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Topic: Access under the dash (Read 1021 times) previous topic - next topic

Access under the dash

I have read various posts which indicate or imply there is a panel that can be opened or removed to access the area underneath the dash for various maintenance actions.  When I was briefly at our coach (1997 U270) this past Sat, I found the removable panel, beside the stairs, that can be removed to access an electrical distribution panel of some sort.  But I could not locate any other panel that can be removed or opened to access under the dash.

Is there any other panel that can be removed or opened to access under the dash?  If so, where is it and how is it removed/opened?

Thank you.
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Access under the dash

Reply #1 –
Quote from: ncaabbfan –
I have read various posts which indicate or imply there is a panel that can be opened or removed to access the area underneath the dash for various maintenance actions.  When I was briefly at our coach (1997 U270) this past Sat, I found the removable panel, beside the stairs, that can be removed to access an electrical distribution panel of some sort.  But I could not locate any other panel that can be removed or opened to access under the dash.

Is there any other panel that can be removed or opened to access under the dash?  If so, where is it and how is it removed/opened?

Thank you.

1995-2000
The large curved (at the top) dashboard is enclosed at the top by an upholstered quarter spherical bubble-like cover.  This is hinged at the back (toward the windshield).  Maybe the latches located at either side of the this dash cover are very tight and will not let you open it.  Place your hands on either side of the cover and pry upwards.  You really want these latches to grip the cover tightly so don't lube them to make opening the cover too easy.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Access under the dash

Reply #2 –
I think our vehicles are about the same.  Of course the hood over the instrument panel can be tilted toward the windshield for access to the back of the instruments.  The part with the cup holders in the center of the dash is hinged and can be pulled up.  If the instrument hood is removed, the padded flat dash can be removed.  It is held in place with velcro, be careful not to bend it too much as it is mostly a thin piece of plywood that may be 2 pieces taped together.  You may also have to remove some air vents too.  You will need to do this if you want to work on the wiper mechanism or the dash air.  There is a metal frame behind the dash to which several pieces of plywood have been fastened with screws.  Most of the stuff behind the electrical panel are 12 v circuit breakers that automatically reset when a fault is corrected.  I haven't found any fuses there.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Access under the dash

Reply #3 –
Thank you very much for this information.  I will try these in the near future when I have more time to investigate.  The last thing I want to do is get in a hurry and break something.
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Access under the dash

Reply #4 –
Actually, on the 95 Unicoach (at least mine), the cover uses the several brass 'ball catch' style latches like the cabinet doors and it just lifts completely off.
My 93 dash was hinged at the window side and it used the nylon (male) and spring steel (female) style catches.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Access under the dash

Reply #5 –
Quote from: ncaabbfan –
......................Is there any other panel that can be removed or opened to access under the dash?  If so, where is it and how is it removed/opened?....................
Morris,
I'm late to the show , as usual.  Others have covered most of what I could contribute, save two items:
    • There are two small, rug carpeted vertical panels, just forward of the brake and throttle treadles.  They are screwed into the dash metal framework backing the panels.  I needed that access when I replaced my original aluminum mirrors, when I replaced my original windshield wiper drive mechanism (Warranty/FOT Supplied) and when I replaced the driver's side through-cap Windshield Washer fitting.  The copilot's side W/W fitting can be reached by removing the closest defroster windshield vent fitting/then the attached ducting (tether the ducting before you detach it, so that you don't lose it out of reach into the dash).  My Instrument cluster "Hood" is hinged like Jerry's, so your year is "sandwiched" between us, and should be easily removed by removing just four screws, as I recall.
       
    • Also, if and when you remove the padded flat dash cover that is Velcro'd to the underlying (thick, maybe 3/4"?) plywood, you must remove the retracted, accordion pleated front shades, first, in order to free up enough clearance.
    [/list]Merry Christmas to All, :)
    Neal
    The selected media item is not currently available.
    Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
    '02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
    '04 Gold Wing
    '07 Featherlite 24'
    '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
    MC #14494
    Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
    Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

    Re: Access under the dash

    Reply #6 –
    One additional caution.  If you're going to remove the velcro'd dash panel, first remove the co-pilot side trim piece to which the grab handle is attached.  Otherwise, you might start a crack in the windshield by lifting the dash panel.  Don't ask me how I know.
    Regards,
    Brett

    '99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
    '14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
    '05 Chevy SSR
    '02 BMW R1150R