I am currently restoring my 1970 240Z. I contacted "JUST DASHES"(to completely restore my cracked dashboard) in Van Nuys. But there is a problem. I must arrange to have my dashboard removed so that I can deliver

it to their shop. I do not have the skills. One mobile "expert said that he would remove and replace the dash for $900 plus. But, he will not guarantee that gauges will

work after reinstalling the dashboard, because the old wiring and connectors may break, the result of being old and  brittle.

My two part question is:

Does anyone know of an electrical specialist who can remove and replace the dashboard AND repair any broken wires/connections that may occur?  I want

everything(gauges)to work.

Also, does anyone know of a shop that can repair my dashboard "from the ground up" and who will also remove and replace the dashboard, at the same location.

I like the work that "Just Dashes" advertise that they perform, it is just the problem of removing and replacing the dashboard and insuring that it works, and delivering it to their

shop, that is creating a logistics issue.

I would appreciate any input.

 

Thank you,

Andrew

 

Andrew, where are you?

Andrew,

I am in the process of a full restoration.  For the electrical, I found Dave Irwin in Washington State.  https://www.datsun-240z-upgrades.net/  He may not be able to remove the dash, but he is an absolute Datsun Electrical Wizard.  I ended up sending him my dash harness, engine harness, and body harness and he went through and tested each connection and replaced the ones that needed to be replaced.  He refurbished the gauges including upgarding to LED back lights.  He refurbished the turn signal/head light assembly, converting all the side markers to LED and other things.  He was great to work with and responsive to requests and had great suggestions.  He even converted a hazard switch to an A/C switch so that I could put that in the open spot on the dash next to the hazard switch.  He really was great and his prices were very fair, possibly undercharging what he is worth.  I cannot recommend him high enough!!

Good luck, Jon

If you are in So-Cal I can help.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Hello Montezuma

 

I am in Irvine, my Z is in Pasadena....how can you help?

 

Thanks,

 

Andrew

On 10/05/2017 at 4:36 AM, JonZ said:

Andrew,

I am in the process of a full restoration.  For the electrical, I found Dave Irwin in Washington State.  https://www.datsun-240z-upgrades.net/  He may not be able to remove the dash, but he is an absolute Datsun Electrical Wizard.  I ended up sending him my dash harness, engine harness, and body harness and he went through and tested each connection and replaced the ones that needed to be replaced.  He refurbished the gauges including upgarding to LED back lights.  He refurbished the turn signal/head light assembly, converting all the side markers to LED and other things.  He was great to work with and responsive to requests and had great suggestions.  He even converted a hazard switch to an A/C switch so that I could put that in the open spot on the dash next to the hazard switch.  He really was great and his prices were very fair, possibly undercharging what he is worth.  I cannot recommend him high enough!!

Good luck, Jon

you did notice he's put white gauge faces back in?

Your referral sounds like a "marvel"...unfortunately, I need someone to remove and more importantly, to replace

the dash...otherwise, "all of that great work" will be for naught.

I may have found a shop in Glendale..."Dyrness Automotive" ...I'll keep you all posted.

 

Thank you,

 

Andrew

 

 

 

I've never seen or had any in-dash wiring break or appear brittle with dash removal and referbishment. Unless you include the high current wiring (fat White/red) and their single terminal connections, and maybe the fusebox.  I'm sure the $900 guy is just doing a CYA thing. 

YOU MAY WELL BE RIGHT ABOUT THE "CYA", BUT MY THINKING IS, THAT IF IT IS IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR HIM TO RAISE IT

AS AN ISSUE, THEN PERHAPS(WORST CASE)HE IS NOT AS SKILLED AS HE SHOULD BE... ALSO(SINCE WE ARE TALKING)

WOULD YOU(IF CONSIDERING RESTORING YOUR DASH)...10 RESTORE YOUR DASH OR 2)BUY ONE OF THOSE MANUFACTURED

REPLACEMENTS.

 

THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSE

 

Andrew

I would definitely restore it myself. I done a few and it's totally a D!Y (there I go with the abbrevs again...) The only exception is if the dash foam and/or skin is so hard and brittle that it breaks/cracks with an easy finger tip press. Then its a loosing cause unless you totally fibreglass skin the dash. 

Edited May 13, 20177 yr by zKars

I always wondered if one could peel a dash, refresh the foam then fit a dash cap on it to replace the one that was peeled.

Just some heated expansion of the tach. and speedo holes to fit these devices in from the front would make it functional .

What say ye?

Edited May 13, 20177 yr by 240260280

"Just Dashes" in Van Nuys, charges $1,500 up, to refurbish a dash, depending on its condition. That seems to be ballpark + or -, for the work.

I am not anxious to pay a lot of money for the job, but I have been around long enough to understand that the "market" pretty much

accurately prices a job/activity.  So I tend to think that there is a bit more involved than what I understand you to be describing.

I appreciate the input...maybe those dash guys have a "cartel thing" going on.

 

Andrew