dasboards
- Thread starter 996c4s
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hartge bob
New member
It's certainly possible.
Guy at my local garage did it on his own 944 a few years ago.
His verdict? "Never again", this from a guy who spends an abnormal amount of time dropping various large BMW engines into places they weren't meant to be (generally old small BM's that never had the option of a 3.5 litre big six).
Guy at my local garage did it on his own 944 a few years ago.
His verdict? "Never again", this from a guy who spends an abnormal amount of time dropping various large BMW engines into places they weren't meant to be (generally old small BM's that never had the option of a 3.5 litre big six).
j4mou
Member
my friend has just bought one for the same reason, his older style dash was heavily cracked also, he seems to think its going to be a straight swap. I cant officially comment either way but as I say hes been around these cars for many years and used to sell parts and hes convinced its an easy job...
Not done it, I know there are some issues to overcome, the square dash car has a cable driven speedo from a front wheel, the oval dash has an electronic feed from the transaxle for instance, the heater systems are very different - cables in square dash cars, vacuum and servo motors in oval. The windscreens are different bonded in oval not sure if this has an effect on the shape of the dash where they meet. centre console switches are different.
Tony
Tony
pauljmcnulty
Active member
It's not easy to remove and refit a dashboard in any case - witness the labour costs if you need it done! I guess that someone who's an experienced mechanic with the right tools might think it easier than some other cars, though, so perhaps that's what he meant?
I suppose that if you really want to do it, overcoming the problems with speedo etc. and spending long hours getting cramp will seem worth it in the long run.
One thing to consider is that there are reports of cracked oval dashes now. Don't think you'll be getting away from this problem by swapping dashes. I will be keeping a speculative stock of good ones for the future! [
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I suppose that if you really want to do it, overcoming the problems with speedo etc. and spending long hours getting cramp will seem worth it in the long run.
One thing to consider is that there are reports of cracked oval dashes now. Don't think you'll be getting away from this problem by swapping dashes. I will be keeping a speculative stock of good ones for the future! [
]
random hero
New member
It is easier to sell the car and buy an oval dash model,trust me i know !!. It can be done but its a nightmare and i would never do one again but if you need any advice let me know. The windscreen doesnt affect fitting but the steering column/door cards need too be changed and you will need to be very handy with electrics to get the clocks working !!!
markbannister
New member
I like both types. The older style is so 1980's and love it in my 1983 car with the black/white checked seats. Reminds me of my old 924 turbo.
sawood12
New member
I think the best solution to the cracked dash thing is to have it covered with leather. You can buy a kit - though it warns that the installer should have some experience in upholstering to get the best results, so again it seems removal of the dash is a long and drawn out job.
996c4s
New member
thanks guys
nipped into 911 sport and asked the guys there and they basically said dont!!!
bulkheads are different, heating pipes all wrong, wiring all wrong, centre console will need changing, it went on and on totally put me off!!
my reason for asking is, i want a 944, and have driven quite a few, all with oval dash, but never a pod dash. That is untill the other day when i had ago in a freinds 924. i was amazed how different the driving position is too the oval dashes! i mean i am over 6ft tall and found no matter how i sat the steering wheel is buried in my legs all the time. me being me thought just change some bits and it would sort the problem, but as Phil at 911 sport pointed out the steering also sits different in a early 944!! which is a shame as found a lovely early 944 for sale. just guess will have to keep looking!
thanks anyway guys for advice
nipped into 911 sport and asked the guys there and they basically said dont!!!
bulkheads are different, heating pipes all wrong, wiring all wrong, centre console will need changing, it went on and on totally put me off!!
my reason for asking is, i want a 944, and have driven quite a few, all with oval dash, but never a pod dash. That is untill the other day when i had ago in a freinds 924. i was amazed how different the driving position is too the oval dashes! i mean i am over 6ft tall and found no matter how i sat the steering wheel is buried in my legs all the time. me being me thought just change some bits and it would sort the problem, but as Phil at 911 sport pointed out the steering also sits different in a early 944!! which is a shame as found a lovely early 944 for sale. just guess will have to keep looking!
thanks anyway guys for advice
Guest
New member
ORIGINAL: Diver944
ORIGINAL: pauljmcnulty
I will be keeping a speculative stock of good ones for the future! [
I have three dark blue oval dashes [8|]
I need to get the two cracked ones fixed by a local trim guy (easier once they are out) then I'll have a spare and an Ebay proposition
Keep an eye out for an oval brown LHD if possible... Mine is cracked [
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