Newbee: Looking for help in removing dash 02 Silve

JimS · July 27, 2003

I want to smooth and paint the dash on my 02 Silverado. I have no problems with the smoothing and painting part.....I have some experience and my best friend owns a small body shop.

I DO have a problem with the possible can-o-works I might be opening by trying to remove the dash when I don't know what I'm doing.

I have had the control panel/instrument guages bezel off and I can see that there are bolts that appear to hold the plastic dash to it's frame and I assume that there are perhaps bolts, clips, and positioning studs at the firewall holding that portion of the dash in place.

I don't want to tear into it without knowing what I'm doing. I've screwed up several things in the 60 years I've been on this planet and it usually happens when I tear into something having no idea what I'm doing.

Anybody have any experience removing the dash? Any suggestions? Is this a job for a pro only?

Thanks, JimS

99silveradoz71 · July 27, 2003

I DO have a problem with the possible can-o-works I might be opening by trying to remove the dash when I don't know what I'm doing.

With statements like that(I've made more than my share), it sounds like a fun project in the works.

KonradSayek · July 27, 2003

Go to your local parts store and pick up a Chilton/Haynes repair manual for your your truck. They are usually pretty easy to follow.

Dihappy · July 28, 2003

I know theres more than one person on FSC that has painted his/her dash, just dont know if theyre all members here

I forgot whether or not Larry E has painted his dash.

IF nothing turns up, go do a search over at www.fullsizechevy.com

Peace!

JimS · July 29, 2003

Thanks dihappy. I did post this question on fullsizechecy. I know lots of guys have painted their dash so I'll get some answers some where I'm sure. Thanks for thehelp.

GnatGoSplat · July 29, 2003

I didn't paint my dash, but I yanked it when I swapped the interior wire harness.

You have to remove all the AC vents. The entire switch panel/vents on the left side can come out as an assembly. The vents on the passenger side just pull straight out. Once you get the vents out on that side, you can remove the grab bar by pushing in some latches. Then remove all the screws. I forget how many there are, but it should be easy to see them. There's 2 phillips screws on either side of the dash (have to remove the access covers to see them), and the rest are 7mm screws along the inside edge of the dash.

Once you get all the screws out, you just have to yank really, REALLY hard. There are 6 or 7 clips in the front of the dash below the windshield that you have to overcome, and they are TIGHT. When I pulled my upper dash piece, 2 of the clips completely broke off and I glued them back on with Permatex adhesive silicone.