i want to put a new stereo in my van, but i don't know how to take off the driver side piece of plastic that covers the vent on the dash by the window. In order to have the dash pivot up, i need that piece gone and i really dont want to break it off trying to do the wrong thing. If anyone could help that would be wonderful

thanks

Need to know what year the van is to be sure but it sounds like you have one of early 90's units where the stereo is a pain to get to. The later vans have 4 screws on the center console fascia only and are a breeze. The first piece to come off is the big fascia that meets the windshield - it has a bunch of metal spring clips. Carefully pry it up all the way across along the gap closest to you and then pull it back towards you. Next, gently pry up the little plastic grill in front of the information center. Now you're down to the last piece - the one piece fascia around the instruments, over the a/c vent you mentioned and over the radio. Take out all the screws around this piece. They are around the top, at the door side by the vent and under the gauges. There is 1 (or 2) under the radio that require (gently) popping out at least one of the movable vent deflectors in the center. These deflectors pop out towards you by springing them off the side pivot points but be very gentle. With all the screws out, lift the fascia out and up towards you. Pop off the connector for the information center and it should come free. Bingo, you're there. You also now have access to the front in-dash speakers if you want to upgrade those while you're at it. I've had problems with my aftermarket CD unit and have been in there so often I could write this without looking at it. Watch the screw sizes because they are different lengths.