Removing front Dash

[TOASTERGOD]

My dash is cracking, so i am thinking of recovering it. Has anyone removed their dash, if so how big a project is it and are there any pitfalls to be on the look out for? Next, i have seen on you tube someone covering dash with leather looking vinyl with adhesive backing without removing dash, has anyone attempted this?

[Ilya]

Unfortunately, in my 4-5 years of being here, I've not heard of anyone doing either thing. You are the first from what I know. I know personally, even with the fact that I'm quite handy with cars and tools, I'd never attempt it lol. WAY too much work.

[Larz]

I am considering re-covering mine as well, but only the top half. I have a 2009 M35, but I believe the dash is the same from 2006-2010.
I have done some preliminary exploration just to see what will be involved if I move forward with this project. You will need trim removal tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Interior-Pa ... 99&vxp=mtr $12.00 shipped.

Do NOT think of using screwdrivers, putty knives, spatulas, etc because you will surely damage or scratch the cheap plastic trim pieces or the shape of the dash around the trim pieces.
Here is what I have found whilst testing the removal of the dash pieces:
Just about every piece of trim on the dash is simply clipped on. Two exceptions: The long passenger trim (wood or other) has 3-4 screws on the under side that are accessible after removing the glove box door. The rest of this piece is clipped like the other wood / other trim pieces - they pull outward toward you if you start at one corner and work the tool along the sides. The other exception is the L and R side air con vents. They are clipped in, but also have a screw that is hidden under the plastic pieces that snap into the sides of the dash. If you put the steering wheel all the down and forward, the speedo trim pulls out toward you. The speaker grille in the center of the dash pops upwards in the front, then pulls toward you. Then, simply pull on the trim that includes the center air/con vents - it comes out toward you. The defroster grilles are also clipped. Start at one end, lift upwards, then follow all the way down the front. The grille slides upward to remove it. You have to unplug the sensors at the edge of each grill to remove them completely. After this, all that is left is the dash with holes. At this point, I decided I would NOT remove the actual dash - too many points of attachment, to many wiring harnesses, etc. Then there is the sheer size and cumbersome shape.

It took me maybe 45 min to remove everything, including searching for how each piece is snapped or screwed. After getting that far, I could see how it will be easy enough to cover the dash in leather-like material or suede. However, when it comes to actually shaping the new material around the speedo hump, etc I will need to find a material that is flexible and stretchable to a degree and will probably need a hair dryer or heat gun to aid forming the material around edges, etc.
I also found a video on YouTube that shows pretty clearly how to glue the new cover in place without removing the dash:

https://youtu.be/ANE0dueAXSI

I have some other projects around the house I am into at the moment, but if I decide to do this, I will make a DIY with pics and links to everything I bought.

[Brian35XR]

i havent removed the m35 dash but i removed my old g35 dash to replace the deployed passenger airbag and i can tell you that was a HUGE f*** to do. You won't believe how much infinitely harder they made things with the g35 compared to the M. I can tell the M is easier just by skimming ip.pdf... Larz is right that most of the pieces are simply clipped on. Everything else would be standard screw/clip removal in order.

[TOASTERGOD]

I just ordered this http://www.ebay.com/itm/252083700347?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

once it comes in, i will give recovering it a try. I will post pics.

[Larz]

I saw that video before and thought is was a great idea, but my car has a dark gray radio grille and vents. I just watched that vid again and noticed the car in the video also has gray vents. Looks very good. Maybe I will re-consider instead of using gray leather with a fabric backing and some glue.

[BlackCat81]

If you're pulling the dash, you'll have this to look forward to. This is on an FX35, which is a bit easier to pull than an M's dash.

[Ilya]

I'd NEVER be able to put it back together/get it just right. Heck no.

[BlackCat81]

I'd NEVER be able to put it back together/get it just right. Heck no.

Haha, I've done so many of them it's a breeze now. You know what warranty pays to replace the dash? 2.1 hours. I often wonder who decides how much to screw the techs who have to make a living doing stuff like this. Just for a comparison, remember the accelerator pedal recall? It's a simple replacement of the electronic mechanism behind the actual pedal and an ECM reprogram. That pays 1.2hrs. So you get less than an hour additional to replace an entire dash.

[Larz]

SWEET BABEEE JEEEBUS !!

I was expecting to just remove the wood trim, maybe the speedo and multi-switch and find a few screws that hold the top half of the dash in place.
You even removed the bloody steering wheel! Not to mention, both A-pillars, glove box, half the console, and the lower dash as well !
I reckon I can take all that off in no time at all .... however, after about 2 hours trying to figure which harness goes where, looking for a clip or screw that rolled across the garage floor and under a something huge that I would have to move, Fetucini would find me in the drive way laying face down, kicking and pounding my fists into the ground, crying like a little baby, LMAO. I can see her now ... folding her arms, shaking her head, and saying: Darling ...do you want to buy another car now? or wait till morning?

[BlackCat81]

SWEET BABEEE JEEEBUS !!

I was expecting to just remove the wood trim, maybe the speedo and multi-switch and find a few screws that hold the top half of the dash in place.
You even removed the bloody steering wheel! Not to mention, both A-pillars, glove box, half the console, and the lower dash as well !
I reckon I can take all that off in no time at all .... however, after about 2 hours trying to figure which harness goes where, looking for a clip or screw that rolled across the garage floor and under a something huge that I would have to move, Fetucini would find me in the drive way laying face down, kicking and pounding my fists into the ground, crying like a little baby, LMAO. I can see her now ... folding her arms, shaking her head, and saying: Darling ...do you want to buy another car now? or wait till morning?

It does look a bit intimidating, but for the most part, all the connectors only fit in their designated spots, and most of the dash harness is formed in a way where you really can't go wrong putting it back together. If you decide to tackle it, you'll have to re-rivet your vin tag back on the new dash, and don't for any reason turn it to accessory mode otherwise you'll have a million codes to clear. I normally go one step further and remove the entire steering column now, it takes a bit longer but you have more room to get the dash in and out. Go for it, I'll be here to help if you have any questions.

[Ilya]

Fetucini would find me in the drive way laying face down, kicking and pounding my fists into the ground, crying like a little baby, LMAO. I can see her now ... folding her arms, shaking her head, and saying: Darling ...do you want to buy another car now? or wait till morning?

[Larz]

I just got back from a place called Joann Fabrics. I took the driver's side air/con vent with me and believe it or not, I found an EXACT color match on some vinyl with a fabric backing (perfect for gluing into place). It hat has a lovely leather look and realistic grain on the surface. I am going to do a DIY from start to finish in the event anyone else wants to try it. I will NOT be removing the dash. Instead, I will remove the trim pieces, vents, etc. I have a "dash mat' cover which will allow me to copy the pattern and shape. I reckon this will give me a great starting point.
All I am waiting for is a day to do it when I can have my mate Scooter to assist me, and Fetucini to stand by with the tranquilizer gun (or maybe just a massage) for any tantrums we display along the way.
Wish me luck please ?

[tbright]

...
I have done some preliminary exploration just to see what will be involved if I move forward with this project. ...t.

Do you know if the instrument gauge/cluster will come out with out taking any wood trim out? The IP.PDF shows them taking off the two pieces to the left and right but its not clear to me if thats just part of the dash removal or you need to pop those pieces off for the instrument panel.

[Larz]

I don't remember. I do remember that the steering wheel had to be extended all the way and lowered all the way and you have to sort of coax it forward at different angles while removing it. I already had the two small trim pieces off so I'm not sure if they have to be removed to get the speedo surround out. The actual cluster is behind the surround piece and I did not remove that.

[Brian35XR]

...
I have done some preliminary exploration just to see what will be involved if I move forward with this project. ...t.

Do you know if the instrument gauge/cluster will come out with out taking any wood trim out? The IP.PDF shows them taking off the two pieces to the left and right but its not clear to me if thats just part of the dash removal or you need to pop those pieces off for the instrument panel.

the only two pieces that need to be removed ARE the two wood trim pieces on the bottom corners of the cluster. that's because they are covering the two screws holding the cluster in. they simply snap out from the top... takes 30 seconds each.

[tbright]

Thanks Brian35XR (BTW- I'm waiting for my Ebay trim removal kit too.)

[M4T5]

How much is that dash trim piece from Infiniti parts? Mines cracked too. Cheap if you ask me since this car is garaged. The driver side seat is cracked/ split as well. I've never had leather interior on any of my vehicles do that.

[Larz]

If there was a previous owner, they cold have done things that weakened the leather and trim. Lots of peeps still use things like Armor-All which is absolute rubbish and will quickly ruin whatever it is used on. Now that I have a light colored interior (I used to have Bourbon in my 07) I an shocked at how quickly dirt collects on the seat surfaces. I have to do attend to the leather much more often than I used to now that the dirt is so noticeable. And we all know it's not just the temp but the dirt that gets ground into the leather when your butt slides in and out of the seat that causes weakening and cracks.

[M4T5]

I've owned the car since 2008 and when it had 17k miles on it. This car hasn't been treated any different than my Chevrolet leathered vehicles. My wife at 115lbs drives the car. Me at 215 drives the other vehicles. None of my Chevy trucks have splits in the leather seats at much higher mileage. Makes no sense.

[Ilya]

I've owned the car since 2008 and when it had 17k miles on it. This car hasn't been treated any different than my Chevrolet leathered vehicles. My wife at 115lbs drives the car. Me at 215 drives the other vehicles. None of my Chevy trucks have splits in the leather seats at much higher mileage. Makes no sense.

No offense to anyone who loves their American Made Chevy's, but unless it's a Caddy or something high-end I'd imagine the leather quality/pleather quality of a Chevy is not that of a luxury Japanese sedan. My guess is the type of material used to 'mimic' leather in a Chevy is more resistant as it's not as genuine.

That being said, I got my 2007 with 32kmi in May 2010 and traded it in in November 2014 with 142kmi on it and I had no issue with the seats. It had cracks in it, but every leather seat gets that. I also conditioned/cleaned it like twice during the entire time owning and never had the car professionally detailed.

My 2011, I got with 42kmi on it in November (replaced the 07) and I have yet to clean/condition the seats. They don't look much different from the day I bought the car and I'm at 65kmi now. Also, I'm 225 and fart a lot.

[TOASTERGOD]

Ok, so the adhesive vinyl I mentioned in a previous post was complete waste of time and money. So I went with suede. I love the way it looks, plus it seemed like it would be much easier to work with than vinyl. Phone camera is not that great. But I am VERY happy with the way it turned out. Plus all I had to take off were trim pieces and just glue it down.

[Six_Legs]

Looks great, nice work!!
I imagine the suede eliminates any glare on the windshield also.

[Larz]

Toaster, that looks bloody brilliant, mate ! If you have any pics of how you did that, please post - there is always more than one way to do a job and you might have found an easier way.
I was unable to find suede in a grey that matched the dash trim the way I wanted, so I went with a vinyl material that has a leather look and fabric backing to allow it to be glued down. The shade I found looks like a factory grey.

There is a complete DIY in the FAQ section that I made whilst doing this project, and it gives details on the material I bought and where to get it plus a DIY on removing trim pieces from the dash. The results came out great.
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[TDot]

I've seen many people here mess with the dash, trim, interior, this is the first I really like. From the limited examples it looks like it really belongs. Clean, smooth. I would explore covering up the top portion of the door panels that matched the dash so everything is uniform, although that may be difficult to make it seamless since there aren't finishes to tuck the suede under to make it as smooth and seamless as the dash. I like the thought of suede, however the UV rays and light are going to be murder on it. I'd DEFINATELY look into UV coated tints if I were you if you want to keep the suede looking lush. I wish I could touch it lol.

[TOASTERGOD]

The suede will definitely fade over time, So I will be tinting the windshield. Plus i will be using one of those inside reflective shields when i park the car outside. And even if it does fade, it was easy to install so replacing it would not be that big of a deal. Next up, Silver Platinum Suede Headliner. I'm sure it will take much more time but it will be worth it. Thanks for all the compliments, sure makes you feel good about a project!

[Wcaban1206]

Where did you pick up the suede?? Or where can I pick suede up?

[ChingPoW]

yeah is that a suede dash cover or suede vinyl that you had to glue down? Where to purchase and install process perhaps bro?

[Larz]

You can purchase the suede or vinyl from a fabric store. they are sold by the yard, but you will need two yards. You will need to install it with contact cement. There is a DIY in the FAQ section of this forum that I made and it lists the tools needed. Just follow that and use suede instead of the vinyl I purchased.
recover-dash-diy-2006-2010-models-t604814.html

[herm23]

Where would I start if I wanted to remove dash? I had a electric fire and my whole bottom dash on driver's side is melted.