Pull Dash on 1988 Spider with A/C

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When I purchased this gem two months ago, none of the electronics worked except for headlights. No turn signals, parking, flashers, clock, lighter, backup, stop, dash lights, etc. In the process of sorting that all out, I pulled the lower dash and console.

Now to bite the bullet. The A/C and heater blower are also broken. The shop manual is not very descriptive about the process of pulling the upper dash and A/C parts. I understand from other posts that this process is a nightmare. But since I've come this far, why not.

Anyone have pics of the process?

It will be worth it since the PO repainted, put on new tires, cloth top, water pump and clutch. Sweet looking Alfa...

Richard

[RandallM]

Hi Richard,

Yesterday, I pulled the dash on my 86 to get at the siezed blower fan. Be prepared to remove everything. Some of the guys that own S2 can get at it without removing the dash, but it different on an S3.

Fist, loosen the center console (emergency brace console) and slide it back a few inches.
Second, remove center console. Get plenty of Zip Lock bags and a marker.

3rd remove drivers knee pads. The one infront of the fuse bax and the one to the right of it.

4 remove passenger knee pads.

5 remove glove bax (3 screws).

6 remove the plastic conduit that goes across the front of the air conditioning unit behind the passenger knee pad. I did not remove the air conditioner I placed a bucket under it and used a bungie cord around it and fastened it to the visor. The book says to disconnect and remove it. Yikes!

7 remove the gague cluster. You'll have to remove the steering column top and bottom first.

8 Remove air conduits.

9 behind the glove baxs you will see a wing nut holing the dash and the is another one that you can't see to the left of it in about the same place exept on the drivers side.

10 remove the dash bolts on the lower left and right of the dash. If you move the dash around you can tell if there are any left in. Find and remove.

11. Drink a beer.

12. Remove the side vents from the heater unit. (two bolts each)

13. Have a shot.

14 remove the input and exit heater hoses. I just cut them off and ordered new ones.

15 remove the 4 nuts holding the heater unit to the top of the dash.

16 Have a shot and a beer.

17 Grab the heater unit and break it loose. I had to get made and shake the crap out of it before it broke loose.

If you need more send me a PM and I can call you or you me.

It is a real PITA, but can be done. Vic's autosports in Dalls has the for 128.25 and that's the cheapest around.

Good luck

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Thx, Randall. I was afraid of that. I'll try #11, #13 & #16 and ship it to Vic's Autosports in Dallas...

Richard

[RandallM]

Hi Richard,

Vic's only sells the blowers. I've read another thread where someone paid $1,000 to change out the blower.

I may have been a little negative, as it's hard for me to get in tight places with the hands of a Gorilla.

My replacement parts will be here today. After I reassemble, I'm courious how many spare parts will be left over.