Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 12, 2025 ...

U300 Dash Board Removal

January 05, 2015, 09:42:40 pm

I found an old post relating to this subject, however it was a little vague as to the complete process. I have been able to remove all covered panels  and covered boxes that I will need to re-cover, however I am having a difficult time with the dash panel that goes forward to the windshield, in front of the hinge. the defroster vents pass through this panel and it seams to be glued to the vertical "Fire wall"  part of the dash compartment, it also fits tight up against the bottom of the windshield. The fabric wraps completely around and is stapled with 100's of staples to the vertical  fire wall.  Does anyone know if this panel is held in place with screws or just glue? how do the defroster vents separate from this panel? I have access from the front of my coach, and can see the defroster vent assembly but there does not appear to be anything holding them from the bottom. The dash fabric appears to be on top of these vents but I'm not sure. Any suggestions would be appreciated.         

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #1 – January 05, 2015, 10:02:44 pm

Gerry,

A STRONG suggestion.  Leave that forward panel in place.  Remove the covering and padding.  Make a pattern of that panel from a thin sheet of plywood-- it only has to be strong enough to allow you to staple the new covering in place.  Install the new, covered panel and staple the fabric along the back where it drops into the "electrical area".

It has been awhile since Dianne and I recovered the dash, but I don't recall any issues with the defrost vents being hard to remove.

You will be raising that area less than 1/4" (use 1/4" plywood and slightly less thick padding)-- it will not be noticeable and the coach's structure will not be changed. 

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #2 – January 05, 2015, 10:38:53 pm

Would that be the same on a 93 U280?

Roland

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #3 – January 05, 2015, 10:50:44 pm

Yes, take a look.  Remove the hinged portion (aft part) of the dash to recover out of the coach.  Then after stripping the forward part down to bare plywood, make a paper pattern and then transfer to 1/4" plywood.  Cover and either adhere with some construction adhesive or a couple of screws with caps.  Pull tight over the opening and staple.

Should work on all models of that vintage. Post pictures if you have questions.

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #4 – January 06, 2015, 08:55:16 am

Thanks Brett,    Why didn't I think of that?    I'm going to look at the defroster venting panels again to see if the trim (top) will come off without breaking.  I think I will leave the staples and cut the material just above them, as when I tried to remove a few of them they were embedded into the vertical plywood.      P.S.  -  I just had to try out the new action figures....

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #5 – January 06, 2015, 09:42:51 am

Gerry, I believe that you will find that the outlets for the dash air are just force fit into the openings and that the duct material is just forced over some little prongs.  Try carefully lifting the outlets with a broad putty knife using a piece of cardboard to protect the vinyl.
Gary B

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #6 – January 06, 2015, 10:17:45 am

Hi Gary, I don't have to worry about protecting the vinyl,  it is pretty much shot from the sun and deterioration.  THANKS...

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #7 – January 06, 2015, 11:26:26 am

I had to remove that panel to replace the rotted 3/4" structural panel underneath that dash panel. Yeah there are lots of staples holding the upholstery in place, and then scews and glue. If it's possible, I'd leave it alone too...

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #8 – January 07, 2015, 10:16:46 am

I'm not sure about your U300, but on our U320 the plywood dash panel appears to be an essential part of the overall structural assembly. I would make sure that it's bonded to the front fiberglass body and not attempt to remove it.

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Re: U300 Dash Board Removal

Reply #9 – January 07, 2015, 11:15:05 am

@Gerry You might want to call David Flanagan at FOT. His shop did my dash back in 2011 and they removed and replaced that section of the dash. David is hard to get a hold of but once you do he is a wealth of information and a pretty nice guy. Persistence pays off.

see ya
ken 

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