[DeTomaso] Dash Removal

[steve at snclocks.com]

A big thank you to all that gave me guidance on getting the heater blower motor out.  Not that it's out, but the dash is out.  I followed the write-up that Rob DuMoulin was kind enough to send me - he wrote up the steps for his '71.  Turns out our '73 was quite a bit easier.

Apparently the earlier dashes had tabs to the back of the dash pad that are screwed to the bodywork - which necessitates removing the tach/speedo and the glove box.  Our 73 didn't have these tabs, so the three items stayed in place.  After pulling the center console, rocking back and down the gauge panel, dropping and unplugging the steering column, and disconnecting the rest of the screws that Rob identified, I was able to slide the dash back far enough to reach in and unplug the multi-prong plugs that go to the tach, speedo and emergency flasher switch as well as disconnect the speedo cable.  Next I disconnected the passenger-side defrost vent tube, and the wires to the under-dash center lights and the wiper/washer switches and out she came!  Oh, also removed the upholstered covers for the A pillars so they would not be in the way.

Overall, much easier than I feared.  And no plastic spacer blocks to keep track of!

Now to fight with the heater fan.

Stephen Nelson

-----Original Message-----
From: billmoore6480 at gmail.com <billmoore6480 at gmail.com> 
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 1:36 PM
To: jderyke at aol.com; steve at snclocks.com
Subject: RE: [DeTomaso] Dash Removal

"takes small tools".....  I have seen Stephen's very small lathe

Cheers

Bill Moore
Calgary Ab. / Goodyear Az.
403.860.4300

-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso <detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com> On Behalf Of Jack DeRyke via DeTomaso
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 2:28 PM
To: steve at snclocks.com; detomaso at server.detomasolist.com
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Dash Removal

There are 4 slotted screws (on our car they looked like wood screws) that hold the dash; one at each end and two in the middle. The end ones have white plastic spacer-blocks that fall on the rug when the screws are pulled, so its not obvious where they go. But it IS possible to R & R the fan ass'y without pulling the dash. Someone in Nor-Cal told me he did it so I tried and sure enough- it can be done, with difficulty. 

But you're working blind and unless you really know the layout of the split motor mount and its screws, it will be very difficult & takes small tools. Actually extracting the motor once its loose is tricky, too. Keep track of how things come out as you go because I found its possible to reinstall the motor with the squirrel cage fans backward and seriously reduce airflow. Then you get to repeat the whole exercise. 2nd time is a bit easier....

The only time the dash absolutely must come out is if you need to work on the ac/heater box. Gerry Romack likes to modify the inside of the boxes for better airflow thru the two cores. Directions on Great Lakes Pantera website. There are also directions for dash removal on Mike Daily's Monster Web Site and in the Pantera Service Highlights manual. Good luck.
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
To: 'DeTomaso Mail List' <detomaso at server.detomasolist.com>
Sent: Mon, May 4, 2020 12:42 pm
Subject: [DeTomaso] Dash Removal

  It is amusing how, when you go through the interior and install new
  leather, something else decides it wants attention.  In this way, a car
  is like our cats - pet one, and another will demand attention.


  Not sure why, but the blower fan now only wants to start up it one taps
  it gently.  Or spins the squirrel cages.  Likely a problem with the
  motor brushes.  Which, from what I read, means pulling the dash.  So,
  any words of wisdom on pulling the dash?  Our car is a '73, single pod
  car, serial 5332.  From what I read online it sounds like earlier
  dashes had screws that were accessible through the glove-box and above
  the tach/speedo.  I can't see anything above the glove box, and it
  seems like the passenger side of the dash is pretty loose after
  removing the slotted screw on the end of the dash, as well as the screw
  below the end of the dash and the one connecting to the center
  console.  If these three screws are removed on the drivers side, and if
  I drop the steering column, will the dash be loose?


  Stephen Nelson
_______________________________________________


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