Someone may remember me talking about replacing the dash in my 83 300SD a couple weeks ago, well now it's official. Afterschool next week i will go look for my replacement dash, any tips anyone can give on what to look out for so my dash doesn't crack again in a month? The surgery will take place next weekend, and based on the recomendation from a friend, i will be replacing the diaphrams that you can only get to with the dash off, as well as the seal so my ac doesn't fog up my windsheild. Anyone know the part numbers on these or where to get them? I'm actually looking forward to this project. I will be taking pictures, and if i see an interest i may be able to be persuaded to do an entire write up of how its done, complete with pictures. wish me luck!
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Replaced the dash in my 1984 300SD this last summer. Lots of slip fit, hidden and generally German fittings. Don't force anything! (odds are it's a hidden connection you overlooked). Remove anything that might remotely interfere. A roll of white adhesive labels and a black pen to label everything for reconnection. (it all looks different when you're putting it back together) If your climate control is working fine, I would replace the three? hidden vacuum actuators; if climate control is not working, I would really try to diagnose as much as possible first, so you know what to double check when you are in there. Allot plenty of time... it aint quick.

Use 303 Protecterant on the new dash to help preserve it.

PartsShop/Fastlane has the vacuum actuators.

Definitely take pictures (for your ease of reassembly and for us!)

Replace all bulbs while you're there.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

i'm alotting the weekend for time, and i'm also going to be watching the "recyclers" pull the good dash out, and probably take pictures then as well. Anything that you remember being especially difficult?? Did you remove the steering wheel? thanks
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Get the steering wheel off, it's easy enough, and it really lowers the frustration level. No real "gem" to tell you, I'd watch the dismantlers for the really PRO tricks, but then again they won't be as neat as you'll want to be. Good luck. It really raised the appearance "standard" of the whole interior, particularly on these sun fried SoCal cars.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Yet another great application for very useful sylglide.....mating surfaces between dash assemblies and body can be notorious for little squeaks that will drive you crazy...before installing, rub silicone (lightly) on all mating surfaces. after assembly is complete, you can clean any accessible excess, leaving grease in hidden locations.

I had a bunch of squeaks at each end of the dash (i didnt do a dash replacement).....I used a butter knife with a rag over with sylglide on it to slip down into the space between dash and body. Squeaks dissapeared.

Good luck

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)

As a rule, black dashes never crack. Almost all blue ones are very cracked, same with brown. If you can, get a black one.

I've been eyeing the little (1 inch or so) cracks on my dash for awhile and would love to replace it.

Anyone know best source for a new (or perfect used) black dash for a '85 300CD? I believe it is same as in 300D but don't know for sure.

RG, please do take pictures and post access to them.

Turbodiesel, someone needs to tell my black dash it wasn't supposed to crack.

Nic

I've read that the "dash covers" look almost as good as new. I believe Fastlane has them and they're not too expensive. Might be a lower cost/hassle alternative, although I haven't had experience with them. (mine is black...........)

JCD