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Started my replace dash project today - and i have really struggled!!!

I cant get the steering wheel off - so its the three leg puller tomorrow!!!
Got the seats out and all the centre console off eventually - found some very debatable wiring underneath the console!!! In fact some seems to have burnt out.
Also found that the 'drain bungs' in the floor have gone through

It seems that you cant take the instrument panel out before you remove the dash ????
Tomorrow is a fresh day

Brianc wrote:It seems that you cant take the instrument panel out before you remove the dash ????

You need to take the top section over the instrument cluster out to remove it, but not the entire dash.

How do you get it out - upwards?

I cant see how it comes out ?

darrellw wrote:

Brianc wrote:It seems that you cant take the instrument panel out before you remove the dash ????

You need to take the top section over the instrument cluster out to remove it, but not the entire dash.

As above, take the top section off, reach under and release the speedo cable, take the weird screws out of the top of the instrument Perspex and slide it up and out. The instrument panel will then ease forward to allow the wiring plugs to be removed and the panel taken out.

Looks like mine !!!!!

Brianc wrote: ... I cant get the steering wheel off ...

Never needed a puller! Loosen nut but leave it on the shaft .
Give the rim a few blows with your hand (spread around the rim)
Than try to wriggle the wheel of the shaft (the nut is there to prevent the wheel from smashing your face)
You might need some penetrating oil and a few more blows to both front and rear of the steering wheel.

Brianc wrote: ... How do you get it out ...

Don't forget the two screws at the bottom of the dash

If a steeing wheel is too stubborn to remove with the belt the rim with you hands method, I've found the best puller is a small crows foot type, used on harmonic ballancers

You may need to source some bolts of the correct length and thread, to suit the wheel.
Bacic harmonic balencer pullers can be purchased on online (fleabay etc) for a very modest outlay.

The easiest way to remove a steering wheel is.

1/. Get a willing helper, a brass drift & a hammer, or plastic faced hammer.

2/. Undo the nut, & screw it to the top of the shaft. Set it up exactly level with the top of the thread.

3/.Sit in the seat, & apply upward pressure on the wheel.

4/. Have your helper hit, or really lightly tap the top of the steering shaft downwards towards the rack. The wheel will pop off.

If you are dextrous or can't find a willing helper, prepare the shaft & nut. Sit in the car applying upward pressure on the wheel with your thighs/knees. Tap the top of the shaft as before.

NOTE; You are not trying to bash the steering shaft out the other side of the rack, a soft tap is usually enough.

I couldn't count the number of wheels I removed this way from cars when I had my steering & suspension shop. None ever offered much resistance.

Hasbeen

I used a white rubber mallet (also useful to tap paint can lids back on) to tap the back of the wheel to loosen it (nut still on). Came off easy. Mind you that's on a Sacramento car were fasteners are almost new looking so not really representative of most cars.