98 Firebird help needed

[77crewcab]

I need some help from those in the know. Can someone give me a rundown on how to completely remove the dash and a/c setup from a 98 Firebird. I have ridden in 4th gens before but never even considered how the dash is attached, and now I find myself needing to remove one completely for a project I am doing. The catch is I will only have access to the parts car for one day, so no time to learn as I go. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Oh and this car was supposed to have been in a wreck on the passenger side. I don't know if the airbags went off but I don't think so. So info on how to remove the airbag without it blowing up in my face is also needed.

 

[USSkoval]

I don't remember exactly what is involved, but most newer dashes are actually pretty easy. Remove the console and steering column, disconnect the main harness connectors under the dash. There's usually 7mm screws under a trim panel along the top, then usually one or two 13mm on each end. There may be a support bracket or two that bolts to the lower dash, and probably a couple in the steering column support area. The radio, heater controls/ducts and cluster usually can stay in place. The radio antenna should have a disconnect near where it passes through the kick panel.

 

[77crewcab]

Thanks, it sounds easier than it looks then. Thanks I knew someone here would have knowledge on how it is done. Any specific tips you remember will help. I am not going to pull it until later this week. Maybe by the time I get there I will have some idea of what the hell I am doing so it doesn't take all day. I have read that the a pillars have to come off first and then the upper dash panel is held on by velcro. Does that sound about right? Safe to say I will need mostly metric sockets for this job?

 

[USSkoval]

Yep, that sounds about right. And yes, everything will be metric... 1/4 inch drive stuff is best to use here. The A pillars just snap off IIRC. The only hard part is laying under the dash unhooking stuff, and then actually lifting it out of the car. Oh, and the airbag will be fine as long as the battery is disconnected.

 

[77crewcab]

On the airbag how do I "make it safe" so to speak so I can remove the cover? don't need the airbag just the cover that is part of the dash. Any idea on removing the a/c setup. Is it done from both sides of the firewall like our trucks?

 

[USSkoval]

The air bag has a single connector and I think four 10mm bolts holding it to the dash. The cover comes off with it. I don't know about the A/C box stuff, but nearly every vehicle has it attached from both sides of the firewall.

 

[77crewcab]

Okay, thanks for all the help!

 

[USSkoval]

Your welcome, I just hope I gave you good info I've done a lot of dash removals over the last several years and they all kind of run together. Except late 90's dodge caravans, I could probably take those dashes out blindfolded