Ok so I got an entire dash replacement from LMC Truck, cost about $270 w shipping and all. Anyways Im removing the old one now and Ill be damned if I cant figure out how to remove the defroster vents from the dash. On the new dash i can see mounting points for the vents (screw holes maybe), but cant see what exactaly is holding them on. Anyone replaced the whole dash cover before and who knows what I am talking about, please give me a holler. It looks almost impossible right now Thanks for any help!

 

Hi i was gonna buy a new dash also from LMC..but they are out of stock...trying to figure out how to get passenger air bag side apart...do you have any ideal of how to do this ? ...didn`t know vents would be a problem...ugh!

 

Gently depress the dash board at the side where it pivots, then gently pull forward on the vent. It'll pop out of the dowel that holds it in and move forward maybe a 1/4". Then move to the other side and do the same. They are pretty fragile, so be careful where you grab them. try the thickest part of the housing.

A door panel pry tool works well. You can use a standard screwdriver, but it might break something if you aren't very careful.

 

Yah Those are the dempster vents. What I mean are the vents in the dash up by the front window. The defroster vents. I read the Service Manual and it looks like I am going to have to take the entire dash out....almost like changing a heater core I gotta wait for the temp to go down out side first. Was 113 here in OKC now sitting on 97, but still 105 in the garage ugh

 

It would be nice if you would take pictures of everything before, during, and after the installation.

BTW - Please see this thread regarding the heat: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ve-2011-a.html

 

i replaced the dash top on my 97 and found out you have to take out the dash, because of a multitude of hidden screws, around the vents, the front edge, even on the little vents on the ends.
so you have two choices, take the dash out, or break up your old dash top and not worry about a few screws, but i would recommend taking the dash out.

 

some mention of the vent screws and needing an angled screwdriver or ratchet driver. i think there's complete thread somewhere. looking...

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-thoughts.html

a little more of the same.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...oval-help.html

from the big thread. he broke out all the pieces around the vents to get to them. i don't know if this would work for everyone or not.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1127049-post195.html


good pictures of 94-98
this guy took the entire dash out to replace heater core. i doubt that's really required for the dash top.
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94...95-2500-a.html

 

Thanks a lot for your help guys!