How-To: Dash Trim Removal (1st gen)

After time number 3 or 4 I'd rather use this https://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-FMHT56019-FATMAX-Sledge-10-Pound/dp/B00I33UG8C/

 

Thats about right. I also recall another dimmer plug was there too but its useless atm. For now all you should have is your clutch cancel, dimmer and e-locker.

 

Great Write-up and info by @turbodb !

@gearcruncher Can we throw this up in any DIY write-up pages we got here?

 

Done

I can link the thread in my transmission swap thread . Thats about the best place for it .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-swap-write-up-s.384303/

 

I have removed the climate control panel more times than I care to remember. The first time I did it, the worst part was removing AC switch without breaking the bevel around it (yours is also cracked). This AC switch is really easy to break. Here is an old picture of my AC switch I broke while trying to pull it out.





Then I found that there easy not to remove the switch but just pull the cover off. The switch will come with it. Since then I replaced the switch with the new one (I hated to look at cracked piece on my dash). Then I removed the panel so many times and the switch is still like new.

 

Appreciate the time and patience you put into this post. Very helpful.

 

I just went through this on my truck and this post was extremely helpful. Mine is a 97 and had some slight differences.
- the center lower cover doesn't have outlets in it so it's really easy to come off.
- there was no screw behind the ash tray holding the center finish panel in place. Only the 2 screws behind climate control.
- steering wheel cover screws were all on the bottom. 3 screws holding the cover in place and 2 more holding the 2 halves of the cover together. These screws are in place of the 2 behind the steering wheel.
- And the biggest thing on the older truck was getting the gauge cluster out. The speedometer cable holds the cluster in place tightly. I reached through the opening where the center vents are located and was able to get my hand on the cable connector so it would come apart. It's a tight squeeze getting an arm in there. But the connector comes apart very easy. Way easier than any electrical plug you fight with. Just do that in reverse to get it connected again.

 

@turbodb is that white climate control package removable after taking off the climate control cover? I'd like to replace the fan speed switch on my truck but have never had the guts to attempt it (I tend to break plastic clips).

 

Ya need something buddy?

I'm sure it is removable once you pull out the center panel (if not before). It's just another module like the radio. I've never done it myself, however.

 

Maybe. Probably. The temp control in my dash is dark. Probably a sign of things to come.

 

I was actually stumped on how to disconnect the speedocable from the head.
The early Tacoma’s the cable snaps into the head unit and has a tab to release it.
The only way to access the back of the speed o head is to come in from the center vent and then you can get to the speed o cable to release it.

 

If I remember correctly in my 1995 truck the speedo cable was attached with a nut that looks like some kind of union coupling. And it was not a hex nut but knurled type. Luckily it was not super tight and I was able to undo it with my fingers. Very tight place with no access to any tools like pliers.

 

Those pictures will certainly help some people! I didn't think to snap one when I was in the midst of it.
It's a very tight squeeze. I think I have pretty average sized forearms, and I was pushing the limit on fit. A helper with very skinny arms could help tremendously. Haha.
That tab didn't take much to release.
Also I had to hold the connector in place as I pushed the gauge cluster back in. Again, didn't take much pressure, but needed a little to latch.

 

Thanks, I posted those photos because I spent two days trying to figure out how to disconnect it and was stumped