Dash Pad

Complete removal and replacement of the dashboard pad (top cover) on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of windshield trim, A-pillar trim, and various dashboard components to access mounting fasteners.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard pad (top cover) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any damaged during removal
• Dashboard mounting screw retainers × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 15 minutes to deplete any residual airbag system energy (if equipped).
3. Remove both front seats to provide better access and working room (recommended but not strictly required).
4. Protect the windshield and instrument cluster with towels or soft cloth to prevent scratches during pad removal.
5. Allow interior to cool if vehicle has been in sun; hot dash pad material is more prone to tearing.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Windshield Wiper Arms and Cowl Cover
   Lift wiper arm blade away from windshield and remove the retaining nut at the base of each wiper arm. Mark wiper arm position on the splined shaft before removal. Pull wiper arms off the splined shafts. Remove the plastic cowl cover at the base of the windshield by removing the retaining screws (typically located at each end and center). Lift cowl cover away to access the windshield-to-dash seal area.
2. 2

   Remove A-Pillar Trim Panels
   On both driver and passenger sides, carefully pry the A-pillar trim panels away from the pillar structure. These are typically retained by clips. Start at the top and work downward, using a trim panel tool to release each clip. Note the location of any clips that remain in the body for reinstallation. Set panels aside in a protected area.
3. 3

   Remove Instrument Cluster Bezel
   Remove the screws securing the instrument cluster bezel (the trim surrounding the gauge cluster). These are typically located at the top and bottom edges. Gently pull the bezel away from the dashboard, working around the steering column. Disconnect any electrical connectors for warning lights or switches integrated into the bezel if present. Remove bezel completely.
4. 4

   Remove Upper Steering Column Covers
   Locate and remove the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers (typically 2-3 screws on the underside). Separate the two halves of the column cover and remove them. This provides access to the dashboard pad mounting area near the steering column.
5. 5

   Remove Defroster Grille Sections
   The defroster grilles along the top of the dashboard are retained by clips or screws. Starting at one end, carefully lift or pry the grille sections upward to release the retaining clips. Work along the entire length of the dashboard, removing all defroster grille sections to expose the forward edge of the dash pad. On the Viper, these may be in 2-3 sections.
6. 6

   Disconnect Speaker Grilles and Trim
   If the vehicle is equipped with dashboard-mounted speakers (typically at outboard ends near the A-pillars), remove the speaker grilles by releasing their retaining clips or removing mounting screws. Disconnect any speaker wiring if necessary to provide clearance for dash pad removal.
7. 7

   Locate and Remove Forward Dashboard Pad Screws
   With defroster grilles removed, locate the screws securing the forward edge of the dash pad to the dashboard structure. These are typically Phillips or Torx screws located along the leading edge near the windshield. Remove all forward mounting screws and retain them for reinstallation. Count and note screw locations.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove Side Dashboard Pad Fasteners
   At each outboard end of the dashboard pad (near the A-pillars and door openings), locate and remove the fasteners securing the pad sides. These may be screws accessed from the side or clips integrated into the pad structure. Work carefully to avoid breaking clips in the pad material.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove Center and Rear Dashboard Pad Fasteners
   Working from the instrument cluster opening and other access points, locate fasteners securing the dash pad to the underlying dashboard structure. These are typically located along the centerline and rear edge of the pad. Remove all accessible screws or release clips. Check behind the instrument cluster area and near the center stack for hidden fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Disconnect Any Remaining Clips or Attachments
    Before attempting to lift the dash pad, verify that all fasteners have been removed. Check for any clips along the lower edge that secure the pad to the dashboard structure. Also verify that no wiring harnesses or sensor connectors are trapped under the pad edges.
11. 11

    Remove Dashboard Pad
    With an assistant supporting the opposite end, carefully lift the dashboard pad upward and rearward, starting from one side. Work slowly to ensure no hidden fasteners or wiring is caught. The pad should lift free once all fasteners are removed. Maneuver the large pad through the interior, tilting and rotating as necessary to clear the steering wheel and windshield. Remove pad from vehicle and inspect the underlying dashboard structure for damage or debris.
12. 12

    Prepare New Dashboard Pad
    Inspect the new dashboard pad for correct fitment before installation. Compare mounting hole locations with the old pad. Clean the underlying dashboard structure of any debris, old foam, or adhesive residue. Verify that all clips in the dashboard structure are intact and properly positioned.
13. 13

    Install New Dashboard Pad
    With an assistant, position the new dashboard pad over the dashboard structure, working it into place from above. Align the pad carefully, ensuring proper fit at the windshield edge, A-pillars, and center stack areas. Verify that all mounting holes align before inserting any fasteners. Press the pad down to engage any lower edge clips.
14. 14

    Install Dashboard Pad Fasteners
    Install all dashboard pad mounting screws in reverse order of removal: center and rear fasteners first, then side fasteners, then forward edge screws. Tighten screws in a progressive pattern, working from center outward to avoid creating wrinkles or gaps in the pad. Torque all dashboard pad mounting screws to specification.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall All Trim Components
    Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal: defroster grilles (pressing firmly to engage clips), speaker grilles and wiring, steering column covers, instrument cluster bezel (reconnecting any electrical connectors), A-pillar trim panels (ensuring all clips engage), cowl cover, and wiper arms (aligning marks made during removal). Torque wiper arm nuts to proper specification if available. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is performed in reverse order of disassembly.
2. Ensure all dashboard pad mounting screws are torqued to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft) to avoid overtightening and cracking the pad.
3. Verify that all trim panel clips are fully engaged and panels are flush with surrounding surfaces.
4. Test all switches, gauges, and warning lights in the instrument cluster area to confirm proper electrical connections.
5. Inspect defroster grille alignment and ensure even gaps along the windshield edge.

Verification

• Visually inspect the installed dash pad for proper fit, even gaps at all edges, and alignment with windshield, A-pillars, and center stack.
• Press gently on various areas of the dash pad to confirm it is securely fastened with no flexing or movement.
• Verify that all defroster vents are unobstructed and air flows properly when HVAC is activated.
• Check that instrument cluster bezel, steering column covers, and all trim panels are properly secured with no rattles.
• Confirm no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster related to disconnected sensors or airbag system (after battery reconnection and system reset).

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