Tips for removal of the dash?

[Boltonator_VT]

Hi, i recently had a heater core that sprung a leak so ive drained the coolant out of it and rerouted the coolant. Now it comes to the actual removal and reinstallation of the dash so i can get to the HVAC unit. Ive read the Holden VT service manual and it seems quite straightforward but is there anything that other people on the forum have done or done wrong that i might need to be concerned about?

[riki7454]

im in the same process at the moment (have the dash out but am replacing evaporator unit) What I did was put all the screws in a bucket and labelled all the ones that were unique with a description of where it came from (u will have shitloads of screws that are the same for alot of plastic components) Towards the end just make sure u disconnect the solar sensor in the middle/top of dash, u will need to plug it back in to use your remote key whilst doing the job as it picks up the signal from here. only major problem is patience and being careful, I havent completed the job yet but it seems ok so far. For less than 40 quid from holden u can replace the chrome shifter button and handbrake buttons while ur there and also run any wiring for an amp etc if these are one of ur plans coz u will have good access without the dash. Im not 100% sure but i think if u remove the hvac u will need to have ur aircon disconnected at the tx valve, I would recommend getting ur evap double checked while u have it out just incase. I will try and check back and see how u go

[Boltonator_VT]

Okay. I like the point about running the speaker wiring as you will have access to the dash. I have a non functional speaker that i could go about repairing. I could repair the fan speed resistor but having my car's air on high will probably be like having a howling gale in my face. I dont see any spanners in the works now, its just a case of getting the spanners in there and getting the thing out. My family members are having a great time discouraging me from doing such a thing to my car (they think im chasing ghosts) but im sure that its the heater core and i will also be replacing the heater hoses to prevent a leak in the hoses as well.

[riki7454]

I have mine back together and all is good now, you will have a decent amount of work ahead of you if you decide to continue, make sure you have a manual available. You will probably need your a/c gassed after you remove/refit the hvac unit. Make sure you make a list of what order you remove things because putting it back together is more of the puzzle then getting it apart but not as terrible as you might think (just be patient). inspect under/around the tensioner pulley where the heater hose connects for leaks too, also holden have pellets they recommend using when refilling the coolant system that block pinhole leaks and breakup/stop scum from forming. One other thing is make sure you disconnect your battery before you undo connections in your dash, your airbags could fire or simply show an error when u replug in your dash. Make sure you have a few days to sort it out incase u hit any troubles and hopefully all will be good, good luck.

[Boltonator_VT]

Thanks, I never had A/C anyway and I have a service manual. I wouldnt be undertaking such a task if I didnt have one handy.

[Mick1988]

It's all fairly straight forward. Just double and triple check for hidden screws you might have missed before you try to yank stuff off. Snapping clips or screw locating holes is never cool.

[LthlThrt]

patience and alot of beers, just dont rip anyhting out that doesnt want to go out otherwise one little clip turns out to be very expensive