2000 La Palma Dashboard Problems

[Mochisme]

I am sure I am not the only one to have equipment mounted to the dashboard come loose, so I wanted to pick a few brains with experience before I start tearing into my dashboard.

What I have is both my heater/ac controls and my backup monitor coming loose from the dashboard and falling in behind the dash.

There are no visible fasteners on the front of the dashboard, but from what I can see looking where they are falling away, it appears some type of nut was glued to the back of the dashboard and then the monitor and control station fastened to those. (See the attached photo)

So, do I remove the dash enough to access those spots and re-glue them, or do I drill them out and install through fasteners?

Through fasteners would last longer and I would not mind a few more screw heads being visible on the dash, but I would have to remove/loosen the dash far enough to get a drill behind and make the holes.

Another option I see is removing the driver’s seat and approaching it from the bottom without loosening or removing the dash. Yeah I am big enough I can not even get to the under dash fuse panel with the drivers seat in place, so it would have to go.

Although everything (except 12V power sockets) on the dash are working (Held in place with a pillow), I would like to do a proper fix before my next trip which I would like to be soon, so experiences, ideas and suggestions are welcome even if I don't agree with them, or use them, they all provide fuel for thought.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[Mageksl]

I've got a 2001 LaPalma with what looks like the same dash. It's been a while but I pulled the wood laminate facia off to install a multi-disc CD player control. You have to pull off the bezel for the radio and move the shift lever (from Park down to Drive or Low) before it comes out. The speedo, switches, etc will come with it. Some of the wiring harness is fairly short so you may have to unplug some of the components to get the facia out of your way enough to work on the monitor and HVAC controls.

I think the monitor is held up with a bolt in the back but it stays in the dash when you remove the face of the dash. You can also check on the mount for the HVAC controls. Getting the AC hoses back on the dash air outlets can be a bit tedious.

Be sure when you go back in that you use a manual screwdriver to replace the screws on the dash as it will crack if too tight.

[Arch Hoagland]

Is that all original equipment in the dash or was something added?

[Mochisme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mageksl I've got a 2001 LaPalma with what looks like the same dash. It's been a while but I pulled the wood laminate facia off to install a multi-disc CD player control. You have to pull off the bezel for the radio and move the shift lever (from Park down to Drive or Low) before it comes out. The speedo, switches, etc will come with it. Some of the wiring harness is fairly short so you may have to unplug some of the components to get the facia out of your way enough to work on the monitor and HVAC controls. I think the monitor is held up with a bolt in the back but it stays in the dash when you remove the face of the dash. You can also check on the mount for the HVAC controls. Getting the AC hoses back on the dash air outlets can be a bit tedious. Be sure when you go back in that you use a manual screwdriver to replace the screws on the dash as it will crack if too tight.

Thanks, that helps and hopefully I can get started on it next week.

[Mochisme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland Is that all original equipment in the dash or was something added?

Well it is all "Original" Equiupment to me, as I just bought the MH last June, but from reading all the manuals and what not, my impression is it is original equipment.

Was there something that got your eye and promted the question?

[Rex]

There are metal studs glued to the back of the panel that are used to mount the back-up monitor, radio and heat/AC contorls. Sounds like the glue did not hold on yours. Don't know what kind of glue but some sort of epoxy. The studs must be lined up correctly. I suspect you will have to take the dash completely off in order to make the repair. All the instruments should disconnect and can be left just hanging.

Take lots of pictures before you start. I have attached a picture of the back side of a 2003 Diplomat that shows some of these studs. If you can't repair it, try giving North West Supply a call at 541-746-9092. They may have a new one.

[Arch Hoagland]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mochisme Well it is all "Original" Equiupment to me, as I just bought the MH last June, but from reading all the manuals and what not, my impression is it is original equipment. Was there something that got your eye and promted the question?

Well I don't mean to be nasty but it looks a little bit cheesy and the way the radio is mounted I thought maybe someone had added it later.

[MisterJim]

Mochisme: I have a 99 LaPalma with the same dash (except no woodgrain) and I will probably end up replacing it with one from a salvaged RV or new one if they are still available. Mine has some cracks in it and so far I haven't had the monitor or the A/C controls come loose but I may have that problem in the future! I would really appreciate it if you would post the results of your repair in the event I have to do the same thing soon. My coach is in storage (inside) for the winter so I don't have ready access to it. Like you, I just bought mine in June of 2011. Love it so far but haven't gone on any long trips yet. Have been busy remodeling the flooring with new vinyl and carpet (after repairing some wet spots in the sub-flooring).

[Mochisme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland Well I don't mean to be nasty but it looks a little bit cheesy and the way the radio is mounted I thought maybe someone had added it later.

Arch, I never took your comment/question to be nasty, I was just curious to what prompted your response as maybe you were seeing something I was overlooking.

Thanks for all the replies they are helpful and encouraging. I will be digging into this problem shortly now that I have a better feel for what I am getting into, plus I am planning a cross country trip starting this spring and I want it repaired before I head out.

Thanks to you all and I will take photos and add them here for others that may encounter the same or similar problem in the future