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I need to remove the central dash panel in order to clean the lights contacts behind the lighter and the fan switch, as they do not come up when I turn on the lights (however I know it is cleaning they need and not replacing.)
How easy is this to do? How about the fan switch? How easily does this come out? And how about the clock? Is there a danger that it might never work again after that?
All opinions welcome...
Thanks in advance !!!

Oh, yes : Early model-early dash

Its a little tricky to get the actual panel away from the dash as the plastic is a little crappy. I only have experience with the later dash but i would imagine they're fairly well the same, there are two screws half hidden at the top of the panel that you unscrew, then you pull the switches out and underneath is the nut. To get all of it undone and ready to pull out is pretty easy, its just when you have to pries the panel out of place. Also, careful you don't pull it out too far as all of the cables for heater etc will pull out of their socket and its quite tricky to get back in.
Hope i helped

On early cars you need to remove the knobs off the heater vent controls and then remove the small black screws from the top and bottom of the slots where the heater vent controls slide up and down and the panel should lift out....this link to a pic might help!...edd

http://77e21.info/photogallery/restoration/P9080014.JPG

thaks guys!!
Actually, I know where the half hidden screws in the slots are

What I haven't figured out yet is how to remove the vent knob without braking anything...It does not seem to be very obvious how to get that out (and then put it back again!!!!)

If you place one hand flat on the front of the heater panel for support and with the other hand pull the slider knobs hard towards you they should pop off and then pop back on with a little bit of effort ...no clips or anything like that holding them on just pop on pop off!!...edd

Thank you....!!!
I will give it a try and keep you informed!!!!

Ok, fresh update here WITH pics...! So plz HELP!!!
I managed to remove the console
Still I couldn't find out how to remove the orange coloured plastic part behind the not working bulbs...Or maybe it was just I who was afraid of breaking anything?? I used some contact spray for everything in that area, and put it back in place...And then a miracle happened: The lights came on!! However, the "miracle" lasted just about a couple of miles, as after some potholes/bumps, lights decided to go for a nap again...
Anyone who can tell me how to open that damn thing behind the lighter and the fan switch in order to put my hands on these bulbs and their contacts???

Here are the pics:

I mean, my big prob is not how will I remove the orange part, this is obvious, but how to remove the lighter+fan switch rear parts...I can't figure that out...

Dunno about the lighter but for the switch undo the large nut at the front

But, I did that...How else would I be able to remove the console part? If you look at the upper picture, the switch is already removed...!!! The rear part is the trikky one...as well as the lighter rear part...!!!

Perhaps I'm seeing different pictures here but it looks to me you removed only the knob (you knob ) the nut is still there, around the spindle the knob goes onto

Oh, I think I NOW got it...Thanks, I 'll give it a try...
Still remains the lighter issue, though...

I was expecting a bit more from you!

If you look at the back of the lighter, you see the backing plate (the one held by a spring) has a bayonet style lock. I guess if you press that one slightly and give it 1/8 turn counter clockwise it'll fall apart...

well, I 'll look at it, thanks again Jeroen!!!!!!!
You are right, I should be better with DIY issues, others here have also noticed that... However, I am a poor lonely Architect, and I don't spend so much time for my car as I should perhaps...
However, when I find the time to do it, I will let everyone know, with pictures!!!!