Well after gettin annoyed seeing soo many posts on how to install a deck and remove the front dash along with rear, i'm going to once again take a load of time and write somthing up for you all...

This should be good for 95-05 cavaliers

Front Dash removal...

I will rate this a medium on skill range. For the removal you will need the following.

1)7mm socket
2) Patience

Lets begin;

1)Take out both cover pieces at either end of the dash (pop them out with a screwdriver). Also remove the one bolt for each side. Placement shown by circles on pictures.
http://www.teamforwardmotion.com/tfmtech/j-body/audio/images/dash_removal/dash-03.jpg
http://www.teamforwardmotion.com/tfmtech/j-body/audio/images/dash_removal/dash-05.jpg
2)Unscrew the centre defroster vent on top of the dash, then pop it up with a screwdriver and remove the two bolts underneath it.
http://www.teamforwardmotion.com/tfmtech/j-body/audio/images/dash_removal/dash-08.jpg
3)Open the glove box and there will be 3 bolts (black) shown in pictures with circles. Also there are two brass bolts be careful not to drop them.
http://www.teamforwardmotion.com/tfmtech/j-body/audio/images/dash_removal/dash-06.jpg
http://www.teamforwardmotion.com/tfmtech/j-body/audio/images/dash_removal/dash-07.jpg
4)The dash top will now be loose and will be able to be removed. Wiggle it loose above the gauge area because there are a few small clips that hold it together.
5)Once the dash cover is off, you must remove the 3 bolts that hold down the trim plate around the radio and gauges. There are also clips all the way around it so (take your time because the trim plate will break fairly easily) just gently pry it loose with a small screwdriver. Pull the trim plate back and you will have access to the gauge cluster and your radio.
http://www.teamforwardmotion.com/tfmtech/j-body/audio/images/dash_removal/dash-09.jpg
6) Since you don't want to cut the dimmer switch, carefully manuver to sit on top of the exposed vitals of the dash and be sure not to puncture the air bag...
7)... Reinstall in reverse order.....

Aftermarket deck install....

1) With the dashed removed, there should be 2 screws holding the facotory deck in place remove these 2, and deck will slide freely out to a certain point.
2) Out of the back of the deck there is a wire harness and antena..

"If you have a pre-2000 car.. this doesn't apply to you

If you have a 2000+ J-Body then your factory head unit/radio/cd player/stereo/whatever is a CLASS 2 unit. Class 2 radios are wired differently than anything most stereo installers have dealt with.. and there's a LOT of misinformation out there about them.

Here's EVERYTHING you should need to know about them:

1. If you remove the factory radio from the car.. you will lose your factory door chimes and OnStar (if you even have it). That's it! Proof.. from YOUR owners manual:
http://members.cox.net/kevinrogers99/chime.jpg

Removing the factory deck will NOT affect your airbags (it's a separate circuit entirely!), your DRLs (also separate), your cruise control (again, separate), your oil change light (you don't even have one!), your sex life (well, maybe)...

If anyone tells you otherwise.. THEY ARE WRONG! (Feel free to tell them this. Better yet... let me tell them this!)

2. If you WANT to keep your factory door chimes and/or OnStar... you need to either relocate the factory deck using a T-harness or replace the factory deck with a new module for the chimes and OnStar speaker.

3. If you don't give a crap about factory chimes.. you can buy a $15 harness and hook it up using that! You don't have to spend $100 or more on a T-harness and relocate the factory deck. Your airbags WILL still work.

Of course.. you'll also need a deck mounting kit.. and a GM antenna adapter.. and whatever harness you choose that you need.
Want to know more? Go to my web page!

http://members.shaw.ca/johnz24/howto/2kaudio.html

I hope that helps some of you.. remember, don't believe everything you read... there's a LOT of misinformation out there.

...j "

~John Lenko ^ JBO

Now with all that 2000+ year crap covered... The actual wiring of all this together can be found in the install kits or when your purchase a deck from www.crutchfield.com they send all you the info free of charge..

Rear dash removal...

1) Lower the back seat, and remove the 4 clips that hold the plastic trim pieces to the rear dash.
2) Next, remove the 2 plastic trim pieces. To do this, pull them slightly toward you, and angle them toward the ground. The small clips that hold them in will pop out of place.
3) Pull the rear seat belts through the slots in the back deck, and then pull the slots inward a bit. This will allow the piece of rear deck that is under the sides to come free.
4) Now just start pulling, and jiggling it a bit. You may also need to bend the centre of the dash up slightly, being careful not to crease it. It will eventually slide out.
5)If you are trying to remove the rear speakers, simply push in the little clips that are facing you. You will need to disconnect the speaker wire connection. The factory speakers are held in by 4 screws. Remove those and the factory speakers will pop right out.
6) The Rear Speakers Are 6X9's, but you can either make or buy adapters so you can use a component speaker system.
7) Reinstall in reverse.

Door pannels....

1)Roll the window down. This will make replacing the door panel easier and put things into view better

2)Remove the screw that holds the triangle-shaped plastic piece over the mirror bolts.

3)Next, go down to the door handle grip, and remove the 2 7mm screws out of there.

4)Go along the outside edge of the door panel and remove all those screws.

5)If you have power locks, you will need to disconnect the wires that run to the lock switch. Simply pop the trim piece out that holds the power lock switch, and disconnect it.

6)If you have manual windows, you will need to get the GM tool to remove the window cranks.

7)Now the only thing stopping you is the clips that run along the top edge, by the window. Gently pull up, and rock the entire door panel side to side.

8)When you are putting the door panels back on, be sure to get all those little clips at the top of the door back on and make sure they are tight, otherwise the door panel won't sit right.

With all that said.. There shouldn't be anymore posts about how to install or remove front/rear dash, door pannels or deck installation.

Kudos (credits) to;

John Lenko-2000+ issue
Team forward motion- removal pics and some steps
Me (CRJ)- re wording it all so that it can be easy for lamens

If i left anything out besides the actual wiring it up of it all... let me know and i'll add it..

1 more thing i forgot.. when connecting the wire harnesses.. please don't use wire crimps or wire nuts.. i've seen it too often where they have come undone and taking the dash apart gets annyoing over time..... Soder the wires and black tape them off....

I never had a problem with crimps(butt connectors).Just make sure you have a good tool that crimps tight.

Stuck, though you spelled "panel" wrong, but dont worry, I fixed it for you!

:wink:

Thanks Tim, this should help out with the amount of posts about dash removal..... probably not considering we make them Stickys and Newbies still post....

Hi, I tried to remove the rear speakers from a 1997 Cavalier. However, when I took the side plastic panel out, I broke the pin inside. I found out that you couldn't just remove the plastic panel by pulling. Can anyone help me out? Please tell me how to remove the rear speakers. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I tried to remove the rear speakers from a 1997 Cavalier. However, when I took the side plastic panel out, I broke the pin inside. I found out that you couldn't just remove the plastic panel by pulling. Can anyone help me out? Please tell me how to remove the rear speakers. Thanks in advance.

lesson 1 - dont just pull things apart - if you dont know what ur doin - cause for example u broke something - most people know that just about 90% of cars these days have interiors held together by - clips-self retaining pressure plug screws - push pins- snap tabs ect... - if you dont know what ur doin ask b4 u do it - or open a damn manual for gods sake or check online for a diagram or a manual - someone or something will always help ya out - other wise u gonna be driving around in a car full of broken rubble an cracked panels an broken moldings an shit- dont just get antsy an pullshit until u hear *crack* or snap .... i mean look Classic was nice enough to post all this info an now its almost worthless because u were thickheaded an did something b4 u knew - so u basically fucked it up man...now u have broken items an u are mostlikly gonna have to get new or salvaged replacements- Good Luck!

:smokin:

lesson 1 - dont just pull things apart - if you dont know what ur doin - cause for example u broke something - most people know that just about 90% of cars these days have interiors held together by - clips-self retaining pressure plug screws - push pins- snap tabs ect... - if you dont know what ur doin ask b4 u do it - or open a damn manual for gods sake or check online for a diagram or a manual - someone or something will always help ya out - other wise u gonna be driving around in a car full of broken rubble an cracked panels an broken moldings an shit- dont just get antsy an pullshit until u hear *crack* or snap .... i mean look Classic was nice enough to post all this info an now its almost worthless because u were thickheaded an did something b4 u knew - so u basically fucked it up man...now u have broken items an u are mostlikly gonna have to get new or salvaged replacements- Good Luck!

:smokin:


Thats one way to get a point across... but when removing the side pannel, you can feel tension around where the clips are. Get your hand right under there and brace it better... as for your broken part... your SOL... live with it or junkyard or buy a new GM piece....

REPLY to 93_R/T_TT_Stealth

1) Research - From Jbody, Forward Motions, or this forum, there are not much information about removing the rear dash. It is lacking of details on removing the rear dash online. On the other hand, removing the front dash contains lots of details from Brad Marx and Vincent Keene. Moreover, rear plastic trims are different to different years of J-Body.

2) Dash Diagram - Show me an online rear dash diagram. You can NOT find it. Did your research before bullshit! Do NOT just saying something that just in your mind, and NOT existing in this world. There is NO such thing of online diagram. Bull Shit!

3) Resources - I have a manual, a Cavalier expect to ask, and to work with. If I got so many resources, what's the point of setting up a forum and posting instructions online? If I got so many resources, I don't need to talk to a jerk like you.

4) Experiences - You won't know anything by just looking at a book. I can't imagine someone still thinks reading a manual can tell you everything. Come on, Do it yourself is the only way to learn.

5) Expert - Be realistic, NOT everyone is an expert. If yes, what a wonderful world! Are you an expert of Cavalier? I DON"T think so!

6) Car - I just asked for suggestions and advices. NOT your personal opinions! It's my car. It's not your fucking business of which part I broke. And you don't even have a clue which part I broke.

7) Cavalier - How much you know about Cavalier? Have you removed a rear dash? You know how it looks like when you remove it? How's the thing is designed? What's the different between different years of JBody? You didn't even say one thing that is related to Cavalier and the rear dash. Don't just post useless shit online.


8) Listen 93_R/T_TT_Stealth - FUCK YOU


Thanks for Classicrocjunkie for posting the instructions and your replies. However, due to a stupid asshole, I am not going to visit this forum again.

REPLY to 93_R/T_TT_Stealth

1) Research - From Jbody, Forward Motions, or this forum, there are not much information about removing the rear dash. It is lacking of details on removing the rear dash online. On the other hand, removing the front dash contains lots of details from Brad Marx and Vincent Keene. Moreover, rear plastic trims are different to different years of J-Body.

2) Dash Diagram - Show me an online rear dash diagram. You can NOT find it. Did your research before bullshit! Do NOT just saying something that just in your mind, and NOT existing in this world. There is NO such thing of online diagram. Bull Shit!

3) Resources - I have a manual, a Cavalier expect to ask, and to work with. If I got so many resources, what's the point of setting up a forum and posting instructions online? If I got so many resources, I don't need to talk to a jerk like you.

4) Experiences - You won't know anything by just looking at a book. I can't imagine someone still thinks reading a manual can tell you everything. Come on, Do it yourself is the only way to learn.

5) Expert - Be realistic, NOT everyone is an expert. If yes, what a wonderful world! Are you an expert of Cavalier? I DON"T think so!

6) Car - I just asked for suggestions and advices. NOT your personal opinions! It's my car. It's not your fucking business of which part I broke. And you don't even have a clue which part I broke.

7) Cavalier - How much you know about Cavalier? Have you removed a rear dash? You know how it looks like when you remove it? How's the thing is designed? What's the different between different years of JBody? You didn't even say one thing that is related to Cavalier and the rear dash. Don't just post useless shit online.


8) Listen 93_R/T_TT_Stealth - FUCK YOU


Thanks for Classicrocjunkie for posting the instructions and your replies. However, due to a stupid asshole, I am not going to visit this forum again.


wow ya dont have to take it out on me cause u are impataint an break shit cause u dont know what your doin - there is diagrams alot of the time u have to pay like a buck or 2 to get them but to me if i didnt know what i was doin a few bucks would be worth it rather than having broken shit in one of my cars ...
dont go down on me like i am the idiot - ur the one that broke ur parts buddy - nobody to blame but yourself-
an hey thanks for the #8 rule or w/e u call it - it doesnt bother me that u say fuck you or w/e is on your mind - i am not gonna go commit suicide or anything cause some amature newbie is tryin to talk shit to me.... :grinno:

they also make a tool for removing the clips it looks like a pry bar with a a flat angled end with a notch in it - in the store they list it as a door panel removal tool ... i think ya can get one for like $10 - they dont cost all that much - pick one up it will help out on alot of things when your dis-assembling them... good luck-

an as for the info on removal why would i say anything crj just did a big post on the removal of rear dash?
even when its a car that i am for say puttin in a stereo system that i have not much knowledge about i will look it over until i am cofident that i am not goin to destroy someone esles shit - i can think of a time that i really had an issue with unless its external on the car an the shit is seized or rusted on - even then i usually put a lil pb blaster on it an in a few minutes it comes of fine.. so dont act like i am puttin useless info on here when what i said was in a post that was already fully explained by someone else - :confused:

REPLY to 93_R/T_TT_Stealth

1) Research - From Jbody, Forward Motions, or this forum, there are not much information about removing the rear dash. It is lacking of details on removing the rear dash online. On the other hand, removing the front dash contains lots of details from Brad Marx and Vincent Keene. Moreover, rear plastic trims are different to different years of J-Body.

2) Dash Diagram - Show me an online rear dash diagram. You can NOT find it. Did your research before bullshit! Do NOT just saying something that just in your mind, and NOT existing in this world. There is NO such thing of online diagram. Bull Shit!

3) Resources - I have a manual, a Cavalier expect to ask, and to work with. If I got so many resources, what's the point of setting up a forum and posting instructions online? If I got so many resources, I don't need to talk to a jerk like you.

4) Experiences - You won't know anything by just looking at a book. I can't imagine someone still thinks reading a manual can tell you everything. Come on, Do it yourself is the only way to learn.

5) Expert - Be realistic, NOT everyone is an expert. If yes, what a wonderful world! Are you an expert of Cavalier? I DON"T think so!

6) Car - I just asked for suggestions and advices. NOT your personal opinions! It's my car. It's not your fucking business of which part I broke. And you don't even have a clue which part I broke.

7) Cavalier - How much you know about Cavalier? Have you removed a rear dash? You know how it looks like when you remove it? How's the thing is designed? What's the different between different years of JBody? You didn't even say one thing that is related to Cavalier and the rear dash. Don't just post useless shit online.


8) Listen 93_R/T_TT_Stealth - FUCK YOU


Thanks for Classicrocjunkie for posting the instructions and your replies. However, due to a stupid asshole, I am not going to visit this forum again.

Don't just post useless shit online.

:lol2: Irony, anyone?

I am not going to visit this forum again

Promise?

Now, everyone, stop whoring up this sticky! I hate pruning threads, and I dont want to have to do it to this one.

Thanks Tim!...

wow that first part was helpful now i wont totally screw up everything when i try to wire my new system to my deck it was well put
and yeh that cko guy is a total dickhead and shouldnt be let near acar obviously

hey cko guess what buddy everything that Classicrocjunkie and 93_R/T_TT_Stealth said are true, because i had ciruit city do a free in stall on my sterio system and i watched and guess what.....they did it exactly the way 93_R/T_TT_Stealth and clasicrocjunkie said to do it so i think its u who needs to fuck off and not them

as for me last few times i changed my radio i had to buy a dash kit to fit the Din radio in the dash and it has instructions to remove and replace the radio

and i plan on changing the speakers sometime at least in back so i can hook them to an amp

cko? what the hell is wrong with you? and for your information there IS online diagrams u just have to fuckng look around for em, and i thought u wern't going to visit this forum again?

soo how do you get behind the whole hvac front panel? i want to put a neon light behind there to light up the clear knobs i just made blue rather then white like they usually do

So I have my deck installed right now, and I got the adapter to get rid of the beeps when my lights and door is open.....where can i get that deal to get those beeps/chimes back? Price?

I bought a wire harness from www.crutchfield.com for I think $80.

So lemme get this straight-I need to disable my airabgs before removing my dash to install a head unit?

you don't have to. But its a good idea. Just be careful.

I ran across this while looking up information.

Class 2 data buss adapter

http://www.installer.com/cars/chevrolet.html

allows you to install an aftermarket deck, and keep the chimes.

2002 Cavalier with airbag--How do I separate the dash panel from the air bag cover?

wow that first part was helpful now i wont totally screw up everything when i try to wire my new system to my deck it was well put
and yeh that cko guy is a total dickhead and shouldnt be let near acar obviously

well just for once i am gona say something here
that guy classicrockjunkie have helped everyone without getting anything in return

damn i mean it who else is going to look at all threads and use his own time to help someone who is screwing his own shit and then geting pissed?

i have had a few questions here and he as some other ppl have helped me

damn it if someone dont apreciate being helped then i advise that such person install a bomb in his car and blow it with him inside

in a brief manner go bother someone else
lmao :screwy:

Where would i get one of those GM tools to take off the door panel in a manual window 99 Z24? Thanks in advance

Where would i get one of those GM tools to take off the door panel in a manual window 99 Z24? Thanks in advance

Answered in the thread you posted here. (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=430789) Hope it helps.

i need help, my 2002 chevy cavalier has the factory radio harness already cut, i bought a new reciever and im trying to figure out what the colors are on the factory wires heres the colors

(1)Orange
(1)Purple
(2) grays
(2) blacks
(1)Yellow
(1)Brown
(1) Tan
(1) Light Green
(1) Dark Green
(1) light blue
(1) Dark Blue


Please help me

Hello everyone......well I appreciate the tutorial on how to remove the dash etc. My question....I'm trying just to get the trim plate off. Is this possible to do without removing the dash?? I'm afraid to break the trim plate and am not that thrilled with the idea of taking the entire dash out. All for a gauge face cover??!!! : ) I was able to free the trim plate around the bottom of the entire unit but not able....more like afraid to pry it from the top. Help!! : )

Jess :eek:

waht about the passanger side airbag?

im having trouble with removing the dashboard on my 1998 sunfire i have removed all the screws and bolts to my knowledge and the dash still dosnt want to come out any helpfull info or images for sunfire dash's not cavys?

I have a question, say you wanted to remove the whole front dash for painting purpouses, and after you go through all the steps as listed, whats the only thing holding the dash on, the dimmer switch? Just cut the dimmer switch and thats it, the dash is off?

Thanks for the very detailed description, I was able to get me new car stereo installed and the car back together in less than 2 hours, thus saving me $50 and having to wait till late next week for Best Buy to fit me in the schedule.

Hey, hoping someone would be able to help with this.

i just removed my front dash/centre consol trim for painting but,,, the long strip inbetween the front window and the vent... how is that taken off to paint.. or how is it possible to paint that? I can see bolts holding it on, but it seems to be craddled into everything,,, the airbags, wiring,,, everything... Should I tape newspaper on the window and surround areas and spray paint in the car?? (doesnt seem like such a good idea)... alittle more help on this topic would be great

Thanks

The only way to remove it is to take the whole cockpit out. It is like the main peice. Someone at one time made a fiberglass cover that just snapped down on the old one. So yeah your best bet would be to either pull EVERYTHING out or mask everything off real good.

alright thanks,,, looks like i'll try the good old maskin everything off real good way...

once again thanks

no prob

It was WINks who use to make the cover for those who had cracked dashes... but he's no longer in business..

well,,, i took the time and took apart my dash for painting on thursday... i wanted something to do,,,,,,, dispite the cold weather i still managed with alot of heaters.. anyways,,, the middle vent i have yet to put back on,, been kinda lazy... but its white aswell,,, the entire interior will be these colors at one point,,, most likely start it come summer,, to much work keeping the cold away from the paint... so what u all think??


http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/3558/firststage9fo.jpg


and the bottom right picture,, thats glare,, not a big mess up with white spray paint :P,, but the airbag cover is white,, shoulda made this pic bigger,,,,, center vents are same color blue,, same with driver side vent

I had to join in and I see that this was a long time ago but this helped me out alot and the Dude with the issues ,, Hope he made it through it fine . Cause ppl like that have a hard time getting through life doing everything the hard way..:banghead:
Thanks guys very informative,
Count4thme

Hi, i was taking apart my dash today in my 99' cavlier and i am studh at the passenger airbag. the dash seems to be stuck there... every time me and my brother try to pop it off, it wont budge... also is there any risk of the air bag deploying with out disconnecting the battery, or as i pull off the dash?
:banghead: <--- Me right now... with a ripped apart dash. lol
thanks!
- MIKE

Disconnecting the battery is not that big of a deal, just becareful. I took mine apart no problem. Make sure you have unscrewed all the bolts/screws in the tutorial. Use a screw driver to pri the dash upwards to reveal the clips where you should be lifting away. The passanger side, (if all the bolts/screws are removed) just give it a little force, it should pop right off,, the airbag is covered in a white paper but not directly touching the dash so you shouldnt worry too much about it going off... along the topside there arent any clips holding it on,, once you have that part of the dash lifted, you have to disconnect the dimmer switch,, (follow the wires around to the opposite side of the steering column) and it should be sticking to the side, pull it away and unclip it (should be blue). then take the dash pieces out

Hi, i was taking apart my dash today in my 99' cavlier and i am studh at the passenger airbag. the dash seems to be stuck there... every time me and my brother try to pop it off, it wont budge... also is there any risk of the air bag deploying with out disconnecting the battery, or as i pull off the dash?
:banghead: <--- Me right now... with a ripped apart dash. lol
thanks!
- MIKE

Sounds like you still have the cover bolts in. Open your glovebox, there is an open area at the top of it. There should be 2 7mm bolts (kinda goldish color) there, take them out and that should be it.

I never disconnect my battery when doing anything electrical, but then again I could be an idiot.

Alright i unscrewed the 2 bolts before and i guess tomorow after work ill just try pulling up.... hmmm it seemed sooooo hard to get off before... what eva.
THANKS GUYS!
-mike

If i left anything out besides the actual wiring it up of it all... let me know and i'll add it..

1 more thing i forgot.. when connecting the wire harnesses.. please don't use wire crimps or wire nuts.. i've seen it too often where they have come undone and taking the dash apart gets annyoing over time..... Soder the wires and black tape them off....


you can just unplug the harness to the dash trim peice and remove it altogether, the harness is on the right side of the guage cluster (for anyone intrested it removing the whole damn thing) it makes life easier if you are trying to wire in a new antenna.

Hi, new to the board and I have a question. The only information I've found was related to removing the stock head unit, but I was wondering if the stock head unit had any sort of audio inputs. My girlfriend might be getting a 2000 Cavalier z24 coupe, and I thought I'd wire an ipod adapter into the stereo like I did on my car, if it were possible. Now that I see you have to deal with taking off the whole dash and work near the passenger airbag, I might not even touch the thing for fear of messing up the airbag.

Hi everyone, i'm new to this site. I have a 1996 Cavalier and I wanted to put in a new head unit. At first I had absolutely no idea on how to do this, since it was way different from the 1992 Cavalier that I had before. A cousin of mine told me that I had to take off the dash to do this. My first reaction was how the hell am I going to do that. So I searched the internet. And after lots of searching, I came across this site and found Classicrocjunkie's post on how to take apart the dash and install the new unit. Classicrocjunkie, thank you for posting how to do this on the internet. I read your post and all of the replies. It helped me so much. I had the job done in about an hour and a half. I think thats pretty good for someone who never took the dash apart before. Your instructions and the pics were perfect. Now I know exactly how to do this in the future. I just wanted to take the time and say thank you Classicrocjunkie for your post.

Great post CRJ, just installed my rear pioneers today with a friend, took my time everything went smooth! :) They thump!


Did anyone notice that the 6x9 speakers in the rear deck arent fully exposed? The metal drilled out that expose the speakers face dont look big enough, its wasting potential sound distribution :( I was thinking of drilling new holes so i could center it better, or an even messier way is to drill the hole out bigger so more is exposed. I just left them be in the stock holes etc and they sound great, j/w if anyone else has noticed this "problem"

hey classicroc,
first of all your directions for removing the rear dash were perfect. Thanks for outlining that. Now, in your directions for removing the door panels, you say you need a GM-Tool to remove the window crank, if i went to a chevy dealer and asked for one, would they know what i was talking about and would they sell me one?

go to advance auto parts, and get the tool its like$5

hey classicroc,
first of all your directions for removing the rear dash were perfect. Thanks for outlining that. Now, in your directions for removing the door panels, you say you need a GM-Tool to remove the window crank, if i went to a chevy dealer and asked for one, would they know what i was talking about and would they sell me one?


Or you can use a rag and if you jimmy it right it wil come out, just be sure to watch out where the clip goes, they are tricky little sons of bitches and like to go flying.

NO

NO NO NO NO NO...flat head....screwdriver....is the only speical "tool" you need...just push the door back a little....pull the window crank forward a little....and wedge that little bastard out of there...and while ur doing that think of what you can do with the 10-15 bucks u just saved urself cuz u didnt have 2 buy the tool :)

perfect! thanks a bunch

Question about door panels: After you remove all the screws and the window crank, does the door panel come off or are there some kind of clips holding it in place that you have to break?

Start pulling from the bottom, it has a gruve where it holds onto the window. Wiggeling is the best way and where it feels snagged just pull there. Just make sure you get alll the screws out first.

Ok, and when I go to put it back on, do I just put the screws back in or are there some clips that need to snap into place? Are there any clips that get broken when you take it off, which need to be replaced before you can put it back on?

you just have to make sure you get the part near the window on correctly and the rest just falls in place and lines up. there are no clips, just screws.

Just a quick question, do you have to remove the whole dash like that just to install a new CD player? I have a '96 Cavalier with the original radio/tape player, and I bought a compatable CD player. I can see the section of the dash that covers the edges of the radio, but I don't know how to get it off. Any help would be great! Thanks!

Thats the greatest thing I dislike about cavalier is needing to take apart the whole dash for anything.

Wow, I never thought of that....that sucks a bunch.

I'll take that as a yes...

I'll take that as a yes...
Yeaah, you can see that from the pictures.

yeah, thanks. I was just checking since I don't want to add anything else besides the CD player. Sorry for asking for clarification

89's don't have to do all that :naughty:

89's don't have to do all that :naughty:
The reason I'm wondering is because my dash doesn't look exactly like the pictures, it has a seperate piece around the radio and up over the steering wheel. I didn't know if there was a way to just take that off. Mine's a '96. Please, no sarcastic replies, I'm just trying to make sure before I take my whole dash apart.

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/3558/firststage9fo.jpg
this is what my dash looks like(minus the colors of course), 2 pieces instead of one.

The reason I'm wondering is because my dash doesn't look exactly like the pictures, it has a seperate piece around the radio and up over the steering wheel. I didn't know if there was a way to just take that off. Mine's a '96. Please, no sarcastic replies, I'm just trying to make sure before I take my whole dash apart.

i don't mean to tease, sorry, but 89's have a faceplate held by 5 or 6 screws. thats it. i broke my first faceplate by leaving it in the backseat and having passengers. so i snagged one from a junkyard and stopped letting people in my car.:smokin:

this is what my dash looks like(minus the colors of course), 2 pieces instead of one.

My actual dash...

http://i4.tinypic.com/16h0o5k.jpg

this is what my dash looks like(minus the colors of course), 2 pieces instead of one.
It's the same thing, the dash in the original pictures have two pieces as well. The top part and that panel that goes around the gauges, steering wheel, a/c & heat knobs and the radio, mostly all the same 95+

My actual dash...

http://i4.tinypic.com/16h0o5k.jpg
I think I'd rather have to take off the entire dash then have a dash as boxey as that lol :rofl:

Well, I got my CD player in! I had to loosen the main dash, but only had to remove the part that went in front of the radio. It took about 3 hours, with help, including figuring out the install kit I bought. Actually removing the dash only took like five minutes though. So it turns out I answered my own question, I didn't have to remove the whole dash to do it. And I want to thank Classicrocjunkie (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=172487) for this thread, I printed it and used the instructions to remove that part of the dash. THANK YOU!!

I think I'd rather have to take off the entire dash then have a dash as boxey as that lol :rofl:


you callin me a square!? lmao

hey there. another newbie here. i just got a 2001 Cavalier Z24 and i'm putting new 4x6 speakers in the front doors. i understand everything relating to the removal of the door panels except for one thing, is there any special way to disconnect the power lock wires or is it really as simple as popping the trim off and disconnecting a couple of wires and then installing the speakers, hooking the lock back up, and putting the door panel back on.

hey there. another newbie here. i just got a 2001 Cavalier Z24 and i'm putting new 4x6 speakers in the front doors. i understand everything relating to the removal of the door panels except for one thing, is there any special way to disconnect the power lock wires or is it really as simple as popping the trim off and disconnecting a couple of wires and then installing the speakers, hooking the lock back up, and putting the door panel back on.


there should be some quick release clips back there somewhere.

thanks, i'll let you know how this little experiment turns out

got the passenger side door off and the speaker in after a lot of fighting, not with the door tho, taking it off went quite nicely thanks to you guys instruction. just a question about the driver side door, same thing as the passenger just have to disconnect the power mirror switch? sorry for asking so much but i like to be informed before i start pulling shit apart and break something cause i don't know what i'm doing. Thanks.

On door panel removal....

Door pannels....5)If you have power locks, you will need to disconnect the wires that run to the lock switch. Simply pop the trim piece out that holds the power lock switch, and disconnect it.
What if I had manual locks, but then had power locks installed with my alarm?

I just wanted to thank you for the info about the door panel, although i have one tip. I had manual window so I couldn't find the gm tool to take off the window crank so after researching for like 15 mins, i used an old fork, and it works really good. :grinyes: If anyone needs more info how to make it, pm me. Anyways, thanks alot for the info again.

Okay so am I reading this right? I removed all of the dash these instructions tell me to, but what about the dash under the steering wheel and around the radio, and the dash that he glove box is molding into? Do I really have to take EVERYTHING out to get all that out!? :swear:

I'm confused with what your saying. From the looks in your sig it seems like you have all the dash already out and primed.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/PropsRI/000_0666.jpg

By the looks of it....it looks like this is alllll one piece? Please, say it ain't so!!!

....and yes, I know I can just take off the glove box door.

You know thats a good question lol Its dark out right now so I could figure it out in the morning. What part by the glove box are you talking about??

I just meant I know I can take the glovebox door off to sand that.

YUP! Looks like I'm either masking off a shit load of stuff, sanding, and painting that stuff in the car OR I'm removing the steering wheel, radio, hvac panel and some heater tubing and taking the lower pieces out :swear:

Well I went out and looked at how you get that one piece under the steering wheel off. And yeah it seems to be all one piece :banghead: I noticed that there is a couple of bolts here and there. But good luck with getting it out:)

two bolts and two pieces, take teh tow bolts out and pull them apart

....:eek7: wanna clearify? lol

look under the thingy and you will see two 7 mm (i think ) bolts, take them out and then the one piece has to come over the ignation adn the other comes out just as easy

Are you talking about the top of the dash and the bezel around the radio and gauges? Just for the record, I know I can easily take off the glovebox door to sand/paint that, it's everything else on the lower dash Im questioning.

oh ok i was talking about the thingy around the steering wheel. all the lower dash as you call it is connected as one entire piece, so you could eithe mask it off or take out the entire dash

it is connected as one entire piece, so you could eithe mask it off or take out the entire dashouch now thats going to suck my friend.

:bricks1:

oh ok i was talking about the thingy around the steering wheel. all the lower dash as you call it is connected as one entire piece, so you could eithe mask it off or take out the entire dash


MASK IT OFF....?



you spray painting inside the car?????????????????????????????

MASK IT OFF....?



you spray painting inside the car?????????????????????????????Not only is he painting in the car, but he has to sand, prime and paint inside the car.

^ Yup, that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

Well good luck with that lance and be sure to let us know how it goes. I really dont think your going to be able to get a good finish doing it this way but who knows.

don't fuck it up lol cause that would be a paint to get a junk yard

Believe.

''Dont stop believing......hold on to that feeling'' yeah buddy gotta love Journey.

lol I was thinking more along the lines of the Redsox but suuure.

The instructions were great! Thank you so much... followed them exactly as you said, got the dash off easily. Now, the only question I have is in reference to the door panel: Since it said I would need the GM Tool if I had manual windows, what exactly is that tool? I have a friend who owns a shop and may have the tool instead of going to GM and purchasing it for a one time use? Thanks again!

it's just a window knob puller, you can get them any parts store like Autozone, it's just used to release the clip that holds the window knob on.

they are like $12 and a life saver

Here is a picture of the tool just in case you dont know what it look like
http://autozone.com/images/cds/jpg/small/0900823d80192b07.jpg (javascript:pop()

Thank you very much! Glad it will save some time. Thanks again.

Thank you very much! Glad it will save some time. Thanks again.No problem bro.:)

Will the dashboard lift off the airbag or will I have to remove the access (?) panel? 1996 Chevy Cavalier. HELP!!!

The entire dash lifts off :thumbsup:

The entire dash lifts off :thumbsup:
Thank you and be thinking of me w:) hen I try!! LOL!!

The entire dash lifts off :thumbsup:haha you can always count on Lance to make everyone feel as stupid as possible.

so...do u need to disable the airbags to take off the dash or no? and if so, do u disable them by just pulling the air bag fuse?

No you do not need to disable the bags. once you take all the bolts out then the entire dash is held in by clips so just pull on the dash and it will come off.

ok...thx. i was alwayz worried about the air bag, thats y ive never taken it out. i also have a scratch in my dash on the passenger side. what do u think would be the best thing to fill that w/?

Dash is off and now I am going for the radio. All this just to install a CD player. Any other advice is welcomed!! :2cents:

i also have a scratch in my dash on the passenger side. what do u think would be the best thing to fill that w/?Well is the scratch deep? if your going to sand the dash to paint it then you might be able to just sand the scratch out, otherwise you could use some bondo probably to fill it then sand that smooth and paint it. that my :2cents:



Dash is off and now I am going for the radio. All this just to install a CD player. Any other advice is welcomed!! :2cents: yeah I know its a pain in the ass to have to remove all that just to install an aftermarket deck but well worth it. My advice would be to make sure that you dont cut any wires that you to, and to make sure when you reconnect everything you either soder it and tape it good with electrical tape, or if your not going to use soder then yo make sure the wires are together good and then the tape is on there nice and tight.

i ran in to tons of problems tonight when i went to put my deck and amp in my car.

1. found out after i got the cd player that they ripped the remote wire out of the harness, so i ran the remote wire to the fuse box and my amp has power all the time car off car on it never turns off.

2. rest are own problems like cd player dose not fit in the dash lol.

3.many cuts and bruses from trying to take the dase out lol.

4. and alot of time wasted for nothing lol.

anyway any clue why my amp is geting power 24/7 when hook to the fuse box

you have to make sure that the remote wire from the deck is connected to the remote wire port in the amp. That way when the deck shuts off the amp shuts off too. In every deck i've put in my car anyways the remote wire is usually blue or blue and grey. Hope that helps a bit.

or if not, install a switch on the wire going to the fusebox

i am runing it threw the fuse box i finnaly got it to work ran the remote wire threw the wipper fuse and spent 25 bucks on the rca Converter to speaker wire and it works but then i can 2 subs it only beats with less then half power so i unhooked one and it beats fine just gotta do that till i go buy my new deck. gl to the rest of you

PS. A heads up for alot of people with 2003-2005 i think them are the years in order for you to put a aftermarket deck in the cav u have to cut the back bracket out normaly it is plastic sometime metal. just abit of help for people that can't get there deck to fit in 2003-2005 cars peace

don't cut too deep, your vents are right back there too!

so anyway...back to the original topic of the thread. what is a GM tool for taking the door handle off when removing the door panels? im trying to replace my front speakers, but i can't get the damn door handle off. it doesnt have a horseshoe clip, so i can't just pop it off! what do i do, short of bashing it in with a hammer?

I didn't have the GM tool either, I just jammed a screwdriver in there, and then held it while jamming another in the other way, and I just kinda Jimmy Rigged it out... It broke and went flying across the garage, lol...

i am not even gonna cut it. if anything a shop can do it cause i am not lol. but it works fine usin the stock so ima keep it like this thanks for the tip thou

Even tho this thread seems to be dead, i need a bit of help. Heres my situation. I get all the screws out, all of them including the brass ones(big pain). Ever thing seems to be going well, the dash is coming out on the drivers side, and then it strait stops. I wiggle a bit and work it side to side to no avail. I take a flash light to see in there and see 2 little clamp/hook things. These are what seems to be my problem. The thing is that I can get them to unhook. I try and try and I cant even see which way they come out, or even if thats my real problem. So, long story short, I need help. Anyone out there know what I need to do? Thanks

2 hook thing? im not sure where your talking about so a pic would be great. i have taken my dash off like 20 times so i can probly help but need a pic.

Well, i dont have acess to a camera right now, but im not even sure there clips. What ever they are, they are 2 black plastic looking things that have been insertet into a metal sheet that is tooth. The teeth prob keep the black plastic in there, but I dont think thats whats holding it on. I cant realy get a pic, but I can answer anything as I am looking at it right now. Any help you can give to get this dern thing off would be great.

here are some pic i took a while ago, where at is the problem?

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/JStumpalump150/IMG_1162.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/JStumpalump150/IMG_1163.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/JStumpalump150/IMG_1164.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/JStumpalump150/IMG_1160.jpg

from the discription of where your getting stuck it sounds like you didnt get the 2 gold brass bolts that you can access from the glove box, you may need a socket with an extention to get to them. i had that problem the first time i tryed to take off the dash.

if you look in the top left corner of the bottom pic in that black area thats where the 2 gold bolts are.

I deffenelty got those brass screws out. Im pretty sure I got all of the screws, all of them. It just wont come out. Im so frustraited, it should come out. I dont know whats wrong, lol.

Well, I feel retarded. I see now which brass screws you where talking about. Got them out and everything else went smooth as silk. Now I have a brand spankin new cd player and its thanks to you Stump, thanks bro.

no problem,
i thought thats what you got hung up on cuz i was doing the exact same thing you were and getting pissed. i was yanking on the fucker to get it out then i looked on here and found i forgot 2 screws, lol. came out really easy after that. glad you figured it out.

Is the glovebox a serviceable item? My 2001 came with a broken one. The plastic that holds the hinge mount completely broke away from the bottom of the glove box. I was thinking of going to a salvage yard and taking one out for mine, but from all the pics, it doesn't look like it will pop out with the removal of more clips and screws. Anyone taken one out before?
Thanks

You should be able to just swap in a new one. Mine broke and I got a new one off ebay but the outer "cover" was a different color. I just unscrewed it and screwed on my original one.

You should be able to just swap in a new one. Mine broke and I got a new one off ebay but the outer "cover" was a different color. I just unscrewed it and screwed on my original one.

Thanks,
Unfortunately, my problem is not just the door, but the whole interior box. Mine looks like a jagged shelf. From the pics I have seen, it looks like I need the whole lower half of the dash. From under the steering wheel, under the radio console and then the whole glovebox section all looks like one piece.

Ohh I see, then yes you will unfortunetly need the whole lower dash...that sucks.

Altho that does suck, it shoudnt be to terrible expensive. Most of the dash bits, tha black part along with the right side dashboard, are pretty cheap to buy new replacements(where they can be found) and very cheapy found at a good junk yard. Good luck.

Yeah but dude, this isn't a small "bit" this is the entire under-dash we're talking about. If he finds one in a junkyard, someone, either him or the workers there are gonna have to take off everything. Top dash, front bezel, side panels, steering wheel, steering wheel column, the heater ducts, the metal support bars. Not too difficult just teedius and time consuming. And if the workers do it, it's probly gonna cost quite a bit.

Yeah but dude, this isn't a small "bit" this is the entire under-dash we're talking about. If he finds one in a junkyard, someone, either him or the workers there are gonna have to take off everything. Top dash, front bezel, side panels, steering wheel, steering wheel column, the heater ducts, the metal support bars. Not too difficult just teedius and time consuming. And if the workers do it, it's probly gonna cost quite a bit.

Yeah, a bit more involved than I would like to do. I ended up making a custom support and tied it at the ends just beyond the door. There is a slight dip on both sides. I used tie strips used to tie lumber together that would be similar to a very flat metal ruler, just not as wide. I used two layers for strength and 1/4 black licence plate bolts with threaded clips to secure the ends on the dash. Not perfect, but the door closes and opens.:)

Hey JStumpalump150 I see you have some aftermarket knobs for your climate control, they look from the pictures as a clear blue.. where did you get these?

Hey JStumpalump150 I see you have some aftermarket knobs for your climate control, they look from the pictures as a clear blue.. where did you get these?


You just peel the rubber boot off the stock ones and you can use nail polish or something on them. Or you can do what i did...

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4083/20070717image0001ib9.jpg

replaced all my stock bulbs with blue LEDS.

i did what classic said and i pulled the black stuff off then took a green sharpie to them. then i went in and changed the stock bulbs with green LED's so i didnt need the green sharpie on them anymore to make them glow green, so i tried to take it off with rubbing alcohol to make them clear but it left them with a greenish tint.

Cody, I'm already sick of seeing your interior man lol

ok cool! now the next question where do i get the leds? like i have a yellow theme is there a certain type of bulb that needs to be used.. if so what brand and model #?

i get all my bulbs and leds off ebay. Just type in 74 led yellow

http://superbrightleds.com/

^^^that is where i got mine and where cody got his, they are great and fast at shipping.



for the HVAC knobs you need 2 #74 bulbs and for the instrument panel you need 4 WLED-X5 bulbs

Pretty sure ebay's cheaper

idk, i never looked. but i know for a fact you get what you want from this place. thats just my input.

...they're just leds lol

....true, im just sayin

Pretty sure ebay's cheaper

they sell them in pairs of 2 for $5.99 for the pair of the 5 w-led bulbs Plus shipping. They will not combine shipping, been there done that.

I got 10- blue 5 WLED ( 194) bulbs, 3 blue ( 74) bulbs. $41 shipped. with warrenty...

i had to warrenty one of the blubs as well so its good this was a good company to deal with.

Cody, I'm already sick of seeing your interior man lol

teach people to search and we wouldn't have to re-visit it all the time for visual aid for those who have no idea wtf they are doing... ;)

lol $6 for 2 leds!? You're looking at the wrong ads man, I find 2 leds for $2.50 total all the time.

Thanks for all the info, will be helpful for when im rdy to tear down my dash.

thx this post helped alot :] :cwm27::cwm27::cwm27::cwm27::cwm27::cwm27::cwm27:: cwm27::cwm27::cwm27:

I experienced the wild speedometer and fuel gauge problem that is common to these cars in my 2004 Sunfire. I found that the pictures and directions in the OP were not quite the same as my car, so I offer the following 2004 Sunfire addendum to help others needing to open their dashboard and replace their faulty instrument panel (NOTE: I got a brand new set off eBay for $29 plus shipping from a guy that has sold 100's of these clusters).

1) Remove center defroster vent cover with screwdriver (pops off easily).

2) Remove philips head center screw (not in original pics) and 2 bolts beneath defroster vent cover.
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_screw_under_defroster_vent.jpg

3) Gently pry off the full width trim piece closest to the windshield (held on with quick release clips).

4) There are 4 more bolts to remove across the top of the dash, one near the pillars, and 2 brass bolts near the passenger side airbag cover.
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_bolt_by_passenger_column.jpg

http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_brass_bolts_behind_passenger_airbag.jpg

5) Use a philips head screwdriver to remove the single screw holding on the passenger side trim panel.
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_passenger_side_panel.jpg

NOTE: There is not a bolt behind this panel (unlike the OP cav instructions)

6) Use a philips head screwdriver to remove the single screw holding on the driver side trim panel.
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_driver_side_panel_screw.jpg

There is a single bolt behind this panel, just like the cavs.

7) Take off the center console cowling - just remove the 2 screws on the side of the glove box that hold on the center console cowling and it will swing to the left.
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_cowling_screws.jpg

8) Remove the bolt behind the console cowling near the ignition switch.
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_1bold_under_console_cowling.jpg

9) Remove the 2 philips head screws that hold on the glove box metal trim piece
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_glovebox_trim_screws.jpg

10) Remove the 3 bolts beind the glove box metal trim
http://www.justaddpower.com/pics/Sunfire_3bolts_under_glovebox_trim.jpg

The dashboard should now come out quite easily.