The dashboard is the plastic trim in the 2003 Cavalier that covers the instrument cluster and center console. Whether your dash has cracks or sun damage or you simply want to personalize your vehicle with a custom dashboard, you can remove the dash yourself with a few tools. Dashboard removal is a time-consuming process and requires that you handle the pieces delicately so you do not break the many plastic clips that secure it.
Open the driver and passenger front doors. Insert a slotted screwdriver between the dash and the plastic cover, and pry off the cover on each side.
Remove the black bolt from beneath the plastic cover on each side of the dash using a ratchet.
Remove the screws securing the center defroster vent at the top of the dashboard using a Phillips screwdriver. Insert a slotted screwdriver between the center defroster vent and the dash, and pry up to remove it.
Remove the two bolts beneath the center defroster vent using a ratchet. There is one bolt on the left side and one bolt on the right side.
Open up the glove box compartment on the passenger side, and remove the five bolts around the upper inner edge of the glove box using a ratchet; three bolts are black in color and two are brass colored.
Grasp the dash top edges around the gauge bezel and lift up to disengage the plastic clips beneath. Remove the dash top.
Remove the three bolts above the center trim panel and gauge assembly, below the dash cover, using a ratchet.
Grasp the dashboard firmly and pull toward the rear of the car to disengage the clips. Work your way around the entire dashboard until all clips are disengaged and you can freely remove the dashboard.
