Dash cap issue!

[moelk]

I bought a full dash cap for my 240z -73 a year ago from Msa. Yesterday i finaly decided that i should put it in the car. It doesnt line up at all, it cant be this bad i think something must be wrong. The thing is that msa doesnt reply to my email ( have sent 4 without respons). The dash cap has a number 300 on a sticker attached to it. Does anybody know if that make it the right one for a 73?

[madkaw]

Pictures to describe how it doesn't line up?

[SteveJ]

Back 17 years ago, I bought a dash cap for my 73. When I was placing my order, I was warned that 1 of 2 parts would fit. The first one they sent didn't fit. The second fit just fine. Sorry, but I don't have any notes on the details.

[siteunseen]

According to Dashtop's web site it's right, 240Z

[moelk]

Have no pics, sorry. If i start and make it fit around the left vent and left corner, then the speedo and tach are way off to begin with. It also seems to sit to far out from the amp/fuel/clock gauges. Dont think its possible to make it fit with a heatgun but maybe i give it a try.

But afterall i think i just take that dashboard out and repair it the propper way during the winter.

[siteunseen]

Here's good read,http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/interior-s30/48276-full-dash-cover-installation-help.html.

1973 starts at #37, he had the same problems as you.

[moelk]

Thanks!

[Sean240Z]

Cliff - I was just getting ready to point Andreas to my post in the difficulties I had installing the full dash cap on my '73.

Andreas - It can be made to work / fit on a '73. The installation is not perfect in the left vent area; however, I'm the only one who will really notice. Let me know if you need any further advice.

[moelk]

Thanks Sean, i may consult you if i go with the dash cap.

[bhbarr]

The link siteunseen mentions is very helpful. I installed mine last month. An MSA part also. It took considerable fiddling with a heat gun to get a snug fit around all the gauges, but it is possible. My center gauges were "off" as well. I had misalignment on the glove box button, but a dremmel and heat made it better. The fit around the glove box was tight. I used more heat to form it to the original dash. I fitted and re-fitted it 3 times before gluing it in place. Then after it was set, I tweeked the gauges and glovebox areas again with heat and pressure. Overall I'm happy, but this is not a "direct fit" part.

[siteunseen]

More motivation! I've read that thread 2 or 3 times and am still intimidated with the dash cap install. It's still in the bag, hanging under a wire shelf in my spare bedroom.

[Kurbycar32]

My early '74 dropped right in. I used some clamps to hold it in place while the silicone dried, and i put a screw on the bottom of each end. i figured the whole dash was messed up already, one more screw hole wasnt going to change that.