Question about Dash removal...
 

I did a search and everything I found is about the center console part of the dash.

I would like to remove and replace the center piece on the top of the dash (07 MS3). I am looking at getting this gauge pod (pic below) and I would rather rig it to fit alone and keep the stock piece intact rather than using the 3M tape to attach it to the stock piece and have to drill through for the wiring. I don't plan on selling the car any time soon, but just in case, I want to be able to bring it back to stock without paying out the ass for a part from a dealer.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-...586-mazda3.jpg

That's a good question. I don't think there's a how-to article for that yet. That piece looks like it has awful fitment though, you sure you want that in your car?

I think the fitment issue is cause it just uses 3M tape to stick to the piece thats already there, I plan on removing that piece and fabbing up a different method...it should be a little smoother that way...if not, I'll just put the stock piece back in and figure out something else...

To get the vent section out you have to remove the dash strip (multiple write ups on that), then unscrew the two screws holding it in (not the two holding the HU). Then just grab the whole thing and pull up and towards the back of the car to release the tension clips holding it in. Unplug the hazard switch and you're done.

As for not putting the stock piece back in bear in mind that the vents and the hazard switch are part of that piece so you'd be losing those too.

Take a look at THIS thread. I think you'll find it interesting.

Also the finished pictures are on page 7/8.

yeah...i realized the next time I got in the car after this thread that the vents and stuff were in there. I wanted to do like what he did but I was worried about paying uber amounts for the dash piece. hadn't even thought about a junkyard...I guess I'll be making some calls in the next few days.

I guess I never saw that thread b/c for some reason I couldn't ever get the confirmation e-mail from that forum so I couldn't see any of their threads...

thanks for the link mang...should take care of all of my issues...at least for now...

just got the junkyard piece...found it in NJ...$50 shipped. Now I just have to wait on the pod to get here and I can get to work