How to remove 1981 Toyota pickup dashboard?

Answer 1

I just did this to my 82. It is not the most fun thing to do. We'll start at the beginning.

There are a total of 6 - 12mm bolts that hold the dash to the cab. 4 of them are up against the windshield, and two of them are on the right and left of the underside of the dash on the most rearward portion screwed in the the vertical portion of the cab. Once you get those loose the dash will be loose for the most part. Now you have to remove all the trim on the front it and find the little screws that hold the radio in place and the ventilation controls (they are on the backside of the controls, you will need a shorty Phillips driver and reach behind to find them. It is nearly impossible to see them.) Now take a 15mm socket and remove the two bolts on the underside of the steering column and drop the column down. Once you get those out there are two more that need to come out above the other ones. Remove the bolts holding the e-brake to the bottom of the dash. Remove the four screw that are holding the gauge assembly in place and pull it as far forward as it will go. Reach throught the radio hole or the vent control hole and find the back of the gauges. There are 4 connection points. 3 of them are for the electrical and they will pull out while you hold the clip in. The other is the speedometer cable, twist and pull at the same time and it will pop loose. Now go under the dash and remove the ventilation tubing that goes to the two side vents as well as the defroster. They arent secured by anything. Now everthing is loose so pull the top of the dash towards you and then bring it up. It should come out now. Just remember where everything went. Hope this helps.