Esprit 98 dashboard disassembly

[Loose Cannon]

Can anyone talk me though the disassembly of the late model dashboard, specifically as far as removing the ABS plastic moulding (part no 17) surrounding the electric window switches/lighter which also forms the oddment tray. Anyone who has had to change these switches must have done this

 

 

It is creaking like a swine over bumps, the only thing I can think of is to remove it and line with velcro or something where it rubs against the vinyl trim.

 

 

If the advice for removal starts with "remove the A-pillar trims" then it's game over, as Autoglass bonded these to the screen when they changed it!

 

Hopefully this minor part can be removed without removing the large piece (no 13) but it doesn't look like it! Typically Lotus everything seems to be layered on progressively on top of the most vital components!

 

I have removed the pairs of bolts at the  rear of the console, behind the middle vent and behind the instrument cluster, plus a single nut under the drivers side under panel, but it doesn't want to shift. Am I missing any more?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Advantage]

As far as I remember it's glued in. Remove the lighter and window switches and gear lever surround, then do your best. Be aware it has a lip on either side which tucks inside each side of the leather/wetsuit upholstery.

So to do the job without any fear of marking that area it's probably best to do a massive dismantle of the entire console. It is definitely possible to shortcut by being a bit brutal but I'd only suggest doing that to my own car and certainly wouldn't recommend it on a public forum.

[Loose Cannon]

Thanks, that jogs the memory banks a little. It did occur that I had removed this piece before (for a heater fault years ago) but couldn't recall any details.

[irox]

Lining with Velcro... What an interesting solution. I like that idea.