dashboard removal

hiya

ive got to replace my heater matrix due to it leaking so now know ive got to remove the entire dashboard to replace it

was also going to run some wiring through for my spots etc and install the 4 , switch panel at the same time and put in a secondary fusebox for auxs etc , also got a decent front carpet so was going to get as much done whilst the dash board is out

was going to leave the battery disconnected for at least 30 mins before i take the air bag out etc

has anyone taken the dashboard out please before and if so is it a pig to get out please

any tips etc please would of course be most appreciated apart from the box of matches, lolol

would u say its a days job to get it out or maybe an entire weekend please

thks guys

gary

Rave disk tells you where all the hidden large nuts are. Write a list of what you do so you can follow it putting it back. Remember where switches go.

Hippo said:

Rave disk tells you where all the hidden large nuts are. Write a list of what you do so you can follow it putting it back. Remember where switches go.

Click to expand...

thks buddy, good point i was also going to take some pics and a pen and paper as i go along, something im not looking forward too, but would rather do it now than wait until were in the middle of the winter and the bloody thing decides to spill out everywhere

been trying to look online as i know i wont be going to the local stealers for one but as its not going to be a 5 min job would prefer to get a decent one

was also thinking of flushing the entire system out but dont know if im going to open a can of worms , was just thinking of putting a hose pipe into the different hose outlets to flush any crap out as im reluctant ot should i say worried about putting a cleaner in there

been also looking for the ratios i need with regards to antifreeze etc back in

its suppose to be nice the weekend

when i useto be a central heating engineer there were companies around that inused to discale units and reweld them, but to be honest would rather just buy a new unit and finish with it

just hope when i flush it out i dont end up with leaks in other places,

also been looking at some decent t bar hose clips as a set of silicone hoses come in at around 140 quid fornthe full set , or may just buy the bottom hoses but they look like pigs to get at on the main rad

thks again for the heads up

plus will hopefully have my new brake lines put in this weekend

gary

Mine is a 2001 model, so pre facelifts etc.
Its quite easy to get the dash out really, the Haynes manual has all the steps, its about 15 minutes work to get it out.
Get a tippex correction pen and match up wiring plugs and switches as you unplug them....ie write A on the plug and A on the corresponding switch, so there is no confusion about where they reconnect.

hi did mine lastyear think it took about 2hrs to do the whole job

Rather you , than me pal nightmare !

thks guys

like the tipex idea, am really not looking forward to this

this may sound a daft question , but ive tried to see where the leak is coming from on the passenger side footwell, is the heater matrix the only thing that can leak, ie there are no hoses etc please

it looks like white crystals on the carpets footwell, on sat with somehelp going to try and finish the brake lines then on sunday take out the passenger side glove bix etc to see if i can pin it down where the leak is coming from

but still need to buy the matrix first , so dont wish to strip the dash board down first before i buy it, but then thinking it would only take a few days to get one so might be a good idea to strip the dash board out so can then at least be 100 percent its that,

could anyone recommend any companies please or makes of matrix as i certainly wont be going near my local rip off stealer

may i ask can any of u recommend also a decent antifreeze please , is the likes of halfords make etc ok please

i assume it will have the ratio required in the haynes manual

thks so much again guys really appretiate the help with this

gary

You needs the oats antifreeze like LR recommends. Mix is 50% water 50% oats if you use the LR stuff. Check the side of the bottle for the mix ratio, which depends on the temp. Your owner manual or the rave disk will advise.

Is it just a leak on the floor or is it antifreeze coming out? Have you felt round the matrix with your hand? Also had a look inside the air filter bit to see if there's water marks? You can't easily see the matrix so use a camcorder or phone to film inside. You'll need a light too.

2001 Freelander 1 v6 Heater Matrix and Fan - YouTube

Or buy a cheap usb endoscope oft the web and use that to look behind yer dash.

Hippo said:

Or buy a cheap usb endoscope oft the web and use that to look behind yer dash.

Click to expand...

thks , sounds like a plan,

am going to have a look once weve got this nightmare of the brake lines sorted out first

was then thinking once sorted out and back on the rd to put a paper towel down and see how bad it is and go from there

as my son is going on away soon so may leave it until he gets back

thks again for good idea

gary

thks for the great advice and help .

the existing dashboard since i bought it has got really bad scratches were it looks as though someone has carried long lengths of wood or rube etc. and rested it on the passenger side of the dashboard and actually been looking on ebay and can pick them up for around 75 quid,

as im going to fit the spot and fog light switch panel etc and got to drill a hole right near the fuse box was actually thinking of buying a decent black second hand dashboard so can fit all the switches so i can then minimise the time the hippo is off the raid and reduce the risk of clipping any wire with a drill etc,

plus it will then look alot nicer without the horrible marks across the dashboard

i can then just sit down in my shed and take my time and as i cant bend twist etc because of my back just thought it would make life easier so that when james takes out the old one can just then swap them straight over

yeh i know im nuts going to that extreme measures but wish to keep the car as long as possible and will also look nicer too

gary