while looking for info on how to remove the dash I found this and thought it might help others that want to do the same.

Click here to see how to Remove the Dash

Thanks

quote Pop up the speaker covers with a flat screwdriver. Be extra careful not to damage your brittle dashboard!

It's amazing how brittle the dash is! I was gentle and it still cracked. When you pry the speaker, make sure you have something large and solid to pry against.

quote Originally posted by Neils88: It's amazing how brittle the dash is! I was gentle and it still cracked. When you pry the speaker, make sure you have something large and solid to pry against.

NEVER pry the speaker covers off.
Even trying to distribute the load across a wider area on an old brittle vinyl dash can still crack it

Use a small wire or thin metal "hook" tool and PULL the speaker covers off.
Gently work your way around the perimeter of the speaker cover, applying gradual effort at the 4 corners to pull the studs out of the rubber grommets .

------------------

OR rather than even take the chance of cracking the dash or damaging your speaker covers, try reaching up from underneath the dashboard and pushing the speaker cover out from below. I prefer this method as all I have to do is give the prongs on each of the 4 pegs a light squeeze and push to pop the speaker cover up enough to easily lift it out of the way. This is definitely easier on the passenger side, but you should be able to reach around the steering column on the drivers side providing you don't have huge forearms.

quote Originally posted by randye: NEVER pry the speaker covers off. Even trying to distribute the load across a wider area on an old brittle vinyl dash can still crack it Use a small wire or thin metal "hook" tool and PULL the speaker covers off. Gently work your way around the perimeter of the speaker cover, applying gradual effort at the 4 corners to pull the studs out of the rubber grommets .

That's a much better idea! I never thought of that

quote Originally posted by Neils88: That's a much better idea! I never thought of that

I learned the "hard way".
When I got lucky enough to find a dash in *perfect* condition I didn't take any chances with it after that.
Ok, I did take a few chances... but not with the vinyl

Speaker cover cloth looks oddly "purple" in this photo, but it is actually black.

[This message has been edited by randye (edited 03-27-2015).]

How long did it take you guys to get the dash off? My mechanic, who doesn't really even want to try it, is saying something like 4 hours. Yes? No?
(This was about fixing dampers/vents that control air direction, heat/no heat, over heater coil, and also, unrelated, possibly replacing at least one speaker.)

quote Originally posted by janeintoronto: How long did it take you guys to get the dash off? My mechanic, who doesn't really even want to try it, is saying something like 4 hours. Yes? No? (This was about fixing dampers/vents that control air direction, heat/no heat, over heater coil, and also, unrelated, possibly replacing at least one speaker.)

You do not have to remove the dash to get to the heater box control doors.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Can you be more specific about how to get access?

Wow, this was an old thread. Dash removal the first time can take a little while. There are a lot of parts that need to be removed for it to come out.

Butime Dennis mentioned dash does not need to be removed for heater core.

[This message has been edited by Spadesluck (edited 06-24-2019).]

Yes he did ("ou do not have to remove the dash to get to the heater box control doors") but I am STILL looking for an answer. Exactly HOW does one get access to the control doors? My meechanic, who wasn't born when they made my '85 SE Fiero, says the dash has to come off, and that that alone would be 4 hours work.
It may be an old thread, but I try to find a relevant one before starting a new one. Makes less of a messy forum. And yes, I do send beer money to the forum.

Can you remind us of which function is not operating in your heater box, please?

It sounds like your mechanic Really does not want to do this job; that happens with our Fiero's. Sadly, my 1987 and 1988 Fiero GM service manuals do not seem to cover our version of the heater box (with electric motors) or I would send it to you to show your mechanic. Looking at my car, one motor seems accessible without removing the dash, there may be another behind the radio that is not and possibly one on top. The control box above your radio may actually be the source of the failure as I've read of members here changing that. I do not remember any mention of a electric motor problem in the heater box itself.
Wish one of the knowledgeable members here would chime in since my car has never had this problem before.

Here is what your car looks like without the dash :

Jane, it takes 30 minutes to remove the dash once you have done it a few times. The first post in this thread is a step-by-step which you can show your mechanic.
//www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060206-2-059323.html

Speakers are replaced by carefully prying up on the speaker grilles on the dash. They simply pop out. Then the speaker can be replaced/upgraded.

As Rexgirl posted above, that big black box is the heater/ac box. Once the dash is off, it will be in plain sight.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 07-06-2019).]