Hey all,

I was lucky enough to find a new dash for my 300SDL, now I have to go through the process of installing the thing. I have searched high and low on this forum, and some others, but I have found nothing on this dreaded process. Does anyone here have any idea how to go about this?

From what I hear there is quite a bit of work to be done. Some say it will take weeks - is that even possible? I know that there is much to be done, but has anyone done it? If so, could you lend some instructions - or perhaps where to look for screws/clamps and what is the order of operations?

Thanks to all in this great forum.

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'86 300SDL 212,000mi

When you do it.........please.........please.......document the steps.

I've also got a perfect dash awaiting the '86 and I really don't want to tackle it blind.

Will do. I plan on taking some high-res pics and documenting the whole procedure.

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'86 300SDL 212,000mi

One of my gauge lights went out. The one above the clock and tack. Oh my clock is not working either. Is it easy to remove the gauge cluster to replace it?

I have removed the my cluster on the 85 300d and it was pretty easy.

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1987 Mercedes 300sdl, 280k mi (daily driver)
1982 Mercedes 300sd, 205k (occupying driveway)
1985 Mercedes 300d, CA, 148+ mi.
1986 Chevrolet suburban, 50k? or 150k? mi, diesel
1998 BMW 740il, 120k mi (for sale)
1999 Honda CBR900RR, 42k
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport, 103k miles (sold)

This should help some:

126 dash removal

I ran low on interest when I was reassembling the dash and never completed the photo essay but there should be enough info there to get you started.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

This will really help me get started. How long did it take you to remove? to install??

I plan on taking some detailed photo and doing a step by step on this. Just something to give back to this community that has helped me out with so much already.

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'86 300SDL 212,000mi

First of all, I took my time. That car was an extra at the time so getting it on the road wasn't a priority.

Removal was really slow (I took a week or so) mainly because the FSM's photos are crappy and the instructions are non-existant. Consequently, I was having to figure out every single step. Things like figuring out that screw in the middle of the dash under the plastic panel was excruciatingly slow. And, when I went for help, I discovered that some of the local Indys don't know nearly as much about the 126 as I do!! Reassembly went a little faster (acouple of evenings IIRC) because I had pictures and had been there already.

The thing I had the most trouble with was the dash support in the driver's footwell. It is completely unintuitive how it fits in there and I struggled with it for several hours before quitting for an hour and coming back to simply put it in place...go figure. I'd take good pics of how it is installed and, I'd mark one of the legs/bolts with some paint to help in orienting it when you reinstall.

Photos of the how the vacuum connections are made to the switching manifold are very helpful in reassembly. Everything else is a breeze.

Good luck, PM or email if you have questions.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Man, I was afraid of that. This is currently my daily driver. I imagine I will have it a little easier with your help with the photos, and I have my new one to look at (for where things are attached). I probably just jinxed myself Still, thanks for the post. I will attempt this soon and let all of you know what the results are.

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'86 300SDL 212,000mi

Just do it over a long weekend. I would 100% replace the vac pods, heater core, and clean the evap core the best you can (or just replace).

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I'll see if I have the PDF and mail it to you. A good DIYer doesnt need a manual. Just patience and a brain for hidden screws and where they would put them
In a nutshell
(1) Remove your kick panels, pass side driver side
(2) Remove your glove box
(3) Remove your seats--dont be lazy you will need the room
(4) Remove your steering wheel
(5) remove your center console--yes dont be lazy do it, take out your
radio first
(6) Remove the panels underneath the dash driver side, passenger side
(7) Look for the hardware holding it on
(8) From underneath, unhook, push out your cluster
(9) Disconnect the ducts to the Climate control ports
(10) Be patient and use common sense to look for those hidden screws, and think about how they would install it

I removed one in a junkyard last summer, no manuals, as mentioned above it is all about removing the under-panels and console so that you can see all of the screws etc. It took 2-1/2 hours with the steering wheel in, biggest problem I had was getting it unhooked from the defrost ducts.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Where did you find the new dash? I just aquired an 87 300 SDL and I need a new dash.

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Willing to trade computer work for AC work..

Rob
www.systempros.net
Spring, Tx
83 300D t ~ 285000 miles

bggunnz,

What color dash do you have/need. I have one in blue that I am not using and could sell. There are NO CRACKS. I can send pics if you want.

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'86 300SDL 212,000mi

I need to find a black one...

My dad went and put a cover on that looks great BUT, he put glue spots ALL over the original dash... (It's cracked in several places) but that's not the point.. LOL

Also looking for a grey interior driver side door panel..

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Willing to trade computer work for AC work..

Rob
www.systempros.net
Spring, Tx
83 300D t ~ 285000 miles

On to the next car to refurbish...

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Willing to trade computer work for AC work..

Rob
www.systempros.net
Spring, Tx
83 300D t ~ 285000 miles