Dashboard leather removal

[FresnoBob]

I'm trying to remove the leather dashboard panels, but they seem glued to the body in the outside corners and perhaps tucked beneath the chrome vent plate.  Is removing these leather pieces possible?  Any suggestions? 

I'm hoping to re-dye the panels as they look worn on the edges. 

[hkollan]

Hi,

Not impossible. There are two hidden screws, one on each side that hold the upper dash panels in the corners to the dash structure. To access these screws the leather that is glued to the Dash panel carefully need to be loosend on each side.
I am sure if you search this site someone has written a better explanation, probably with pictures as well.

Hans

[merrill]

yes, Hans is correct

Part of the dash panel is underneath the leather in those 2 areas with a screw thru the metal into the car.

the leather or MB tex is glued in such a way to cover that sectoin of the pane then the material is folded under the chrome trim strips that also secure and hold the wind lace in place.

[FresnoBob]

Thanks Hans and Matt,

Indeed there was a screw underneath the leather that I hadn't yet found.  Once it was removed, each corner was easily removed.  I'm now ready to re-coat the leather.

One additional issue - my gage cluster (oil, fuel, temp) is foggy and I wish to clean the glass.  I can't find anything on the forum about this.  The chrome bezel surrounding the gage seems to be held by bent flanges.  Is the best way to access the glass by bending these flanges open?  Seems unlikely I will get it re-bent back as properly as it is now.  Thanks in advance for any advice you can lend. 

[hkollan]

Hi,

As you suggested, the only way to remove the chrome bezel is to carefully with patience pry open flanges on the rear sides. I use a small flat head screwdriver. Removing the bezel is the only way to remove the glass in one piece so that it can becleaned. Afterwards the rear side of the chrome bezel will show some marks that is has been removed, but nothing that will be visible from the front.

Hans K

[FresnoBob]

Thanks Hans, I will give it a try tomorrow. 

Bob

[specracer]

+1 on getting the center cluster apart. BE VERY CAREFUL, take your time. Also try to only pry up about 3/4 of the trim, and then slide the bezel off. I worked from the bottom (less visible) up. I was successful, and there was zero visible damage. Only problem, is now the tach and speedo don't look as good.