w123 Dashboard Installation '84 300CD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jaybutter · #1 03-10-2018, 05:51 PM

I am working on reinstalling my dashboard after replacing the center vent flap vacuum pod. I am having trouble getting the dash to push in towards the windshield far enough to seat. My question is how does the front edge of the dash vinyl interface with the windshield rubber gasket. Does the edge of the dash vinyl butt straight into to the rubber or does the edge of the vinyl roll down, bending 90 degrees? I would love to see a photo of this taken trough the windshield looking down on the dash. Thanks!

BWhitmore · #2 03-10-2018, 06:05 PM

The front edge of the dash fits below the lower windshield rubber. The front edge of the dash is flexible. It is best to have another person help (extra fingers to hold the front edge of the dash below the windshield rubber).

ROLLGUY · #3 03-10-2018, 09:38 PM

It is also good to use some sort of tool like a plastic putty knife to work the edge of the dash down against the windshield rubber. One of those trim tools (blue plastic HF) works great.

jaybutter · #4 03-11-2018, 12:03 PM

OK, I will continue to work at it. Thanks for responding!

will_t · #5 03-12-2018, 11:18 PM

Does anyone have any helpful hints on how to reinstall the rubber boot that connects the center air diffusers to the air source behind them? I've installed several dashboards and connecting the boot after the dash is in place is always a challenge for me.

Thanks!

ROLLGUY · #6 03-12-2018, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will_t

Does anyone have any helpful hints on how to reinstall the rubber boot that connects the center air diffusers to the air source behind them? I've installed several dashboards and connecting the boot after the dash is in place is always a challenge for me.

Thanks!

I usually work it on from both sides- instrument cluster and glove box openings. Yes it is a little tricky, but doable.

will_t · #7 03-12-2018, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I usually work it on from both sides- instrument cluster and glove box openings. Yes it is a little tricky, but doable.

Do you install it on the diffusers first and then connect to the source once the dash is in, or do you install it onto the source first and then to the diffusers once the dash is in? I've tried both and it seems to me I've had more success with putting it on the diffusers first since there are two of them and then I somehow get it on the source after the dash is in, but I don't remember exactly how. From the sides, to be sure, becuase that's the only access, but it's really tight in there... I was hoping there was a trick, but probably not.

ROLLGUY · #8 03-13-2018, 11:18 AM

It has been a while, but as I remember, I fit the boot on the diffusers first, and then work it around the oval part of the HVAC unit. Also, I have always disabled the center vent pod and fixed the flap in the open position.

vwnate1 · #9 03-16-2018, 11:52 AM

Would be nice to have pictures here .

I used a long thin hook shaped tool to re install that center boot when I discovered it 1/4 off not long ago when I hat the binnacle out to replace a dead WSW relay .

As mentioned it's fiddly but do able once you slow down and take time with it .

I need to replace the entire cracked and dead dashboard on my '84 300CD....