The following is not a detailed procedure, but a general outlook on the way the dashboard is secured in the Ford Escort and other similar chassis Mazda vehicles designed to help guide anyone along when attempting this for the first time. The reason a full procedure was not noted is because the dashboard was taken apart improperly, more for speed due to complete elimination in Alex's 97 Tracer build.

The dashboard in the Ford Escort is held by bolts in 5 areas. The left side between the door, right side between the door, bottom by the shifter, top by the windshield, and steering column. The main supports are on the sides, accessible below the plastic covers. They are secured by two 10mm bolts. Removing the cover is easy by popping them off with a flat head screwdriver.

The next area is at the bottom of the dashboard, and requires removal of the center console. As can be seen by the way the bottom portion of the dashboard framework sits, the easiest way to remove it once all 5 areas of restraint are eliminated is to tilt the dashboard.

The final and most difficult to get to area securing the dashboard is one 10mm bolt right below the windshield. It is hidden beneath the removal plastic vent cover which runs along side the windshield. Removal is easy with a flat head screw driver, the entire assembly pops out.

If the entire dashboard is to be taken out of the car completely, rather than just tilted, it is a good idea to remove the steering column as well. Removal is easy by taking out the bolt in the universal joint, undoing the electrical connections (about 5-10 plugs), and unhooking the cable which runs to the automatic shifter (if the car is equipped).

There is one bolt right above the universal joint towards the back of the steering column. It is difficult to see and tricky to remove. It may be easier to just remove two of the bolts that hold the entire assembly instead. Either way works.

The steering column itself is held by two bolts that go into the main support bar that runs alongside the entire dashboard. These bolts are easy to remove, once done, take care to hold the steering column from falling as it may damage the plastic bar at the bottom of the dashboard.

Several electrical connections run to the dashboard for the instrument cluster, radio, and other electrical circuits. It is possible to unplug them or remove the bolt that holds the assembly for further dis-assembly.

View of the entire back of the dash board, along with the view of everything behind it exposed.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.