New Member - Quick Question

Folks,

First time asking a question here... I have a 97 Riviera. I have been searching trying to find out the exact procedure for removing the black pins/clips that attach the black panel to the front underside of the dash pad. I have read every procedure that I could find relating to the topic but nothing that addresses the removal of the pins.

Is there a trick of some sort? Is there a special tool needed to do it, or do I just force them out and then get new ones and hope they fit correctly?

If someone who has actually done this could reply with the correct procedure it would be greatly appreciated. Please dont reply with a link to one of the write ups unless it specifically deals with the pin removal procedure, as I have searched through just about everything and have read all I need to know about fixing the loose steering wheel etc....

Need to get this off so I can get in and fix my wobbly steering wheel.

Thanks much
KF

1997 Buick Riviera

The pins are funky. To get them out, you press the centers in - they snap in (only move about 1/4 in wi a little click, don't push too far). Once you have them out, press the center rod back through so they protrude out about 1/4 in, then insert the retainers and push the center pin to flush like they were.

The factory service manual is invaluable to this car (hint hint)

They will make more sense once you have one out.

I have a few extras if you lose one. (I could only buy a 10-pack)

deekster_caddy wrote:

The pins are funky. To get them out, you press the centers in - they snap in (only move about 1/4 in wi a little click, don't push too far). Once you have them out, press the center rod back through so they protrude out about 1/4 in, then insert the retainers and push the center pin to flush like they were.

The factory service manual is invaluable to this car (hint hint)

They will make more sense once you have one out.

I have a few extras if you lose one. (I could only buy a 10-pack)

Worked like a charm! Thanks for the fast response and the kind offer. Hopefully they all come out like the first one just did. Seems like that could be one of the the toughest parts of the job.

I am hoping that it is just the pin that came out and not the bracket ear broken off...

BTW - I ordered the FSM yesterday......gotta have one if you work on your own vehicles....

Best,
KF

1997 Buick Riviera
1990 Buick Reatta
1982 Volkswagen Westfalia
1994 Toyota 4Runner
2007 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner

You're welcome, glad I could help! And welcome to the forum! Make sure you post something in the 'Welcome' section!

Also add to your signature if your car has the SC or not. If you are asking tech questions the year and SC or NA are the most important bits of info usually.

Yes welcome!!

This whole forum is invaluable.

deekster_caddy wrote:

You're welcome, glad I could help! And welcome to the forum! Make sure you post something in the 'Welcome' section!

Also add to your signature if your car has the SC or not. If you are asking tech questions the year and SC or NA are the most important bits of info usually.

I have the black panel under the dash removed..since I dont yet have my FSM I dont have any pic to go reference. Can you tell me what is necessary to remove the dash panel? I was initiallly going to start by removing the 4-5 torx screws at the top of the dash panel, but that did not seem right ...

I a msure it is straight forward, however I dont want to start removing things that are not necessary as that can lead to additional work and/or problems... as we all know

thanx

Kurt Franz wrote:

deekster_caddy wrote:

You're welcome, glad I could help! And welcome to the forum! Make sure you post something in the 'Welcome' section!

Also add to your signature if your car has the SC or not. If you are asking tech questions the year and SC or NA are the most important bits of info usually.

I have the black panel under the dash removed..since I dont yet have my FSM I dont have any pic to go reference. Can you tell me what is necessary to remove the dash panel? I was initiallly going to start by removing the 4-5 torx screws at the top of the dash panel, but that did not seem right ...

I a msure it is straight forward, however I dont want to start removing things that are not necessary as that can lead to additional work and/or problems... as we all know

thanx

You must remove the side panels. Open the doors. The driver's side side panel houses the fuse block door. Carefully pry the drivers side off. Be careful, you can break the clips. The driver's side pries off. The passenger side comes off the same way, EXCEPT, there is one 7mm bolt that you can only see if you open the GLOVE BOX. Remove that bolt first, and pry the other side panel off. Again, go slowly not to break anything. Once you have removed the side panels, you will see another 7mm bolt and strap holding the dash on. Remove them.

Now, under the dash top shelf, towards the back, there are 5-7 more 7mm bolts holding the dash panel on. Remove them all. Now, this is very important. If you look carefully, there are tabs for the upper dash shelf, and tabs for the dash panel. The bolts go through both tabs. The tabs for the dash panel go BEHIND the tabs for the top dash shelf. When you put everything back together, if you reverse the tabs, that black filler panel will not line up properly, and you will not be able to put the clips back in.

Once you have removed the bolts, push up on the top shelf, and pull down on the dash panel so that you free the tabs, one by one. It helps to tilt the steering wheel all the way down. You will need to disconnect the harness to the light switch, and the Traction/Odometer/Reset buttons. Then you can remove the dash panel. Pay attention as you remove things, and you will be able to put it back together.

Hope that helps. Good Luck.

Thank you for the excellent instructions. Much obliged.......

LARRY70GS wrote:

You must remove the side panels. Open the doors. The driver's side side panel houses the fuse block door. Carefully pry the drivers side off. Be careful, you can break the clips. The driver's side pries off. The passenger side comes off the same way, EXCEPT, there is one 7mm bolt that you can only see if you open the GLOVE BOX. Remove that bolt first, and pry the other side panel off. Again, go slowly not to break anything. Once you have removed the side panels, you will see another 7mm bolt and strap holding the dash on. Remove them.

Hope that helps. Good Luck.

Getting ready to start this.....any additional advice on how to "carefully pry" the side panels off? Don't get me wrong, I understand what needs to be done, however, any insight into what tool you used, etc....would be helpful. My gut feeling would be to stick my fingers underneath the edge and just start pulling lightly on it. However, with my luck I would break it.

Thanks again!

Very small screw driver. I'm going to say start from the bottom. They come off easy, so if you feel any resistance, stop and try from another angle. Been awhile since I did this. Two sides have plastic tabs. If you pry too hard, they break. Not the end of the world if you break one, the panels will still snap back on. You'll see what I mean. Just don't forget the single 7mm bolt on the passenger side.