I've only removed my dash one time, and it was surprisingly easy and I'll even go as far to say rewarding to do.� Not hard at all, and only minimal tools involved; just time consuming (like 5-6 hours for R&R for a total rookie, and probably 2 hours R&R if you've done it once), and lots of fasteners, but nothing too technical.� And, you are sitting upright for the most part, as opposed to working under the chassis.� Hardest part is maneuvering the dash up and out by yourself (which I did), but if you've got a helper for 5 minutes no problem there either.� The most special tool I used was a pair of Vice-Grips to grab onto and remove the two conical nuts which hold the steering column support (and then you buy a couple regular nuts to replace those conical nuts).� And, had to buy a 22 mm socket to remove the steering wheel nut, which is also required to remove the lower Front Shock mounting bolts which I discovered 2 weeks ago.� Best instruction was
 at http://benplace.com/dash.htm��� Thanks Ben.

By the way, the reason I removed dash was to fix the "ovaled" hole on the clutch pedal pin (some annoying clicking); removing, or more precisely re-installing that clutch pedal was challenging.� But when I got it out, I found that after 25 years and 195,000 miles, it was perfectly circular, virtually no wear...go figure.� Lubed everything up (must have been the pedal return spring that needed a dab of grease), re-installed, no clicking, all good.

Anyway, when the dash is removed, lots of things visible of course.� Good time for some other lubrication items like fan motor and ventilation control linkages.� Lube anything that moves, dust off everything else.

I'd say, if you've got a spare day, do it yourself.� (Have never worked on the windshield wiper linkage and shaft....somebody else more knowledgeable will have to chime in on that.)� Good luck.� But don't let the "mystery" of dash removal deter you, it's not bad at all.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Mon, 8/13/12, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:

From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: trip report quite long
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Monday, August 13, 2012, 3:40 PM

Well, we'll find out, as I am either about to tackle the job, or get someone with more knowledge and skills than me to do it.� � mcneely

---- Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
> are you sure Stacey? I'm thinking the pass. side shaft can be got at without removing dash.
>
> alistair
>
>
> On 2012-08-13, at 1:59 PM, Stacy Schneider wrote:
>
> >� ���Honestly ,I think the guy had� it backwards . I'd pay somebody $ 70.00
> > to install that . You have to pull the dash out to get to it . Obviously
> > the guy had no idea what was involved.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 1:07 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> >
> >> ---- Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Passenger side windshield wiper became loose and flopped about during a
> >> thunderstorm in Wyoming on outbound.� The stud had snapped.� While getting
> >> the muffler replaced in Burlington, I made a couple of inquiries about
> >> getting parts, but did not really want to spend the time to track down
> >> parts and fix it.� I was told that I would need to replace the
> >> "transmission," that the stud cannot be replaced.� Is this true?� One guy
> >> offered to get a transmission from a bone yard, wanting $260 for the part,
> >> and $70 for labor, and it would take him two days to get the part.� Is this
> >> right?� I just removed the wiper and put it under the seat, and cleaned the
> >> windshield really well before wiping it thoroughly with "RainX."� It did
> >> not rain on us for the rest of the trip, maybe RainX works (ha ha).� I'll
> >> see what I can do now that we are home.
> >>
> >> Just ordered wiper shaft assembly from Van Cafe, price $33, new, from
> >> original equipment manufacturer.
> >> --
> >> David McNeely
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >���1989 Swedish Tristar with Aluminum gates and Atiwe 16" Wheels.
> >� � Oldest son is an Eagle scout.

--
David McNeely