Guide to interior disassembly?

[CLudwig]

I picked up the “Boarderlands” FIAT Shop manual; which is a great book on FIAT maintenance.

Now I’m looking for something similar for interior work. I need to replace about 70% of my FIAT’s interior. I’d like to find some guides and illustrations to assist me in the disassembly and re-assembly.

Anyone know of one?

[124JOE]

sorry dont know of any books,not that there arent any just me.

i redid mine and know most of it.
can we help? just ask.

[azruss]

the interiors are old school, so not much in the way of hidden clips.
seats come out with a screw at the end of each slide track. the backs are a pain to get to.
rear cushion comes out by just pulling the front of the seat up. the back have visible screws on the top and bottom. Dash board and the consoles arent bad. the lower console requires removing the rear ash tray to get to the back fastener. the rest of the screws are visible. The dash can be a challenge. best to ask about that when the time comes.
Just went thru door panel removed a couple of weeks ago, so can go back thru past threads.

[baltobernie]

You'll need a monster #3 Phillips screwdriver to remove the seats, a set of metric allen wrenches for the convertible top frame, and a tool to remove and install the C-clip on window winders. Last one on the right of this photo works well. http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-wi ... 38386.html. Another useful tool is an ice pick or small awl (which can be made from a junk screwdriver). Necessary to get the lower console, in particular, back into position. Seat belt hardware is SAE. Some of the fasteners are unique; long, thin trim screws with captive dress washers, corrugated washers on the dash, etc.. Bag & tag when in doubt. Most of these cars have had multiple "restorations", so in the case of several screw hole choices, mark the one that works with masking tape and/or Sharpie. Let us know how far down you plan to strip; there are several maintenance items easily performed when the interior is gutted.

[CLudwig]

Thanks guys, that trim removal kit may come in handy.
If anyone runs across guides let me know. I need to disassemble the dash as well.

[baltobernie]

The dashboard is often a two-person job, particularly re-installation. Not pleasant lying scrunched up on your back. Of course, I don't know the extent of your restoration, but plastic dashboard overlays, called "caps", are a viable alternative, virtually indistinguishable from a new dash. There are several threads on this product.

[RRoller123]

This tool is fantastic for removing the windowcrank c-clips:

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/locks ... moval-tool

[SanRafaelFaz]

The dashboard is often a two-person job, particularly re-installation. Not pleasant lying scrunched up on your back. Of course, I don't know the extent of your restoration, but plastic dashboard overlays, called "caps", are a viable alternative, virtually indistinguishable from a new dash. There are several threads on this product.

FYI, I was going to go with the full dash cap overlay, but the seller told me the proper way to install it was to remove the old dash or at least all the trim, gauges, etc. That's exactly what I didn't want to do. Going to use the 1/2 dash cap instead, since the only cracks are around the de-frost vents and this will just pop right on without removing anything.

[SanRafaelFaz]

You'll need a monster #3 Phillips screwdriver to remove the seats, a set of metric allen wrenches for the convertible top frame, and a tool to remove and install the C-clip on window winders. Last one on the right of this photo works well. http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-wi ... 38386.html. Another useful tool is an ice pick or small awl (which can be made from a junk screwdriver). Necessary to get the lower console, in particular, back into position. Seat belt hardware is SAE. Some of the fasteners are unique; long, thin trim screws with captive dress washers, corrugated washers on the dash, etc.. Bag & tag when in doubt. Most of these cars have had multiple "restorations", so in the case of several screw hole choices, mark the one that works with masking tape and/or Sharpie. Let us know how far down you plan to strip; there are several maintenance items easily performed when the interior is gutted.

Regarding that lower console; I can use all the info out there on replacing mine. Haven't bought it yet, but will be doing so in a few weeks along with a new upper (radio) console, full new carpets, seats, etc. I tore my old ones out, which I'm pretty good at. It's the replacing part that I'm lacking in, LOL!
ANY and ALL advice happily received!

[124JOE]

FAZ i got a cap 10years ago i didnt trim the dash just stuck it over and never glued it
the glove box is a tight fit
the gauge section you dont play with like the glove box
so its fine and looks ok
but not gluing it down and years go by it warped a bit
i think i can still glue it if i get that far

[SanRafaelFaz]

FAZ i goy a cap 10years ago i didnt trim the dash just stuck it over and never glued it
the glove box is a tight fit
the gauge section you dont play with like the glove box
so its fine and looks ok
but not gluing it down and years go by it warped a bit
i think i can still glue it if i get that far

Really, a full cover cap and you just sliped it on? That's good to know. Thanks.

[124JOE]

well no i had to remove the gauge plate and center
and the head light switch

[JoeFaz]

well no i had to remove the gauge plate and center
and the head light switch