Fitting Early Dash in Late Car

[foster9099 10]

A couple of weeks ago I bought a black dashboard from an early car, for the price I paid it was worth a shot to see if I could make it work with all the bits from my late dash. I have read that the only difference is the metal frame, the late dash is deeper to accommodate the deeper storage compartment. From doing a bit of reading I have seem people suggesting drilling out the spot welds on that part of the frame but that seemed like too much messing about. After spending some time comparing the 2 dashboards side by side it seemed obvious to me that the metal frame is removable and almost identical between the 2 dashboards apart from the centre section.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]96482[/ATTACH]

 

The frame is attached using some weird 9mm nuts and a few rivets.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]96480[/ATTACH]

 

You can see circled in the above image the difference in the 2 frames. The late dash is the longer one at the top.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]96478[/ATTACH]

 

Here is the late metal frame in my early dash, I put some silicone sealant between the frame and the dash to maybe help with rattles and creaks in the future.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]96476[/ATTACH]

 

I used new rivets where the old rivets were, I will paint any that are on show black at a later time.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]96474[/ATTACH]

 

I test fitted the dash in the car and it seems to fit perfectly, I just need to paint my demister vents and speaker grills as well as refit all of the HVAC pipes and the dash can be installed for good.

[carrots 1]

what about switches and heater controls they are differant

[1xshaunx1 27]

The switches look slightly different early/late but are the same size so will fit I’m sure. Mine is the other way, later dash in a 92 VR6 but everything is the later type including switches and heater controls.

As long as it fits and looks good, only a Corrado anorak would know the difference I guess.

[eugopnosaj 0]

I used to have a 92 valver crossover - had the facelift exterior panels but had the early interior. I swapped my dash and switches, in fact I did the full interior - I didn't have to swap the bracket on the dash for mine to fit. The wiring is interchangable from the fusebox so I just changed out entire loom sections as they have the same sockets at the fusebox side.

[foster9099 10]

I have offered up the centre console plastic from my old dash and it seems to fit ok, and all the buttons in the centre attach to this plastic. I already have the spoiler button in which fits perfectly. The only one I have yet to try is the headlight switch. My car also has early leather seats so I guess mine is turning into a bit of a crossover.