Accessibility with Breadbox Removed

[Chris Kennedy]

One of these days I intend to replace the "Breadbox" on my '89 with the flat black plastic piece the aftermarket makes. It strikes me that once you have the Breadbox off, the aftermarket piece is probably pretty easy to put on or take off. I am curious, though, about what kind of accessibility you get to the passenger side dash behind-dash components (e.g., ECM, temperature control motor and door) with the breadbox off without having to take the lower panel off----that could be another good reason to swap it out. Can anyone who has done this conversion let me know how accessible these components become once the breadbox is off?

Thanks,

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Edmond]

Chris,

The breadbox is one of the coolest things on a C4. How could you get rid of it?:L

 

[JonM]

Here are some interior shots from Kens site

Kens Obsession

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Chris,

The breadbox is one of the coolest things on a C4. How could you get rid of it?:L

Remember when we discussed this awhile ago, and I promised you the breadbox when it is out. It doesn't bother me THAT much, but it is sort of strange and non-functional, and I think the flat panel really looks terrific. So........stay tuned! You can turn it upside down, and use it as a window box to plant petunias in.

/S/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Bluesbrother]

I just removed mine last night to get at my Starter Enable Relay and VATS Decoder Module. I also took out the switch panel under the middle AC vents. Since you have to take the upper dash pad off this allows you to really see the inside guts of your dashboard. That sucker is loaded with wires, more fuses and all kinds of funky modules. I am also taking this opportunity to re-dye my speaker covers and paint the upper dash cover to match my tan interior.

 

[Edmond]

Remember when we discussed this awhile ago, and I promised you the breadbox when it is out. It doesn't bother me THAT much, but it is sort of strange and non-functional, and I think the flat panel really looks terrific. So........stay tuned! You can turn it upside down, and use it as a window box to plant petunias in.

/S/ Chris Kennedy

Chris,

The breadbox deserves a better fate than that. I'm going to mount it on the wall. I'm not joking, I'm going to mount it to the wall.

 

[WhalePirot]

Chris, I believe UR a lawyer and I am looking forward to your post about the overcharge for the flat panel replacement or the bolster. I had one of my own after seeing how little I paid so much for; plus the screws didn't allow proper fitment.

Just make a simple rectangular, thin panel out of the material of your choice; then adhere the decorative panel of choice to it. I say this, despite knowing I'll miss your expert rant. :L

I don't recall having the panel off really helping me with anything. The opening is smallish and the post-panel congestion is awe-full.

BTW, 1/4" plywood and long drywall screws, fitted through pre-drilled holes, will work nicely.




Gawd, I hope he's a sport!

 

[Bluesbrother]

Here is mine right now. I just tested the square grey thing in the middle (VATS Decoder Module) and found it to be bad.

 

[Doug 87L98]

One of these days I intend to replace the "Breadbox" on my '89 with the flat black plastic piece the aftermarket makes. It strikes me that once you have the Breadbox off, the aftermarket piece is probably pretty easy to put on or take off. I am curious, though, about what kind of accessibility you get to the passenger side dash behind-dash components (e.g., ECM, temperature control motor and door) with the breadbox off without having to take the lower panel off----that could be another good reason to swap it out. Can anyone who has done this conversion let me know how accessible these components become once the breadbox is off?

Thanks,

I did this conversion on my 87. If the conversion panel is from MAM than it is very easy to take the panel off without removing the lower panel.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Chris, I believe UR a lawyer and I am looking forward to your post about the overcharge for the flat panel replacement or the bolster. I had one of my own after seeing how little I paid so much for; plus the screws didn't allow proper fitment.

Just make a simple rectangular, thin panel out of the material of your choice; then adhere the decorative panel of choice to it. I say this, despite knowing I'll miss your expert rant. :L

I don't recall having the panel off really helping me with anything. The opening is smallish and the post-panel congestion is awe-full.

BTW, 1/4" plywood and long drywall screws, fitted through pre-drilled holes, will work nicely.




Gawd, I hope he's a sport!

Nope, no rant, thanks for the advice.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Thanks, everyone, for replies and pictures. I will let you know how it turns out.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas