97 sl-1 how do I remove the dash top and side trim pieces?

you need to first remove the woodgrain trim pieces to get access from the top start by the cup holder and work your way to the dash. then you need to remove the driver's knee bolster and then you can take the side panels off. if you follow the side panels twords the seats you'll see a seam you can pry there to start removal. you'll also have to pull out the armrest box. I can't remember if there are screws in it or it just pops out. you'll also have to remove the rear trim piece out also. These center consoles are not 1 piece so you have a lot of tear down time.

There is actually two panels that you must take off in order to remove the mirror. It's the same for both sides. 1) The rounded triangular trim at the top front inside door comes off first. 2) Small square trim piece directly below it is next. Both can be removed with trim tools which you can get at any automotive store. Lordco, Napa, Princess Auto, Canadian Tire for example here in Canada. After the trim pieces have been removed you'll see three screw studs pointing inward towards the dash board. 3) You'll use a 10mm socket or a screwdriver with an adapter to take off the nuts. Be careful not to drop the nuts!! And thats it. The mirror housing will now come off of the door. 4) Replace with new housing and reverse the order in which you have just taken it off.

These things are a breeze. First thing is
to remove the two outside trim pieces, which are secured by retaining clips. The best method I have found to remove these is by using a thin flat object like a small flat screwdriver, and insert it between the trim piece and the dash down low next to the center console.

Once you have freed the bottom, gently work the trim outwards untill you get to the top
of the dash, then the trim pieces pull slightly upwards, but mostly still
outwards (toward the seat). Once these are removed on both sides, you will find
four phillips screws securing the bezel. Remove these screws and partially pull it out. Disconnect all associated connectors, and move panel out of your way. Now you have access to the stereo, and that should get you to where you need to be; Hope this helps. You should be able to get to the
radio in about ten minutes or less.

Take a screwdriver and gently begin at the top of the surround, its the plastic trim piece that covers 2/3 of the dash area. Find where the trim feels like its mounted to the dash and pry out at that point, follow this around the top from the drivers side to the radio area. There are some screws to take out also and they can be removed with a phillips head screwdriver. This trim piece is primarily held in with expanding clips so to keep from possibly breakage, pull on both sides of the clip you're disengaging. Good luck!

Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent an
accidental short circuit. Remove the plastic trim piece to
the left of the glove box and (1) phillips screw exposed.
Unsnap the top edge of the knee bolster panel. Remove
(1) phillips screw from the panel. Remove the ashtray
cluster and (2) phillips screws from each side. Unclip the
entire dash trim bezel and remove.Open doors and
unsnap end caps from each side of dash. Unsnap and
remove radio/instrument cluster panel. Remove (3)
screws in order to remove radio.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent an
accidental short circuit. Unsnap and remove dash bezel.
Remove (3) 9/32" screws and remove radio.
1
BUICK Rendevous 2002-2007

remove the two screws on the top side of the cluster trim, pull with your hands firmly outward and it will pull out. There are just 2 tension brackets that are holding it in place. Easy to do.

I have a 1995 and 1999 LeSabre and the radio removal is the same on both.
1. Carefully remove the AC vents from the dash.
2. In each of the AC openings are screws that hold the top of the dash trim in place.
3. Starting from the passenger door gently pry off the "wood" trim piece, It is held in place with metal clips and velcro.
4. Do the same as 3 from the driver side (short piece).
5. Remove the remaing screws from the bottem of the dash.
6. Move the Shift knob (requires key) all the way down.
7. Starting at each end of the dash slowly pry/pull each clip along the top of the dash from its mounting hole. Be careful not to crack the silver trim piece on the top of the dash (especially on top of the passenger airbag).
8. When the dash is free tilt the top in towards the car and wiggle it loose around the bottom (over the steering column) and the whole piece should come free.

This gives access to the radio, heater controls, speedo etc.

For the radio - three screws - antenna cable pop out. The harness needs a little more work. If your radio has a security feature (blinking light when car is off) make sure you know the security unlock code. Test the code before pulling the power to the radio.
Turn the radio over and carefully unlock the blue clip at the bottom of the plug. Then work the harness loose.
This sounds much worse than it is - it should take 15-30 minutes depending if you have all the tools close by. BTW those AC vents have a top and bottom - the larger hole goes on the bottom and they snap back in place.

If I recall correctly the belt actually is mounted behind the interior trim panel. It 1 piece on a short wheel base & 2 piece on a long. You must remove both seats (2nd & 3rd row) to hah room to remove the trim panel . BE CAREFUL the get very brittle and snap if you pull the wrong way

1.) remove screw from right door sill trim plate, (that piece of trim that covers the edge of the carpet when the door is open) 2.) remove right hinge pillar trim panel (passenger side kick panel) 3.) disconnect blower motor electrical connectors 4.) remove blower motor cover 5.) disconnect the cooling tube (rubber hose that attaches to the motor ) .6.) loosen courtesy light screws and move light out of way (if equipped) 7.)remove right side dash support bolt (under dash twist your head around like the excorsist, , lol , where the dash meets the side panel pillar) 8.)remove blower motor-to-case screws 9.) remove blower 10.) remove fan from blower motor shaft 11.) to install reverse removal procedure ,.. not as bad as it sounds , cheers.

Both above answers are not right... I just replaced the Pass side power mirror assembly on my 97 Expedition. No heat, no directional.
The inside door panel must come off.
1. pry off interior triangular plastic trim piece inside of door at mirror area. Remove door panel screw at this area.
2. Pry off power window switch panel and remove door panel screw at this area.
3.Remove interior door light cover and remove screw at this area.
4. Remove plastic cover at door handle.
5. The interior door panel can now be lifted up to release it from it's fasteners.
6. Disconnect light and push power window switch assembly through the door panel and it can be set aside.
7. Disconnect mirror power at coupler.
8 Loosen three mirror mounting screws with 7/16 socket. DO NOT unscrew completely.. the will fall down the door cavity. Use a round magnet on holder to remove the screws completely.
9.Thread electrical connection into door panel and install mirror.
10. Smile when mirror works and drink a beer!
rayman