Removing scuttle - R500D

[justcallmemac]

Hi,

I want to remove my scuttle pending replacing the immobilsor first thing tomorrow.

I'm not with the car at the mo so can't look at what needs to be done but is it a quick and easy job?. Never had the need to remove it before!

Cheers,

 

Steve

 

 

[Shortshift]

Steve

Do you really need to remove the scuttle to do that?  I find there's quite a bit of access to the immobiliser by accessing it from under the dash; if you unbolt it from the bulkhead (two bolts) and snip the relevant cable ties it comes out a longish way into the cabin.  5 minutes to get the box free from the car, though still attached by the harness, but at least you have access to work on that, or to open the box and be able to work on that instead.

Can I ask - why are you replacing it?  There may be some alternatives to what you're trying to do.

James

[JNC]

Can you take some photos as you remove it please 

[Drumster]

IMHO a removable scuttle is a really useful 'upgrade' as it enables easy access to the wiring loom, switches, dials etc without having to turn yourself into a contortionist.

On my 1993 aeroscreened car it was simply a case of:

1. drill out the 24 rivets on the bulkhead

2. If you have knee trim panels then drill out those rivets too.

3. the front bulkhead is probably fixed at the bottom with sealant, remove

4. Undo the 4 nuts that hold the scuttle on the chassis

5. remove the 2 screws that hold the 2 central popper bases that are used for the tonneau cover

6. BTW if you have a battery master switch disconnect the battery before removing the switch from the scuttle

7. Scuttle should now lift off easily with aeroscreen still attached

refitting is easier as you'll replace the rivets on the bulkhead with just 12 rivnuts (I think I used M4s) and use self-tappers to refit the knee trim panels.

Taking the scuttle off is now a 5 minute job 

 

[green george]

Thanks for planting the seed for a removable scuttle! I now have a winter project!  Can I just clarify you mean 12 rivnuts and not 24; having removed 24 rivets from the bulk head doesn't that mean I would need 24 rivnuts?

[Drumster]

Yes, 12 rivnuts are fine, basically every other rivet. I even reckon you could get away with as few as 6 really. The scuttle and bulkhead are going nowhere 

Just to add, if you have a windscreen this can still be done but remember to disconnect the wires for the heated screen and drop the wiper spindles.