patrickr90 · 2025-05-24T20:35:57+0100

Hi

Defender 90, 1986. Just fitted a new instrument panel and put on the shroud around the steering column Is there a best order to put the screws in underneath the shroud. When I put the shroud together it is very tight against the dash and rubs on the steering wheel. Also, the instrument panel is very difficult to push down low enough to get the side screws in.

Thanks

Modama · 2025-05-24T21:06:28+0100

I feel for you and I had in the past also faced similar situation when replacing parts around the steering column. This made it worse if they were plastics have warped slightly over time.

A suggestion on how to approach would be to start with the instrument panel first, and loosely position it in place and get the side screws started before tightening anything down. Then fit the lower half of the steering shroud next. Ensure it's sitting properly around the ignition barrel and not snagged on the column or the dash edge. Fit the upper half of the shroud, and loosely insert all screws from front to back. Don’t tighten fully until all are in – this allows for slight movement to align everything properly. Finally tighten gradually, alternating sides, to avoid pulling it too far one way and causing binding against the dash or steering wheel.

Hopefully this will work better!

patrickr90 · 2025-05-25T16:45:40+0100

Modama said:
I feel for you and I had in the past also faced similar situation when replacing parts around the steering column. This made it worse if they were plastics have warped slightly over time.

A suggestion on how to approach would be to start with the instrument panel first, and loosely position it in place and get the side screws started before tightening anything down. Then fit the lower half of the steering shroud next. Ensure it's sitting properly around the ignition barrel and not snagged on the column or the dash edge. Fit the upper half of the shroud, and loosely insert all screws from front to back. Don’t tighten fully until all are in – this allows for slight movement to align everything properly. Finally tighten gradually, alternating sides, to avoid pulling it too far one way and causing binding against the dash or steering wheel.

Hopefully this will work better!

Hi, thanks for the great advice. Yes, I tightened the lower screws on the upper shroud first, followed by the steering wheel end which could have distorted the top shroud towards the steering wheel. I'll start again as you advise. It seems to me impossible to get the top shroud on with the instrument panel in place as the steering wheel gets in the way (I don't want to get into removing the steering wheel at this stage). But I suppose I can have the top shroud there laying on top whilst I secure the bottom shroud and loosely secure the instrument panel.......

Cheers

Anaconda · 2025-05-25T17:09:14+0100

You can get the instrument panel out with the steering wheel and bezels on, well mine you can and also my son's.
Should mention there is evidence to suggest both of ours have rubbed slightly at sometime in their life.
Steering wheel isn't really that much of a bother to take off.

patrickr90

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Modama

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Anaconda

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