Removing dash panel with defroster grills

[mhall1019]

I've gone about as far as I'm willing with this job without some experienced help. I'm trying to remove the panels that are at the front of the dash by the windshield, so I can reattach the cf strips that came loose from overexposure to the sun I presume - it probably won't work anyway because they are warped. The workshop manual led me to believe that I just needed to pry it up (Section 701837).

I started with the left side. I took the side panel off (the one with the headlight switch) and was able to use a plastic putty knife to pry up the area where the defroster vent is by pushing the tab that is on the bottom of the panel just to the left of the vent. But, the ends of the panel are being very stubborn and I don't want to break my putty knife.

Does anybody know if this panel will come off without removing the entire dash? I hate to try to glue a replacement piece onto the dash with it in place.

Any ideas?

TIA

Mike

[Loren]

The plastic clips that hold the defroster trim in place will likely break.

Start at the center and work towards the corners - that will give you a little more flex.

If the car has been in the sun a lot then the plastic will be brittle and may break.

[mhall1019]

Loren:

Thanks. That's exactly where I was with it. The middle loose and afraid to pry too hard on the ends. I bought genuine (vg used) replacements with new alcantara trim and all their tabs from 911ava on eBay.

Mike