zohanisback Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Hey guys! I want to modernize my dastun dash to look something more like: http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/protour73/Good%2520Guys%2520Show%25202008/GoodGuysShow045.jpg Does anyone have suggestions on what dashes I should use or modifications I can do with the stock dash? I basically want the dash to tilt back instead of being so vertical (looks older). I've been contemplating this for a long time, just not sure what the best way to pull it off is. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Search. It has been covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sq_creations Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 The picture you posted looks like a firebird dash. If you search on here I know someone did a 240sx dash into there datsun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zohanisback Posted October 13, 2011 Author Share Posted October 13, 2011 Creations: Yeah, I was just trying to show an example of a modern dash. Miles: I just haven't found very many pictures of the installs. I don't mind the 240sx dash swap, but I was hoping for something different. Does anyone know of any other dash swaps with pictures on the web? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 (edited) You can buy a Tomahawk Z dash cap. Rory has resurfaced on ebay and is selling kits in the kit car and Z car sections. I'm sure he would sell dash caps. Not really modern but different and easy to install. Here is a link to a page with a picture of one on my car. http://www.reactionresearch.com/280yz/danjuday/KCB13P29.pdf Also, John Washington sells 250 GTO style dashboards. Check out pictures of the Velo Rossa to get a look. He now has these available for the S130 as well. Edited October 14, 2011 by Dan Juday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelsonian Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 I started looking at the fd3s rx7 dash wondering if that would fit, but never got to the point of measuring. I like the the 240sx dash swap and was going to go that route, but am thinking about just completly rebuilding my stock one with more gauge openings. Most of the other swaps have been of the custom, aluminum nature. What exactly are you considering, something untried and never done before or? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cygnusx1 Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 Wasn't it Vildini Motorsports that did the cool Z dash? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelsonian Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 Vildini are the originators of the 240sx dash swap.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 Somebody did a 350Z dash not too long ago. Might try a Google search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zohanisback Posted October 14, 2011 Author Share Posted October 14, 2011 I'm thinking of going a never tried before route. I want to put in a car computer with double-din touch screen and upgraded looks. An RX7 dash would be amazing. But yeah, modern sporty style is the goal (think corvette/mustang/camaro style modern). I don't mind cutting the dash if the "airbag" on the passenger side isn't cut into and the driver side would fit just fine. I also wouldn't mind going with some custom work, either. But...definitely not aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmybee Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 I'm saying fiberglass all the way. It takes time and skill. A whole lot of it too. But the end result can be modern if u want =P while ur at it might as well add a center channel speaker hahahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LanceVance Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 +1 for the fiberglass. Dash after stripping stock plastic vinyl and wiring curled foam base back into shape: After filling cracks and various stock holes with foam (A/C vents, cig lighter, glovebox deleted): Using combo of fiber cloth and matting I was able to achieve very smooth and constant contours despite the poor condition of the dash was in originally: It's worth noting that using more or less layers allowed for flexibility in key places and sturdiness in others. I've considered making a recess for a small fire extinguisher where the glovebox originally was. I plan on having the dash flocked locally which will run around $100-$120.00 with quality black nylon fibers. It's stainproof, reduces glare and is simple to clean. Couple this with some modern gauges and you have a very modern and sporty looking dash. HERES a link to a guys build thread showing his flocked 240z dash, pretty dang sharp looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zohanisback Posted October 15, 2011 Author Share Posted October 15, 2011 Perfect! I'll go ahead and take this direction then. Is it very hard to do custom fiberglass dashes (i.e, making your own backing to change the stock dash shape?) I just want to change angles in the dash, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LanceVance Posted October 15, 2011 Share Posted October 15, 2011 Just research what others have done, there are plenty of guides for DIY fiberglass projects on the various car forums out there. My advice (mind you this is a beginner talking) is use spray adhesive to lay the cloth down and don't use more matting than you need, as it takes a LOT of sanding to knock smooth. Take it slow and think it through before you start and you'll be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zohanisback Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 Lance, thanks! I'll heed the advice. The only other question I have on fiberglassing is what oz to go with? 6-ounce fiberglass seems popular, but there's so many different options. It looks like I'll be doing 6-7 layers in the middle and on the very edge of the dash, taking it down to 5-6 for fitting ease. I've already started mapping out how I want it to look, but (and don't laugh), my goal is to spend whatever amount of time I need to make it look like this: http://www.altspace.com/rx8/radar_dash.jpg OK, gotta go to bed before I'm laughed off the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slammed_s30 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 (edited) Take a look at Crazy Octopus's 240sx dash swap Its a few photos in on the slide show Edited October 16, 2011 by slammed_s30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neotech84 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Lofty goals of attempting to copy that Mazda dash. I look forward to the end result. My goal is small subtle changes here and there. Like the clock, who takes the time to modify their clock? The possibilities are endless. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsicard Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 You can buy a Tomahawk Z dash cap. Rory has resurfaced on ebay and is selling kits in the kit car and Z car sections. I'm sure he would sell dash caps. Not really modern but different and easy to install. Here is a link to a page with a picture of one on my car. http://www.reactionr...ay/KCB13P29.pdf Also, John Washington sells 250 GTO style dashboards. Check out pictures of the Velo Rossa to get a look. He now has these available for the S130 as well. Dan: How does one get in contact with Rory concerning the custom dash? Cannot find the dash on Ebay. Please advise. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuoWing Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has dreamed about copying the Mazda dash setup in a Z. I was thinking if I had a spare dash I'd experiment with cutting and fiberglassing. I was thinking just doing just the 3 main gauge pods into the Z dash would look really cool, while in a way keeping sort of the Z look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Dan: How does one get in contact with Rory concerning the custom dash? Cannot find the dash on Ebay. Please advise. Thanks. Looks like the ad is gone. PM me and I can dig up an email for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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