Well, I've read all the "how to's" from various members about restoring and fixing the timber paneling on 108's and other models.
I am about to take off the entire dashboard piece(s) but thought I might ask for any tips (traps), or anything I should look for.
I haven't been able to find a thread about removal so I will be going in blind. is it screwed on, glued on, bolted on?
Any suggestions appreciated.

this helped me:

http://www.jaimekop.com/108Wood/index.html

Been a long time since I did that. As I recall there's no glue involved. You have to remove the a pillar covers first. Then the bow between the windhield and the dashtop. Then the dashtop and then the dash below the wood.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Hello Mrkozzy;
I see you are going to re-do your dash wood. Try not to be too intimidated by the great site of Jamie Koop. I will admit that I printed this description for removal and this was my starting point as well as a thread posted by a forum member, twinokchef-for heater core renewal.
I was having to renew the heater core in my 71 280se and realised that the dash would get a refinish as well.
Take care to keep the clips for the side wood and be extra careful when removing the bow-it just looks and feels like it wants to break in two when you are wrestling it out of the front windshield area.
Most of the instructions are self explanatory, however, I did encounter some difficulty with the side vents-they were much harder to get back in than take out.
While you are in there you will notice hoses and or ducts which carry the air to their respective places-if you can try to ensure that these are in good condition. Also, since you have to remove the heater lever fascia be careful not break any of the parts in that area. One other thing to keep in mind is to remove the bolt holding the brake lever which will afford you better access to the knurled plastic nut holding the instrument cluster to the dash-just swing the lever out of the way and stick your hand up in there until you find the nut-unless, of course, someone has removed it and the outer part of the ins/cluster is the only thing holding it on.
If you are refinishing the door trim too one little trick may help you. The left rear door trim will fit the right front door trim and the right rear door trim will fit the left front door trim. By trim I mean the rear most vertical piece which gets grabbed by individuals hands and may show severe, unfortunate wear. A little jockeying, alignment of the holes from one door to the other may be necessary but you can really appreciate the difference with front doors looking much nicer.
Good Luck

Thanx to all who helped.
I will spend a few minutes and study all the info in the posts.
I learnt a long time ago with these types of tasks.............ask first.........do later!!
cheers

do keep us posted on the trials and tribulations of the process.
good luck
mak

Mak, no problems. I will do an update every so often.
I have started dismantling the timber. I am taking off the timber door surrounds first as its a nice easy job. I will start the dash and windscreen sections over the coming weeks.
The best part is........my wife has agreed to do the restoration bit!
(she's the one with the patience and the time)
However, I have been spending my weekends cleaning the garage, in order to make room, as this is the place she wants to spread out to do the timber restoration job. Suppose I'll have to build her a proper workbench also!

The windshield gasket on my 280SE will need replacing one of these days.
Would having the windshield removed, make removing the bow any easier?

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

I don't think so, Larry... the windshield is smaller than taking it out from the inside.

I'm glad you guys find my write-up on removing the wood useful still. Its really not a terrible job... just take your time.

Jaime "JaimeKop" Kopchinski

Don't forget one important point,the knee pad has to come off by removig the screws underneath then gently pulling it clear. Then the alloy strip that the pad fits into has to come off .DO NOT LOSE THE SCREWS. you cannot buy them.
If the car has factory aircon, the aircon underdash unit needs to lowered down and removed. It's not the evaporator,thats behind the dash board . on 300SEL the footwell cards have to be removed along with the footwell fan.

Remember that it is veneer.Very fine venner that you MUST NOT sand if at all possible. The old varnish can be removed by gentle applications of methylated spirits in a lot of cases.

Now you know why I'm so keen to have the wife do it!
I can always say....."didn't you read the instructions from the forum?"

Curious about how you've made out. I'm trying to remove the wood trim in my 108 as well. I have it all out except for one piece that I'm stuck on. It's the piece that goes from the round vent on the left to the heater levers. Any pinters would be appreciated.