Chapter 23 Interior Repairs

Objectives Identify the major parts of a vehicle’s interior Remove and replace seats, seat covers, and carpeting Service an instrument cluster and other dashboard parts Explain how to replace headliners

Introduction During a collision, interior parts can be damaged Dashboard, steering wheel and other parts can all be damaged –Headliners, seats and other related parts Interior parts may need to be removed and reinstalled when replacing quarter panels, door panels, roof panels and other structural parts You should be familiar with procedures for replacing interior parts

Seat Service Seats are often damaged during a collision –Due to the inertia of the occupant, –Side impact intrusion –Stains Seats may also be removed for carpet replacement or floor panel repairs Bucket seat is a single seat for one person Bench seat is a longer seat for several people

Seat Removal Four bolts normally secure the seat to the floor To remove the front seat hold-down bolts, slide the seat fully backward Slide the seat fully forward to remove the two rear hold-down bolts Lift out the seat after disconnecting any wiring or other parts attached to the seat A rear bench seat is often held into position by screws or spring-loaded clips

Seat Parts Seat cushion: bottom section of the seat, including the cover, padding and frame Seat back: rear assembly including cover, padding and frame Headrest: padded frame; fits into the seat back Headrest guide: sleeve that accepts the headrest post and mounts into the seat back Recliner adjuster: hinge mechanism Seat track: mechanical slide mechanism that allows the seat to adjust forward or rearward

Figure Note the major parts of a typical bucket seat. Seat tracks wear out and can be damaged in collision. Four bolts normally secure the seat tracks and seat to the vehicle floor.

Seat Cover Service The seat cover is a cloth, vinyl, or leather cover over the seat assembly Hog rings and clips normally stretch and hold the seat cover over the seat frame and padding –Located on the bottom of the seat cushion or rear of the seat back –Remove them and you can lift off the seat cover and install the new seat cover

Carpeting Service If carpet cannot be cleaned with a strong cleaner, or if torn, it must be replaced To replace carpeting, remove seats, seat belt anchors, trim pieces and any other parts After removal the new carpet is installed in the reverse order of removal Make sure the new carpet is stretched out smooth and properly centered before fastening An adhesive may be required between the carpet and the floor in some locations

Figure Note the various pads, clips, screws, tape, and control units that must be removed to replace carpeting in this vehicle.

Headliner Service A headliner is a cloth or vinyl cover over the inside of the roof in the passenger compartment Remove all of the trim pieces around the edge –May have to remove sun visors, grab handles etc. When installing a foam-backed headliner –Be careful not to overbend and kink it –Center it, and install in reverse order of removal

Figure This is a thick foam-type headliner. Note the parts that must be serviced to replace the headliner. Also note how the headliner is held secure by trim pieces.

Instrument Panel Service Instrument panel bolts in the front of the passenger compartment on the fire wall or cowl Instrument cluster, vents, and trim pieces can be removed with the main part of the dash intact Some of the screws and bolts that secure the instrument panel parts are along the bottom of the dash, others are on the sides A few fasteners can be inside openings in the instrument panel

Instrument Cluster Service An instrument cluster contains the speedometer, gauges, indicator lights, and similar parts First disconnect the battery then remove the instrument panel cover Remove the screws that hold the cluster to the dash; disconnect wires and speedometer cable Lift the cluster out; bulbs can be replaced from the rear of the cluster Remove the small screws holding the plastic lens plate over the housing

Summary The typical parts of a front seat: seat cushion, seat back, headrest, headrest guide, recliner adjuster and seat track To replace carpeting you must remove the seats, seat belt anchors, trim pieces, and any other parts mounted over the carpeting –Console, any electronic control units, and wiring harness bolted down over the carpet