Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Posted ImageWelcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.

You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are features you can't use and images you can't see. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Join our community!




Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Where are the "dash removal" threads?
Topic Started: Aug 31 2014, 08:20 PM (1,892 Views)
dayle1960
Member Avatar
Fastest Hampster EVER

So I have it back in the metro. Only five screws were left over. I wonder where they went? Probably an important piece which expressly needs to be securely attached in order for the metro to no explode in a ball of fire.

But on a serious note, the dash is in and econoboxer is correct. Prep, prep, and more prep. But I skipped the first two parts of those steps. I put three coats of paint on the dash and hit it with some spray can poly. Unfortunately I sprayed everything when it was 95* and 95% humidity. The clear poly powdered before it attached itself to the dash. I was left with a dust on the dash. So I took econoboxers advises and sanded the dash and hit ti with the clear poly. It was OK, but the grey coats were still blotchy. I sanded the poly and hit it again. This time the dash looked nice. Unfortunately the paint is easy to scratch. Guess I have to be easy on it.

Putting the dash back in was easier than the pulling process. Took about four hours to paint and throw it back into the metro. My vents all work now and the air seems to blow OK. One problem I had was that I hooked up the cigarette lighter incorrectly and it kept blowing he fuse. So I had to pull the radio trim and rewire the lighter. Took all of five minutes, but looking for a 25 amp fuse too ten. UGH.

Glad it is done.

One piece of advice I would give to anybody who is thinking about pulling the dash is to pull it a an entire unit. It is far easier to unbolt the four bolts on the side of the dash and the two under the steering wheel plus the single bolt to the right of the steering wheel. Then unplug every connector which is attached to something being held into the dash and drop the steering wheel. It will take a lot less time than trying to just pull the dash.

Thanks for the comments and insights.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Stiffchezze
Member Avatar
Sir Metrologist

dayle1960
Sep 7 2014, 08:20 PM
One piece of advice I would give to anybody who is thinking about pulling the dash is to pull it a an entire unit. It is far easier to unbolt the four bolts on the side of the dash and the two under the steering wheel plus the single bolt to the right of the steering wheel. Then unplug every connector which is attached to something being held into the dash and drop the steering wheel. It will take a lot less time than trying to just pull the dash.


:gp :+1

Glad it's back together! :thumb
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
dayle1960
Member Avatar
Fastest Hampster EVER

Thanks for your help, Stiff. Sometimes looking at a problem in a different way helps a lot.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
dayle1960
Member Avatar
Fastest Hampster EVER

The only problem I experienced after I installed the dash was a steering wheel which was 20* off center. Oh well, two wrenches and ten minutes later and it has been straightened. I must admit that the more I look at the finished product, the more I pat myself on the back. Sure, the paint is somewhat splotchy, but after I put a top coat of Rustoleum clear on it, the majority of the splotches blended together. I like the results. Billcnc did a write up on painting a dash and his finished pic was disturbing to me. It showed a dash with a high gloss finish. Well, all I can say is my dash is very glossy and I'm not too upset at the looks. Glad I took the time to do the respray. Also my dash vents have been repaired along with the A/C is finally working just in time for the fall season.

Sometimes a project which is completed give you a feeling of satisfaction. The only thing left to do is the drivers steering wheel kick panel, the glove box, and the gear shift surround. I'll get around to those sometime in the future when I have the ambition to complete it.

All I can say is if your dash is looking peaked, then take a couple of days and pull it, paint it and slap it back in. You will be impressed with the results. Really!!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · The Geo Metro Lounge · Next Topic »
Add Reply