Instrument panel shroud question

[Paul Clark]

The padded "surround" for the instrument dash panel has a gap between it and the plastic piece (the one with the slits for the front speakers, etc.)
Is there a way to tighten that up?
Thanks.

 

[Joe Cancer]

There are 5 or 6 screws that holds the surround to the dash.If you remove the bezel from instrument cluster you will see the screws.But,more than likely your surround is warped or distorted from too much sun over the years.

 

[turbojoe]

Reply to Paul Clark

Not sure if this will help but you could try to file down the back of the surround right where the screws go thru and do the same to where it attaches on dash board. this might help close some of the gap. its been a while since i had mine out so i'm just venturing a guess!

 

[Paul Clark]

Thanks for the replies.
The surround screws into the instrument panel.
What does the instrument panel mount/bolt/screw into?
Could those be loose?
Thanks

 

[turbojoe]

Reply to Paul Clark

I'm not completely sure I'll have to look at mine. It's been a while, like i said, that i've had it apart. whatever it mounts to, see if your able to maybe file it down a bit and maybe do the same to the surround. IF and only IF this CAN be done it might close the gap a little bit. Again, I'm only guessing. GOOD LUCK! BTW: Joe Cancer I think has it right about the 5 or 6 screws that hold the bezel on the instrument cluster. if you remove the screws like he said and then pull out the bezel, you will then see how the surround attached. just remove your surround and see if you might be able to get a file in there or dremel and just remove a bit of material. i think there should be some sort of plastic stantions or protrusions that the surround mates up to on the dash.

 

[Paul Clark]

That's a good idea, but I'm hesistant to file on any of those plastic mounting tabs. I just bought a replacement surround because the tabs broke off on the old one.
Please don't tear yours apart just to look (although I appreciate the offer)
I'll do some further snooping on mine and see what I find.
Many thanks.