Help removing the defrost trim panel

[88mjblue]

Trying to remove dash to change heater core, but can't seem to remove the trim piece that covers the defrost vent. I've removed 5 screws (3 along top, and 2 on the sides behind glovebox, but there's still something holding it in right behind where the clock is. If I understand correctly, I need to remove this trim piece first, which will give me access to the bolts that hold the upper part of the dash, and then the 2 15mm are loosened and it should come off, right?

 

 

[Strokermjcomanche]

There are (4 or 5 ) clips that hold that trim piece to the dash , they are the same type of clip that holds the radio / gauge cluster bezel . Pulling the trim straight up towards the windshield is how the clips should come out . If your plastic is brittle it may break so try to take it off as careful as you can

[Minuit]

Yeah, there's some snap clips once you get the screws out. That stupid little panel is a real PITA to take out and even worse to get back in.

[88mjblue]

Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to hear, just needed that confirmation before I snapped the thing in two if I missed a screw or something.

You're right, those clips are the exact same as the cluster/dash bezel, and just need a little persuasion:

 

 

[88mjblue]

Thanks for the help guys!

 

I had a "great" day today pulling my dash and hvac box just to find out my heater core was absolutely fine... It turned out to be the hose clamp the whole time - it wasn't making a good seal causing a leak at the intel tube which trickled down into the cab. (And I went the whole winter last year without heat)

[Strokermjcomanche]

If the heater core is original ( and it's still apart ) you might want to replace it anyhow while you're in there .

[Minuit]

Heater cores always have a habit of popping at the very worst time, so I would replace it too. You've already done half the work anyway. The actual heater core replacement takes like 10 minutes once you have the HVAC box out.

[cruiser54]

I didn't remove that piece when I replaced the heater core in my wife's 88....