I want to remove the dashboard from my 82 280zx to paint it. My question is, do I have to remove the windshield and steering wheel to make this happen?

 

you don't have to remove the windshield. You do have to remove the steering wheel

 

Windshield???

Dash removal process:

-Remove steering wheel (18mm nut?)
-Remove knee kick panels
-Remove entire radio unit
-Remove all 10mm bolts at mid level
-Remove vent control border & then you will see 2 more screws)
-Remove phillips screws at windshield
-Disconnect wiring harnesses @ passenger door A-pillar
-Pull dash out several inches
-Get under drivers side dash, reach up to speedo cable, & twist off.

Out comes dash.

 

Thanks guys!!! I really appreciate it.

 

haha i love how you make it sound so simplisicly easy, putting it back is the pain in the bum, helps having someone else holding the passenger side to help you line it up

 

^^^ Indeed... the first time is always a bit overwhelming. After that it's cake.

 

what kind?

 

Of cake? Definitely chocolate...

 

ewwwwwww i hate chocolate cake!!! nevermind i'll pass

 

Good... more for me.

 

i'll go make my own(pineapple upside down cake)

 

Personally, I'm going to have to suggest Funfetti Cake

 

when you state out comes dash does it come out with the 3 gauges and the speedometer and then all the stuff needs to be put on the new dash or does it all stay in place and the dash pad comes out while all the gauges stay put?I got my dash in today and will be in Texas thursday so I plan to put it in the car this weekend any info will help sounds like you have replaced several.

 

Like... out goes the entire dash. Looks like this afterwards:

 

that looks gross

 

oi i see that pic with the dash out every time and i say....man i really am not looking foreward to doing that

 

thank you for the info I am going to put the dashboard in the garage and put a dashcap back on

 

Oh it's fun to take a dashboard out. lol It really is not that bad people. And a good learning experience. I get to do it again, here real soon. lol

 

Thanks NismoPick...........your detailed step by step removal process
took only 7 hrs on my 1983 280zx 2+2. Including the 1/2 Hr it took
to install my External Speedometer Interface in the Digital Dash.

After reassembly, My 280zx digital dash works like new, also cleaned
the inside of the Dash's plastic cover. Now i can read every display
better.

And Yes the External Digital Speedo works as well.

I installed the logic card in a custom Aluminum case, as I did not like
the black plastic box from RadioShack.

I will post Pixs of revised Speedo later this week... I need to have the'
wheels balanced before I run Up the Speed past the 85-MPH and
Max KMPH on the Zs Display.

As I mentioned in another posting, my speedo is an Accessory Speedo
which works along with the Internal Speedometer. I did not want to
tear-up the Zs internal Micro-processor controller or devalue my Z.

I calibrate my speedo to match the Zs Display at 20-40mph/kmph,
and thats all there is to setup my speedo.

Again many thanks for the removal procedure, albiet the Steering
Wheel Nut is 22mms, and yes I removed the Glovebox, but I don't
recall it made any difference.

Terrymac

 

whats the best way to change the color of the dashboard?

 

Your best bet is to get the Dupli-Color interior vinyl paint. They have a pretty good choice of colors out there. I redid most of my interior with that paint. Looks great...and make sure you lightly clean and sand the surface..before painting. That should get you started.

 

Or get a dashboard in the color you want.... BAM! DIFFERENT COLOR!

 

I think its a 17mm.... i just put my dash back in on Thursday.... Probably coming back off on Wednesday so i can put my air conditioning back in... then back on/off to put speakers in.... add in a few more times for good measure (things always take longer than expected, not because things are difficult... its just that i can be difficult to myself)...

 

It's the same size nut as the lug nuts... I usually use my tire iron to pull the steering wheel nut.

 

I never tried to use that. I will next time. I pulled mine out just to replace the speakers and wow what a worthless task. I really dont listion to my sterio, I prefer the sound of my exhaust. Also something has came disconnected in the antenna. The motor still makes noises when I turn on/off the radio so I know its still working, just need to take time to check out why my antenna is not rising.