How to Remove & Replace the Dash in a S10

by Chris Moore

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The dash on the Chevy S10 truck mainly consists of the trim panel above the instrument cluster, the knee bolster underneath the steering column, the insulator panels on the left, center and right sides and the glove compartment box. Any one of these panels can be removed and replaced if needed, and you will also need to remove some or all the panels if you need to reach components within the instrument panel. The listed order below is recommended because you need to remove some panels before you can access others.

Removal

Step 1

Unscrew and remove the upper screws for the knee bolster near the steering column using a screwdriver.

Step 2

Remove the screws for the sound insulator panels on the bottom side of the dash using your screwdriver and then lower them from the instrument panel.

Step 3

Tilt the steering column downward and move the transmission lever into low gear to give you more space to work.

Step 4

Remove the knee bolster's remaining screws and lower it from the instrument panel. Disconnect the release cable for the parking brake and and unplug any other connectors before removing the bolster.

Step 5

Remove the two retaining screws for the instrument cluster bezel, which are accessible from the underside above the cluster. Pull the trim bezel off the panel, unplug any electrical connectors behind it, then pull the bezel back sharply to remove its clips from the panel.

Step 6

Open the glove box and push upward on the spring located at the compartment's left end to release the door from the compartment. Remove the four screws connecting the door to dash using the screwdriver.

Installation

Step 1

Insert the replacement cluster bezel on the instrument panel, making sure its clips in the rear engage. Plug in the electrical connectors and screw the bezel in place with the mounting screws in the front.

Step 2

Connect the glove box door to the dash with its screws and make sure the spring engages with the door to connect it to the compartment.

Step 3

Install the knee bolster onto the panel, connecting the electrical connectors and the parking brake's release cable and then applying the mounting screws with the screwdriver.