I
have a confession to make... I'm not very confident doing jobs for the
first time.
If
I have done something before then I'm happier than a pig in mud... but if
it's something new then I really have to push myself to get started. My
psychologist sister would give it a long Latin name but I call it 'Fear of
the unknown'.
Luckily,
judging by my email inbox, I'm not alone!
The
current fear seems to be "I want to repair my split dash top but I'm
scared of breaking something!". Luckily this is an easy one for me to
help cure because there really is nothing to worry about... honest!
This
is what your car looks like with a dash top...
...and
without...
The
GT6 and Spitfire Mk IV / 1500 dash top (also known as the crash pad) sits between the steering wheel and
the windscreen. It contains an ashtray, two demisting vents and has no
visible signs of attachment. It doesn't look possible to remove it from
the car at all!
In
fact you can take the complete dash top out simply by removing 10 small
nuts!
The
dash top sits on top of the bulkhead with the a vinyl flap behind the
wooden fascia panels. The dash front panels are also
attached to the bulkhead and do not need to be removed but loosening their
fixings helps to withdraw the vinyl flap.
This
is what your dash top looks outside the car...
You
can see that it is a completely separate component and is surprisingly strong - no worries about snapping a flimsy piece of foam!
There
are three parts to the dash top:
1. Metal base plate - gives strength and has all the fixing points
2. Moulded foam core - gives the distinctive contours
3. PVC cover - hard, smooth grained and black
Things
to note:
 
1. On the underside you can see six studs that hold the dash onto the
bulkhead
2. At the base of each stud is some adhesive sealant
3. Two long demister slits with a narrow slot at each end for the fixings
4. Flap of vinyl that sits behind the dash fascia panels
A.
Demister vents with integral fixing studs
B. Tonneau studs - held in place by the demister vents
C. Ashtray surround
D. Ashtray
This
is how to remove your dash top...
1.
Remove the parcel shelves so that you have clear access to both footwells.
2. Slacken the fixings on the dash fascia panels (the panels can remain in
place)
3. Remove the ashtray and the surround by pulling it straight upwards
4. Undo the 4 outer fixing nuts by working from the footwells.
5. Undo the 2 inner fixing nuts by working through the ashtray.
6. Undo the 4 nuts holding the demister vents to the dash top - one at
each end.
7. Work the dash top free by knocking it upwards. Remember the adhesive
sealant at the base of each stud so expect a bit of resistance.
8. Pull the vinyl flap from behind the fascia as you remove the dash top.
That's
it, you're finished!
What
do I do next?
You
can now get on with fitting a new cover to your dash top in the comfort of
your workshop / kitchen / front room. You might want to use one of my kits
that contains a new vinyl panel and detailed instructions on how to
achieve the perfect finish: Park
Lane Classics Dash Top /
Crash Pad Retrim Kit
If
you're wanting to keep everything looking original then I would use my
black smooth grain vinyl (ASF). But why not think beyond black... colour
co-ordinated dash trim looks really smart and very luxurious!
I also
produce retrim kits for the dash
edging (Right Hand Drive) , dash
edging (Left Hand Drive) and radio
console so you can transform the whole look of your dash in
just one weekend!
About
the author:
Owen
Lloyd has spent well over a decade working in automotive trim and classic cars.
He now runs Park
Lane Classics dedicated to providing top quality interior trim
at affordable prices.
Park
Lane Classics
- interior trim direct
Website: www.parklaneclassics.co.uk
Email: sales@parklaneclassics.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1827 284 957
Mobile: 0781 392 5153 (UK Only)
47 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3HZ. United Kingdom
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