How to remove a 1979-1983 rx7 dash - 1983 Mazda RX-7

Its not easy...

first you have to take out the center section with the radio:
Remove the shift knob and pop out the shifter surround.
Remove the ash tray
Remove the HVAC knobs
Unscrew all visible screws from removing above items
There are also two screws up above the HVAC controls

next step is to remove the radio, equalizer (if equipped), and any other options that you have in that area. All of them are held in with screws.

then remove the steering surround and all the pieces under the dash pad. They are all screwed on and are self explainatory. Also, remove the glovebox inner plactic piece. In order to get the big piece out that goes around the stereo surround you have to take out the arm rest piece. there are two screws inside it, as well as two under the plastic piece infront of the arm rest goes.

Remove the steering wheel by poping off the horn button with a screw driver and use a 21mm socket to take off the nut. grab the wheel at 9' and 3' o'clock and wiggle out, it will come off.

if you look right under the windshield there are three little caps, pop thoes off with a screw driver and take out the three screws under them, that metal piece under the windshield will come off.

there are two bolts on each side of the dash that were under the flat little plastic pieces you should of removed. take out these four bolts.

there are three bolts under the metal trim piece under the winshield take these out.

there are two bolts just above the floor bolting the dash frame to the bracked on the floor. remove these

remove the gauge cluster from the dash, two screws to remvoe the cluster surround.

I believe there are three screws in the gauge cluster its self, (note: if you un hook the speedometer cable from the transmission, it is much much easier to get the gauge cluster out. its next to impossible if you dont.) carefully pull out the gauge cluster and un hook all the electrical connections.

you are ready to pull out the dash, frame and all. there are two plugs on the driverside/middle that once unplugged will let you pull the whole dash out. unplug these. Have a buddy help pull it out and also watch for any wires you missed or if anything is catching.

It also helps to remove the seats (4 bolts each) but its not necessary.

hope this helps, i havent done this in a year, this is all from memory. If i forgot anything, it should be self explanatory. If it needs to be removed, remove it :)

rate my answer, this took awhile!