Removing defroster cover?

Sorry Ken, I can't help on that one.

If you look in the workshop manual it probably says something like, "Open bonnet and drain all fluids. Remove engine. Above area previously occupied by rear of engine dis-connect 3 screws that hold trim in place."

 

Oh, that is funny!!
Ken, I could've kicked myself for not picking up the Pinin Coachwork parts manual (figured that where am I going to get spare NOS int. parts) and shortly realized after the fact that the IPB would have been a great guide on how it was assembled.
http://www.eurospares.co.uk/index.asp
has decent IPBs both mech. and coachwork---when looking in coachwork sec., don't be held to scrutinizing just 1983 400GT as it doesn't have much, go to 400GT. 412 section looks to be practically identical.
I have found that the main dash top is not connected to the 'rail' ---you can actually push down on the main dash just in front of the rail and sneak wiring or whatever (if you need to take power from the fuse box to the drivers side for instance), so I don't think that they are mechanically connected. It feels like that there might be something under the main dash to captivate it, but thats it as far as I can figure. I looked at the cross rail a while back and wondered to remove it maybe the trim rimgs of the defroster vent might snap into place to captivate the rail, and the defroster boots might be hard fastened (front side of rail could have clips to further rigidity)---just tossing things around. My guess is I don't think you have to remove the rail---Certainly the biggest job is getting to the dash (console removal, binnacle, assoc. guages/sw's/wiring conn's, etc.). Keep us informed of the work arounds.

 

Well crap, I've got one.......let me look at it in the morning and I'll post what I see.

 

Parts book doesn't help with figuring out how to take it off. sorry.

 

Sure Ken no problem.
You mind waiting a bit? I'm still at the winery and the book is at home. I'll try to get it to you tonight or in the morning.

 

Do these help at all Ken?
This is all thats listed in the body manual.
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Ken,
As I remember, you have to remove the entire dash to get that piece out. It's held in by three brackets that form a pocket for the main dash to slide into.
The problem is compounded by the main dash being "pinned" in place by the upper part of the center console.
So, in typical Italian design you start at the back seat and remove everything forward until you get to the top trim piece.
Sorry.

 

I think it lifts off without removing anything else. It has been a very long time since I did this. Be warned it is a very thin piece of fiberglass covered in leather and a crack will telegraph it's presence through the covering. Ask me how I know.

 

Mr Stacy, thanks for all your treads of wisdom and help. Your insight will help me with my 400i. I just hope you do not mind silly questions?

 

jessh! Don't call me mister, just call me what my wife calls me.....well, uh, nevermind I don't think Rob allows that kind of stuff on here.



My pleasure, I'm not the only guy here who can answer your questions about these beasts. Ask away; we'll help where we can.

 

Do not try to pry the upper piece off. You must remove the entire dash to get it out.

 

Ken, the upper most part that has the defroster holes in it is attached by three metal clips that connect to it near its middle (front to back). These clips jog down about a half inch and then turn aft and are bolted to the car. The large lower dash floats in the pocket created by the clips. So, you have to remove the large dash to get to the three bolts that hold down the clips. If you want to, you can remove the round plug cover in the engine compartment near the fire wall and you can feel the middle bolt.
Wish I had pics, sorry.

 

No. I misread your post. The peice I was referring to is the long strip up near the windshield. Sorry.

 

Yes, the wide piece then, not the binnacle with the four swiveling vents. That's what I originally thought.
I've had mine off but was not the first to do so, hence my comment about breaking it. My recollection is that it is held only by some clips, I'm positive I didn't do any major disassembly. It had been previously removed to run wires for a radar detector by the original owner. No gaurantee he or his installer put it back correctly.
Sorry not to be much help. If I get to the car anytime soon I'll make it a point to have another look.

 

Ken
As an 84', is your 400 a series II with the rectangular vent in the console above the gauges or a series I with the four round vents on the top of the dash?

 

S1 vs S2 is easy.

S1 has cable controls on the center console while a S2 has the electronic controls

 

My S2 has cable controls. I think the electronic stuff came in the 412.