Dash Cover Help

[dnicol]

I have a full Dash Cap (plastic) and it doesnt seem to fit real well. I'm going to need 6 hands to hold the whole thing in place till the silicone dries. Is this how they all are or do I have a defective cover. First time installing a full cover.

[240ZX]

During my experience installing a full dash cap, I had it on and off many times before I was satisfied with the fit....a little trim here and there to get everything in good alignment. None of them fit perfectly without a little tweeking. Then, when you are ready for the final attachment, set the dash cap out in the sun for a few hours to soften it up a bit. Have a roll of duct tape handy as this is how I held mine in place while the silcone cured. Remember, don't over apply the silicone! Use just enough to secure the dash cap securely. As I remember, the installation instructions warn you of this issue because the dash cap must be able to expand and contract after it is installed and the silicone is cured. By the way, I did the install without the addition of an extra person. Just take your time....if you hurry through the install you may regret it later. Good luck dnicol!

[FirstGenZ]

When I did mine I took the dash out. The caps don't fit right out of the box. After trimming and fitting several times I was satisfied that it was time to CEMENT it in place. That's right.....CONTACT CEMENT!!!!! Silicone is a good sealant. Not a good glue. I started in the middle and worked my way to the outer edges. Making sure that everything was in perfect alignment. If you don't reach in the car and touch it you would never know it wasn't a stock dash pad. It was a bit labor intensive but the end result was a perfect fitting dash cover.

[dnicol]

Thankyou for your replies. It looks like a lot of fun. At least I havent put the windshield back in yet. Thanks again.

[hls30.com]

Be careful using contact cement to secure a dash cover-the speedo and tach are ment to come out through the front! If you cement that cover on you will have to cut it up to get the gages out!

Silicone was chosen to allow you to remove the cover without damage if the gages ever needed to come out!

I wrote this guide to installing a cover a while back-I hope you find it useful:

See post #18

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12725&page=2&pp=15&highlight=dash+cover

I know my site is down-it should be backup shortly...

Here are the pictures from the site:

Will

[moonpup]

FWIW... I used velcro to secure my dash cap many years ago. After carefully cleaning the dash, I applied one side of the velcro along the edges of the underside of the cap with weatherstrip adhesive and then did the matching surface of the dash.

This method allowed for easy access and held strong for 15 years.

Good luck with whatever method you use.

[dnicol]

Thanks guys, very helpfull info, I cant use velcro cause the drivers side near door around the corner is way away from the dash, I cant really tell where I have to trim yet to get it to fit right/flush. I got this from Motorsports. If that makes any difference. It looks like I have to secure the center first, then do the drivers side after the center is set up.

[LBO730]

Hey Will, Or anyone, Do you guys know how many different style dash pads there were from 70-78 and which years are the same? I believe 70-73 is the same but I'm not sure from there.

[hls30.com]

There were four distinct dashes for the S30, two for the 240Z and early 260Z, one for the late 260Z, and one for the 280Z. I have a '70-'72 and a '73-my '73 240Z had a '72 dash in it, I didn't figure it out until I bought the other one from MSA and it would actually fit the dash-so I have a '73 cover new in the box. If yours does not fit close, you proabably have the wrong one. There is a difference in the distance between the gages, and they are absolutely not close to interchangeable... Again, I have both 240Z full dash covers, so if you are not sure what you have, let me know and I will pull the one out of the car and do some pictures of both to document the differences.

Will

[LBO730]

Do you know if there was a cut-off by year or month? So you think all 280's from 75 forward are the same, right?

[dnicol]

I ordered the one for my car 1976 and everything looks like it should but maybe i"m expecting too tight of a fit. I'll just have to work with it.

Thanks for the great response.