out, I have undone the speedometer and the cluster will not come out, I have undone the screws as well. This is a first and am needing some help it's a 1983 280 zx thanks ahead for any input

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

Just an FYI... you don't need to take out the gauge cluster if you are already going to take out the entire dash...

But, if you are dead set on taking it out before the dash removal, there are two rubber wedges holding in the cluster. You can usually just wiggle it free as the wedges move.

1983Zerrette

Is there anyone who has done a video or a picture version of removing a heater core, I am stuck right now trying to get it out, I have the dash but am not to sure of taking the heater unit out, thanks for any help offered

NismoPick

Merged w/ previous thread.

It's a pretty straight forward but time consuming process. If you haven't bought a Haynes manual yet, I suggest doing so. Or download the FSM here: www.xenons130.com/reference

It's a pretty simple removal. You just need to remove the 10mm bolts holding it down, the in/out coolant lines, and some wiring...

Pilgrim

I know this is an old post, but I'll summarize the process of removing the dash in case it helps anyone else, having done this around six times on my ZX:

1) Remove left and right foot well trim panels under dash (2 screws each)
2) Remove radio console (4 bolts plus wire harnesses)
3) Disconnect various-colored wiring harnesses on passenger side firewall.
4) Remove the steering wheel, then the turn signal assembly. There's only one screw holding the clamp that on the turn signal assembly. Make sure to disconnect wiring harnesses.
5) Reach under driver's side of dash and disconnect speedometer cable (this is easy to forget)
6) Remove cosmetic plugs over four screws on top of dash - try to preserve them, they're hard to find.
7) Remove 8 screws: four across top of dash, four on bottom side of dash.

You may now remove the dash. Try not to scrape it on the A-pillar trim too much.

Re-assembly is the reverse of removal. NOTE: make SURE when setting the dash in place to re-locate he speedometer cable properly. if you get it on the wrong side of the steering wheel brace, you will need to pull the dash again and move it so it will connect.

The only specialized tool required is a standard steering wheel puller.

FricFrac

For #5 there is a stubby cable that goes from the back of the speedo that is about 12" long. It's easier to seperate it at that junction that from the back of the speedo....