Tutorial: How to remove the dash

[garyhartaz]

Originally Posted by SMART

If I could ask another question, can you tell me the complete steps for the dash removal, at least the lower if you didn't perform the top.

It's pretty easy.

1) Remove the dash end caps; the decorative ring, the inner dash cap and the cap frame.
Note: On the outer ring there is one screw underneath the dash to remove prior to pulling it off. Then, the inner cap has 3 screws you'll also need to remove. The cap frame will also have 3 screws. All of them are torx screws.




2) Once you have removed all three of these pieces, you will then need to remove the center panel (the one with the lock/unlock, heated seat, etc. buttons.) This simply just pops out so pull on it from one of the sides. Unhook the wire harness. Once you have removed it, you will see two screws, take them out.


3) Now you have to remove the cup holder. There is one screw to the rear of it and it is a larger torx head. Once the screw is out, simply pull up on the cup holder as it is held to the carpet with industrial velcro.

4) Go along the underneath of the dash from driver to passenger removing the screws. This includes removing the screws for the center power console (12v lighter).

5) Remove the screw at each end of the dash on the left and right top, you'll see these after removing the cap frame.

6) That's it, ease the dash out. Just reverse these steps when putting back together



One last item regarding the removal of the glove box. There are 4 screws on the outside frame of the glove box to remove but that is not all. If you open the glove box up, there are 2 "plug pins" on the inside top of the box. You can take a small flat-tip screw driver and pull down the pin. This will allow you to release the glove box from the dash. Here is another picture I found.

[stevenvillatoro]

Is the top panel similarly easy? I have black leather interior, but like the red dash panels. I might consider replacing the original black upper/lower panels for red (and maybe doors, but NOT seats). If the upper panel might be difficult, could do just the lower panel and get a still-nice effect. Any idea on the prices for either of these pieces, and has anyone yet seen an example of this color swap? Thanks!

[garyhartaz]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Is the top panel similarly easy? I have black leather interior, but like the red dash panels. I might consider replacing the original black upper/lower panels for red (and maybe doors, but NOT seats). If the upper panel might be difficult, could do just the lower panel and get a still-nice effect. Any idea on the prices for either of these pieces, and has anyone yet seen an example of this color swap? Thanks!

The upper panel is just as easy. Have no fear with this car! I'll post those pictures soon of the upper dash panel removal.

As for where to get them, don't go through smart USA unless you want to wait for months and months. The fastest are through some of the Germany smart parts sites. You can also get them through most of the UK sites as well but they will add an extra week to your order because they have to get them in their hands before shipping to you. They haven't mastered drop-shipping in the EU

[Dave777]

Good DIY! Thanks for that.

[smart-IN]

nice! please post the pics of the upper part soon - on german site's nobody even postet some...