Removing the backside of a pontoon console?

[cpferris]

Long time pontoon owner, but a fairly newb question.

I've got a 1995 Riviera Cruiser than I would like to access the console wiring on. There are two main things I want to do:

1. I have an intermittent tachometer. I wanted to check the connections to see if something is loose.
2. I want to replace my stereo.

When most people do these types of things, do they simply pull the item out the front of the console to access the wiring, do whatever work is required and re install?

Or is there a way to access the wiring from the back side of the console? My console looks to be two pieces (a front and back piece) which makes me think the back might come off. But I don't see much (ie screws) that would seem to hold the pieces together.

Appreciate any insight you all can provide.

I am going to try to shoot up to the lake tonight to snap a couple pics.

[curtiscapk]

pics would definitely help.... so many different ones out there. I have to fit through a small door!

[Heatman]

Mine had like 4 screws holding in the panel that holds all the gauges. Unscrew and pull forward to have access to all of them

[RcgTexas]

Mine had a back panel that unscrewed but it , like me is old, vintage 1995

there has to be a hatch somewhere. and as mentioned the gauge panel may come off.

[cpferris]

I think I figured it out. While it looks it like the back SHOULD come off, it's actually riveted together under a rubber seal. However, on the back side there is a glove box. I was able to pull the 4 screws holding the glove box and that opened roughly a 12x6 hole that I was able to use to get in there to access the stereo. For the gauge access, I think you would still need to unscrew the gauge pane from the front of the console. Here are a few pics.









Any other conclusions based on the pics?

[curtiscapk]

yep you figured it out! Panel screws for gauges and the four screws on the stereo will let you remove it as well.

[OldePharte]

Boy that access sucks. I don't think they considered anyone needing to get access, other than removing the "dash".

Here's my access to the goodies -

[cpferris]

The access is not ideal, but I think I can make it work. Despite being able to pull the stereo out via the 4 screws in the front, I did still need access from the other side to remove the aluminum support strap and to splice the speaker wires into the new adapter for the new deck.

I wish i had access like OldePharte does, that would make things WAY easier.