Hi All,


I bought an E250 and want to remove the dash knee cover so I can see what it's going to take to install a set of hand controls so I can drive it. I've got a young lad that's does various tasks for me but isn't that knowledgeable mechanically. We were looking at getting the cover off but can't see any fasteners that are readily visibile. Has anyone ever removed one that can enlighten me? TIA

 

Those are held in place with "clips" so they'll just pop straight off. Make sure they're warm, not super cold or almost freezing since they can and will break if not careful.

I might have a few photos of those and how they fit but it might take a while to dig them up----I'm not the most organized at such storage.

 

Thank you for that, I got the same problem with finding my files!

 

I found a good video on the topic:
JWA: good point about temperature when doing this.

 

Jimbo that's a good video for that part's removal---good find!

If you need further assistance or ideas feel free to ask away---we're here to help!

 

Thanks JWA. After we get that cover off the next step wil be fabricating a mount for the controls. The manufacturers won't sell the controls, the mounting brackets or spare parts for them unless you're a dealer.

 

Won't a dealer sell you the needed parts? If they're able to make a sale even though its not a full installation for them why pass up that opportunity?

Any chances to find a used set of needed controls?

 

I have the controls, bought them used. The controls are universal, but the mounting brackets differ correspondingly to the vehicle. Not really a big deal to fab out a mount, there's really no other choice because the manufacturers will only sell to their dealers, and the dealers won't sell to individuals, other than if they install them.

 

One reason not selling parts could be the concern of liability. It is prevalent these days in almost any industry.

 

Agreed, but I don't see why they couldn't sell the controls/parts with a waiver of liability.

 

Because such waivers can be so easily breeched by an astute lawyer.

 

Good point.
Fortunately, hand controls are easily available on eBay and from other sources. And mounting brackets and other parts are readily fabricated with minimal metal working experience.

 

Got the cover removed. Can anyone identify what the electrical part (with tag) in the picture is? I'm thinking of relocating it and using the two bolt holes to attach the hand control bracket to.

 

If you're referring to the rectangular white-ish box with 9C24-3C529-AE printed on the side that's your sliding contact ignition switch. There's no way to relocate it because its integral to the steering column, must remain in place in order to work.

 

Thanks, I kind of figured that's what it was. That would have made it too easy for a mount location.