dash removal

[rogerch]

Has any one taken the whole dash out of a 88 stephens? I've got the instrument binicle out, that was easy, once I found the 88 had 4 bolts, not 2. Now I would like to take the whole dash out, doesn't look too hard, but I don't seem to be able to find all the fastenings.

Yes my Christmas project of restoring and re-dying the leather is well out of hand, I'm eyeing the carpet next.

Roger

[davegtst]

Don't know how to take the whole dash out but i will be doing this fairly soon so get some pics up as i would love to see how you get on.

[Alan Paterson]

Roger,

You'll need a scraper to get the old carpet out. They knew something about glue in 1988 that we seem to have forgotten today. The glue to use to put down new carpet is Dunlop 1358. It uses toluene as a solvent and is a glue sniffers dream. I think I got mine from SJ Sportscars, who also supply replacement carpet sets.

Alan

[sgrobler]

[....

Yes my Christmas project of restoring and re-dying the leather is well out of hand, I'm eyeing the carpet next.

Roger

[rogerch]

[....

Yes my Christmas project of restoring and re-dying the leather is well out of hand, I'm eyeing the carpet next.

Roger

Hi Roger,

I've just done Leatherique Rejuvinator oil and Pristine clean to my '88's seats, console, door panels (finished today).

I am quite pleased with results - a lot of dirt came out so they look noticeably cleaner. Got rid of all the scuff marks from shoes on the door panels too.

Drivers seat could do with a re-dye, but maybe later in 2008 - next christmas!

My seats are cream colour (body is Calypso red).

I have been thinking about a set of SJ Sportscars carpets, but the freight cost is about same as the carpets, so I am a little discouraged right now. SJ sent me out some samples - not a great slection of colours - I dislike the original beige I have now.

If you are thinking about importing a set of carpets, we might be able to save on freight costs if we ship together - let me know if you are interested. (I am in Perth - I think you are in Oz too?)

Regards

Steve

Yes I'm in OZ Coffs Harbour northern NSW coast, same car 88 Esprit, same colour Calypso Red, same leather dye, but did you take the whole dash panel out, not just the instument binicale the whole lot, some one must of done it, including the trim round the "A" pilars.

By the way, what did you think of the consistancy and quality of the leather, I have concluded it was sourced from what ever Chapman ran over on his way to work! ( I know the dates are out a bit, but it's a good line!)

I'm pleased with what I have done so far, but to it properly I really need that dash panel out.

Roger

[Guest Slegs]

Hi guys.... I did take the entire dash out of my '88 esprit. Yes, the binnacle has four bolts, and you need to get out 4 additional bolts for the dash. If you can squeeze your body like a contourtionist under the dash, you can see the bolts with a flash light. They were either 10mm or 13mm (cannot remember). the worst bolt was the one on the right side of the binnacle. They had washers that were cut in half and I had to use a swivel head socket. There was ALOT of grumbling and bitching during the removal, and I remember feeling both successful and wow, "how the hell am I going to get this thing back in when I'm done reupholstering it?". I'll have to update you later when that happens....

Cheers,

Johnny Knoxville

[rogerch]

Hi guys.... I did take the entire dash out of my '88 esprit. Yes, the binnacle has four bolts, and you need to get out 4 additional bolts for the dash. If you can squeeze your body like a contourtionist under the dash, you can see the bolts with a flash light. They were either 10mm or 13mm (cannot remember). the worst bolt was the one on the right side of the binnacle. They had washers that were cut in half and I had to use a swivel head socket. There was ALOT of grumbling and bitching during the removal, and I remember feeling both successful and wow, "how the hell am I going to get this thing back in when I'm done reupholstering it?". I'll have to update you later when that happens....

Cheers,

Johnny Knoxville

Fund them, thanks, there are times when one is grateful for being only 5 foot 4, and under 10 stone, crawling under Lotus Dashes is one of them!

Roger B)