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How does one remove the clamshell

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E30fixated
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How does one remove the clamshell

Post by E30fixated » Tue Aug 11, 2015 10:53 pm

... after removing the airbag and the steering wheel? I have removed screws top and bottom, but there must be clips (between the seams) that won't let go. I've seen a Youtube but the video is not clear. Any thoughts/suggestions will be appreciated!

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Re: How does one remove the clamshell

Post by E30fixated » Wed Aug 12, 2015 2:21 am

In searching I find the lower portion of the "clamshell" is called the Lower steering cowl... hope that helps

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srhutch
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Re: How does one remove the clamshell

Post by srhutch » Wed Aug 12, 2015 2:25 am

It just pulls apart after the screws have been removed.
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Re: How does one remove the clamshell

Post by E30fixated » Wed Aug 12, 2015 3:24 am

Thanks... My "ETK" parts diagram showed only one screw. Time to take a closer look!

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Re: How does one remove the clamshell

Post by srhutch » Wed Aug 12, 2015 3:53 am

Think that's correct, middle underneath.
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Re: How does one remove the clamshell

Post by E30fixated » Thu Aug 13, 2015 11:32 am

So far so good: I can move the upper and lower portions relative to the ignition key assembly, but can't separate the upper from the lower without thinking I'm going to break something. Just seeing the mating surface of either portion would of course answer the question. Today I'll try poking around with some dental picks. Have a great day!

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Re: How does one remove the clamshell

Post by E30fixated » Thu Aug 13, 2015 5:41 pm

Thanks everybody! FORGET my stupid questions. Forget the dental picks. Insert a broad, dull wood chisel in the seam/opening between upper and lower, toward the rear of the cowl (rear relative to carbody), and twist. Just when you think the plastic is about to break, the two parts will split, or at least they did for me. Now repeat for the other side. Before putting things back together, I'll drill two holes where I can insert a small drift, to lift the link that I thought I almost broke last time :) .

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