Ok, I finally got somewhat motivated to start this project. I want to take the top of the dash off for some smoothing and paint, but have run into a little snag. I can't seem to get it off. I have removed the RPD and the screw behind it, the 2 screws under the top of the waterfall, and the 2 screws under the A pillar covers. I have also removed the 2 screws from the instrument bezel.The issue I seem to be having is around the pass. airbag. Can anyone help?

 

The airbag is held in with 2 nuts (10mm). After those are removed then the cover must be pried from the dash top.

 

So after that did it come off?

 

hey, could you take a few pics or somethin. once i finish my door panels i wanna do the dash next. i was just gonna wrap it in suede though. let me know how the smoothing works for ya. good luck

 

Pics will be forthcoming. Once the airbag is removed the top pulls off. To remove the cover for the airbag 6 ( or 8, I don't remember ) tabs must be bent up so the cover can be pried over them. Note.......I unplugged the module just inside the passenger side kickpanel before I did anything else with it. The wire leading up to the module is taped to 2 retainers that need to be pried from their respective holes. Oh yea, the clearance for the socket ( which must be a deep well ) is such that with an extension on it, it puts it at an odd angle, so you either need a universal, or to get the ratchet up in the dash. The thought of trying to smooth the bezel for the RPD has me questioning whether I really want to go that far, so I may just end up painting it

 

Interested in seeing how this works out.

Seth

 

I did some preliminary painting yesterday. I'll do a few topcoats tonight and determine whether I'll need to sand off the texture. Pics to follow

 

keep us updated please, i have been thinking of this as well

 

I wanted to glue the stalk for my GPS to the dashboard storage bin lid. I was going to buy a new lid and install it when I sell the HHR in a few years.

But, after reading about removing the dash (which, I assume, will be necessary in order to replace the storage bin lid), I've decided to do something else.

YIKES!!!

 

I don't have the storage bin, but I think it should come out without having to remove the dash top. Should be 3 screws if I remember correctly