A
Arthur 1995 LWB
Guest
Anyone have a recommended tool or method to drive the screws in (windshield in the way)? The smallest angle drive I could find was Dremel's and it's still too tall. 
I used star head screws and a 1/4" ratchet with socket and put a short power screwdriver bit in. It's not easy but can be done with lots of cussing. Just be carefull you don't drop the bit down the defroster vent like I did.
Real easy if you do what ECR did and remove the windshield......
http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Discotech.html
http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Discotech.html
I used a short screwdriver bit and turned it with a 1/4" wrench while pressing down with my finger. It wasn't easy, but it worked. A gearwrench would have made this much easier. I had to retrieve the bit a couple of times from the crack with a magnet. Bonus...while digging around next to the windshield, I found a 50 pence coin! Thanks LR!!!
My dash was curling badly, so I put a few screws in prior to installing the dash repair kit between where the kit holes were going to be. FWIW--I used short drywall screws.
My dash was curling badly, so I put a few screws in prior to installing the dash repair kit between where the kit holes were going to be. FWIW--I used short drywall screws.
I second Dave's short drywall screw reinforcement before placing the trim piece; the LR parts guy suggested it to me. To "drill" the holes at right and left where the windshield is in the way I heated the appropriate-sized nail with a propane torch, while holding the nail in vicegrips, then melted the hole through the plastic dash. Then I used a torx allen key to drive the screws (are they still torx head?).
How long of drywall screws did you guys use? I guess there is nothing under the dash in this area you can hit with the screws. I also have to do this project soon. Taking the windshield out would be nice, but I can see lots of bad stuff happening if I tried that.
The screws I used were about 1", if I remember correctly. I also used the hot nail idea (very thin).
Ditto on the 1" or 7/8". Dealer parts guy confirmed nothing below that you can hit. Just be sure to lay out the holes for the trim piece first so you don't put a drywall screw in the same place you're trying to put a trim piece screw through. Go to a hardware store with bulk nails in the bins and look at the various sizes of finishing nails that are available, and pick the right size. You're probably looking for a 3, 4, or 5 penny as a pilot for the trim kit screws. Try one and see how the screw feels driving in before you melt all of them the same size. Good luck on the project - you'll love the look of your dash when you're done!
Thanks for the info, now there is no excuse for me not to get going on this. I bought the kit from LR awhile ago. I heard they discontinued tan but they were able to find me one.