The Mazda Miata is a fun sports car that has been around for numerous decades. If you are a Mazda enthusiast, you may have an older Miata with a slightly less than "impeccable" dashboard. Removing the dashboard is the first step in the restoration of the upholstery and inside of the Miata. And while it may seem daunting, it is actually not that difficult to remove the dashboard in the Miata if you have a bit of patience and mechanical ingenuity.
Remove the steering wheel and other componentry. Disconnect the battery terminals and then pry the center out of the steering wheel. Use a socket wrench to remove the steering wheel mounting bolt and slide it off of the steering column. Unscrew the gear shift handle by twisting it counterclockwise and then use a screwdriver to remove the mounting bolts holding the trim surrounding the steering column.
Remove the surrounding trim and the mounting screws. Use a flatblade screwdriver to pry the trim surrounding the gear shift and the gauge shield out of the clips holding it in place. Remove the screws at the corners of the dashboard and on the lower portion of the driver's side dash. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the console and glove compartment in place and then slide these two items out of the vehicle.
Remove the dashboard itself. Firmly pull straight back away from the windshield of the car until the dash pops from its mounting clips. Maneuver the dashboard around until you can slide it out of one of the doors or up over the windshield in the case of a convertible Miata. As you are sliding it out, disconnect the heating ductwork from the vents by simply depressing the tabs at the corner of each vent. You may also need to disconnect a wiring harness for an in-dash light or a cigarette lighter.
