Darkshot

iTrader: (4)

I've got some RAAMmat coming in the mail soon (will give a review when all is said and done) and I have stripped most of my interior. My split back seats are out, all carpet, A pillar panels, sail panels, rear cargo pillars, dash pad, etc etc. The only thing left is the dash itself. I would like to put a double layer if possible on the inner side of the firewall.

What is required to remove to do this? Do I have to take out the entire dash? Can I drive the car with no dash at all? (like, as far as the steering column goes..)

Also, what prep should I do to the inner body before I lay down the mat? Should I clean it, and take the time to scrape off every bit of factory goo and whatnot? Or can I lay the mat over most of that without problems? There is a lot of gross sticky black factory tar stuff. I've taken it all out - right move?

xlwhellraiser

iTrader: (1)

Well, I had my dash apart and away from my vehicle (my previous third gen). To tell you the truth, there is some sound deadening pieces on the firewall itself. I would say that you would be better off leaving the dash alone. If you decide to take it out, you would have to figure out a way to set up the steering colum cuz it bolts right to the dash.
I would put the sound deadening mat as far as the dash would let me and leave the dash alone. Too much hassle for a little space that already has stuff there to deaden the sound and protect you as well.
IMHO!

Darkshot

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the advice - that would make things much easier if I did not have to remove the dash. However, I would like to get a couple more opinions from other people. Anybody else able to chip in?

xlwhellraiser

iTrader: (1)

I thought more about this, and you should be able to really get in there by just removing the kick panels (or whatever you call them). You can't put sound deadening stuff around the heater core, so thats something to concider too. On the other side, just stuff the sound deadening mats as far as you can. Really, if you were to remove the dash you will see that there aren't that many places where you can put the mats. Also, you will realize that the dash itself is deadening the sound.

Taking the whole thing apart is not fun. From personal experience, (and it could be just me) once taken apart and put back in the dash looses is "virginity" . When you take some of those bolts out of the plastic and put them back in, they wont "catch" thread as well, thus developing rattles, and more headaches. Bigger bolts will help for a while, but will eventually let go, and you will be frustrated since you did all the work just to get that damn dash all loose and rattely ( I don't think thats a word, but you get what am trying to say.)

xlwhellraiser

iTrader: (1)

Oh, you have a camaro on top of that. In birds the heater controls/cdplayer pod is separate making it much easier to remove the dash and center console.
All I gotta say is "Good luck"

Darkshot

iTrader: (4)

Alright I am convinced, heres what I'll do. I'll get as much of behind the dash as I can from underneath, and as much as I can from above with the dash pad off. Then I'll just focus on the rest of the car.

xlwhellraiser

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, you'll pretty much get the idea once you go under the dash. You'll thank me then!

186irocz

I did my car, took an hour to install the mat and about 2 to take out the interior and clean, then re-install.

87CIZ

iTrader: (8)

you can remove the dash and still drive. the steering column bolts to a support that welded to it. it has nothing to do with the dash. I've had mine out of both my cars to replace heater cores, and never had any problems with squeaks. If anything it squeaks less because of them loosening up over time from vibration. Thats my personal experience.

vendetta

how much weight do you figure it all added?

faubertt

iTrader: (1)

those seat belt studs seen in the picture...anyone know what size that is? Have to buy a larger star bit and can't get them out of the car as is! THANKS

IROCK ZZ

its a t50 torque socket



get a good impact one, not from napa, a very short extension and a 3/8 drive breaker bar, take your time and dont get the bit crooked, should be a piece of cake!

jchaussee

What steps did you take to prep? How did you remove goo from floor plugs? What did you use to clean before putting down the mat??