This is the wierdest thing. after swapping my old grey dashboard for an old black dashboard, i can't get the radio pod to fit back into it's original position. has anyone else had this problem? it seems like it's the heater core getting in the way, but why would it? i didn't touch the heater core so why would it be in the way now? i hope someone has an idea cause im totally stumped.

 

Two questions are buggin me about your predicament.
1. Is the center console still in place? If it is, you ain't going to be getting that pod back in without breaking it. Believe me, I know this for a fact (was broke anyways so no biggie). Remove the console.
2. Have you remembered about the little black bracket that's bolted to the driveshaft hump that acts as the rear support for the pod? That is probably what is getting in the way.

I highly doubt that GM moved the heater box over about... (hmmm...) two inches while in the middle of producing F-bodies, especially from '82-'87. There is just about NO WAY the heater box can be a problem.

Upon realizing you have switched to an older dash, I have to ask what year car the dash is from. From about 82-84 GM used a common style dash that was only changed from the compact Camaro cluster to the wider Firebird dash, and they used identical center consoles. The older Firebird console has the pod built in so it might be the dash throwing everything off.

 

it's the same dash, i just didn't want to confuse anyone with the word "NEW" i just changed it for the color from an 87 formula to an 88 trans. the center console is NOT in, there are not mounting surfaces left on the car aside from the post that sticks up from the floor. ill post pics if nessesary. i don't understand it, the dash is in the exact same spot the other one was, but for some reason the radio just wont go.

 

Sorry man. Just had to make sure you had the same type dash going in there. Did you get the HVAC panel out of the way and into the spot it belongs in? That's the number 1 cause of pod misalignment. Attach the panel to the pod, taking care not to pinch any wires or vacuum hoses and then see what happens. Also check to see if the radio harness is in the way.

This would probably be easier with a pic...

 

accually the pod is entirely assmbled, im trying to get it to fit into the spot where it bolts to the post.

 

You already have the radio in or not? You have said you have the pod assembled, but with the radio in place you're going to have a he11 of a time aligning the rear bracketry. IIRC, since I no longer have a stock stereo in place and have not had one since June of last year, the radio harness comes around the post at the rear driver's side of the pod.

Getting that damn post in place can be he11 if the wiring is all bunched up and being stretched as you move the pod towards the driver's side to align it with the bolt in the bracket to attach the nut. Leave the components loose (unbolted from the pod) as you install the pod and don't install the radio until last. There is a small hole in the left hand corner of the pod that you might be able to reach through to connect wiring if the wiring is that short.

And yes, I know I am going back on what I said before...