I have a 2000 382, and have been doing some interior upgrades. There are multiple panels that I haven't been able to remove as the screws just spin like they are stripped. One of the panels is the plate that all of the gages are mounted to at the helm. Do some of these panels have a nut on the back side? I'm probably missing something because it is specific to certain panels.

Thanks!

No, the panels have threaded inserts in the dash behind the panels for the screws. If over torqued they end up losing their grip and just spin in place like your describing . Apply some pressure to the panel right next to the screw head you want to remove, and then back out the screw. The pressure should be enough to keep the threaded insert from spinning in place and you'll be able to remove the remaining screws.

Hope this helps. I just had all my panels off yesterday so I ran into the same thing, so this is all to familiar.

Same thing with my 353 when I removed the dash panels. The nut-serts spun. I ended up drilling them out and using SS nuts and cap screws.

Dave

That saves me some time, thanks! On a related note, where can I pick up the round key that opens the panel below the helm and the cabin breaker panel?

Southco key.

Here's the link.

http://www.southco.com/products/e3-v...s/e3-5-15.html

Dave

Beautiful, thanks a ton!