Dash/Instrument Panel Question

[Black&Gifted]

Can the big, one piece dash board/instrment panel be removed from the car and reinstalled without major headache?

I already have the passenger airbag out, dash surround off, gauge cluster out, top dash piece out, etc. Do I need to remove the steering colum also and does anyone know the location (and how many) of the bolts that hold it into place??

Thanks

[Blackmobile]

I believe there are 4 bolts that hold up the steering column. With them removed you can drop the steering column out of the way. As for an easy removal, I think not, there is a wire harness that runs through the dash that might give you trouble.

[fastblackmerc]

Not an easy job. Why do you need to remove it?

[Black&Gifted]

Trouble shooting a rattle that's driving me crazy.

Let me ask it this way...I have no issue taking apart suspension, starting equip, etc and am contemplating doing my engine swap myself (this is not my daily driver). Just really would like to know if it is really over a moderately capable person.

Thanks

[Blackmobile]

Not trying to scare you off, just forewarning. :beatnik:

You may not have to totally remove, just disassemble and pull to one side.

[Black&Gifted]

Thanks and no worries. First going to try and trouble shoot with a second person while driving. It's on the passenger side and I have everything removed from there except airbag. All I need to do is find it and either fix what's rattling or put foamy insulation around it.

[Tnbigbody]

Is it more like a buzzing sound? Does it happen at speeds or all the time? I had an issue a few years ago with my marquis that when I got up to certain speeds it would buzz. but I could slow down a little and it would go away. And as it turned out for me the weather strip under the hood by the glass was not on the whole way. If this describes your issue then try it first better then chasing a noise that doesn't have anything to do with the dash :)

[Black&Gifted]

Thanks for the response but my noise is a bit different. It is actually a rattle sound no matter the speed; it is dependent upon bumps and such in the road.

I think I isolated it to the area directly in or behind the passenger airbag area...if so, it will be a relief to not have to pull the entire dash. will do more trouble shooting tomorrow.

[Black&Gifted]

Found it and fixed. Two issues: plastic connector for a part of a wiring harness was knocking against a metal piece and a screw with a washer was not secure against the bracket. Insulated the wire harness connector with foam insulator tape and tightened the bolt.

[Tnbigbody]

Cool At least ya found the issue now you can go back to enjoying the car lol :)