Miata Dashboard Removal Instructions with pics

[Toolman]

Removing the dash in your Miata is not as daunting a task as you might think. A few tools and careful progression is all you need.

The following thread outlines how to remove a '90-'93 dash, although the '94-'97 dash removal is pretty much the same in my experience.

**Note: If you don't see all the steps, it's because I am still updating the thread with new posts/pics, so please be patient.

The pictures you'll see in this thread are of my old LE, taken back in 2003 or 2004 when I needed to repaint the upper black portion of the dash. The tan interior cars and the LE (red) both had the upper portion of the dash painted black AFTER the dash was cast as one piece of colored plastic. The reason for the black upper portion was to reduce glare on the windshield.

All-black dashboards did not need to have the upper portion painted black, of course.

Because of this "paint" or dye - whatever they used at the factory - over time, if not properly cared for, the coating may become faded and/or gummy.

I removed the dash to have that gummy and scratched surface repainted. You may have another reason, such as a wire tuck, airbag hardware/wiring removal, etc.

Whatever the reason, I hope that this guide will assist others, so here we go...

The first thing you want to do is make sure you have ample room and light in which to work.

The top will need to be down, or the hardtop will need to be off.

You will need the following tools:

• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 6" extension
• 10" extension or longer
• 3/8 drive sockets: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm
• 10mm offset box wrench
• 17mm open ended wrench
• Small spudger or pocket knife with one of those dull flathead tips
• Needle nosed pliers
• Philips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Upholstery tool (bent head to remove snaps or pry)
• Baggies or cups to put bolts, nuts, and screws in
• Second person to help you remove the dash once everything has been disconnected

I will state again that the pictures used throughout this thread were taken years ago during my first dash removal. I have since removed and installed many more dashes and may include instructions without pictures for steps I either didn't photograph, or felt necessary to include in doing a dash removal now that I have "mastered" it.