240Z restoration

[Namerow]

From my experiences with resurfacing the dash for my '70 Z:

• The black vinyl skin will tear, not 'peel', off the underlying foam.  There'll be a lot of craters and voids generated in the foam and that will add to the challenge of getting the final shape of the new-foam substrate the right size and shape.  Arguably better to grind the vinyl off than to try to pull it off.  Wear a dust mask!
• The contour sanding of the top and front finished surfaces is very difficult to get right.  Same goes for the gauge pod recesses.  For what you're suggesting, the challenge will be not just to restore the contours but also the overall dimensions (i.e. You'll be trying to build back the correct shape in 3D space relative to the sheet metal armature).
• I hope I never have to do this particular job again. 

From what I've seen, 'Just Dashes' do great work.  They, too, have to shape and contour the Z dash's very complicated 3D shape in (new) foam before they vacuum-form the vinyl top layer in place.  Lots of hand labor, so US$1500 seems reasonable.  Unfortunately, that's just the base cost.  There's also crating and 2-way shipping, shipping insurance, and sales tax. Probably Cdn $2500 - $3000 for us poor Canucks when all is said and done.

Not saying your idea won't work, Blue, and I like it in concept.  However, there will be lots of challenges along the way.  If you've got a cap and a spare dash to use as a sacrificial victim, I'm sure we'd all like to see how you make out.

[wheee!]

It's the $3000 price tag in Cdn beans that makes me think I can do it myself with patience and practice for under $500 in materials.

[esmit208]

The dashboard comes out in about 30 minutes without breaking anything. There is a thread in the archives on this site. Pull the steering wheel, take off the stalks so as not to break one, undo the bolts at the base of the windshield, it sits on an "L" shaped bracket at either side of the car. An extra pair of hands is helpful getting it out. If you have to disconnect wires just wrap masking tape around it and tag it alphabetically. It looks imposing but it isn't really. Most of us here have done it at least once. REMEMBER.....Finesse not muscle. Works everything. Good luck.

[motorman7]

12 hours ago, esmit208 said:

The dashboard comes out in about 30 minutes without breaking anything. There is a thread in the archives on this site. Pull the steering wheel, take off the stalks so as not to break one, undo the bolts at the base of the windshield, it sits on an "L" shaped bracket at either side of the car. An extra pair of hands is helpful getting it out. If you have to disconnect wires just wrap masking tape around it and tag it alphabetically. It looks imposing but it isn't really. Most of us here have done it at least once. REMEMBER.....Finesse not muscle. Works everything. Good luck.

I would say it is a bit more than 30 minutes, closer to an hour or two based on your skill level.  For me, the most difficult part of the dash removal is removing the heater panel and it's associated cables, the radio, and the wires that go to the fuse box.  It is probably easiest to remove the fuse box along with the dash harness instead of unscrewing the two wires that attach to the bottom of the box.  The rest of the removal is easy by comparison in my opinion.

Also, you will want to take a lot of pics of the smaller individual wire connections.  There are several that change color and this can be a bit tricky when re-installing.  The larger connections  are basic.

Also, I would recommend 'Just Dashes' over purchasing an uncracked or NOS dash.  There is no telling the condition of an old dash and how old the plastic is and what it has been exposed to.  

Just my thoughts.

[dmorales-bello]

For very damaged dashes with brittle plastic and large cracks I think having them restored by Just Dashes makes sense, but how about for a virtually perfect dash with 2 hairline cracks that are very hard to see? Can anything be done to prevent them from growing larger? Some sort of epoxy or filler to "freeze" the cracks?

[andrewjohnson5]

Very good question, and I take your point re the extent to which a dash is damaged...you would think that repair options

would be available to correspond to the degree of damage...rather than the "all in, comprehensive repair" that "Just Dashes" offer.

The cracks on my dash are beyond "hairline," but not  such a disaster that a localized, quality repair would not suffice...if available.

Andrew

 

 

[andrewjohnson5]

I love the Clint Eastwood quote..."a man's got to know his limitations." You gents have impressive skills. I tried to trim a

small plant in my backyard. In the end, I had to replace the entire thing...I totally botched the job. I can only imagine what

havoc I would wreak in trying to remove a dash.

I am reassured by the positive comments on 'Just Dashes', and the suggestion to NOT buy an NOS. These comments played into

a decision that I was in-fact wrestling with...I am pretty certain, that I will go with 'Just Dashes.' 

All of your comments/feedback, have made me feel much more comfortable with this decision.

 

Thank you all again,

 

Andrew

[motorman7]

Fixing the existing cracks in a dash is pretty much just a temporary fix.  Age and condition of the plastic on the dash can not be reversed, and eventually new cracks will form.  In some cases your new fix will exacerbate the problem as the patch may shrink, producing more cracks.

 I followed one of the dash repair threads on this forum using the 'bumper rubber' material as the patch material on my 1970 roadster.  The dash looked awesome for about 6 months, then the cracks started to appear.  The cracks were in the old plastic that was not replaced and eventually they became overwhelming.  I ended up just putting a dash cap over it.

[andrewjohnson5]

Thank you  greatly for the feedback.  I responded to a post from another member, but that response addressed your

input as well.  I will reiterate the essence of my response...a Clint Eastwood quote..."a man has got to know his limitations."

That said, I am going to give the dash restoration job to 'Just Dashes', and I will have a professional, skilled in Z Car

electronics, pull and reinstall the dash. The feedback from all of you helped me to feel comfortable with this decision.

 

Thank you again,

 

Andrew

 

[motorman7]

8 minutes ago, andrewjohnson5 said:

I love the Clint Eastwood quote..."a man's got to know his limitations."

I love that quote!  One of my favorites.

Just a quick note on 'Just Dashes':  Current cost is $1750 plus tax and shipping.  Shipping is way expensive, so since you are fairly local, just better to drop it off there.  Also, the lead time is 3 months, so you will not get your dash back right away.   Good  luck!

[andrewjohnson5]

Quote

 

I have been in conversations with John, one of the Salesmen at 'Just Dashes'...he has also helped educate me re my options,

pros and cons.  he has been patient and informative...no pressure...I like that...I am close(I house my Z in Pasadena, and the restoration

work is being done in Pasadena), so I will be able to save on insurance and shipping.

Thanks again for your feedback...it has been helpful...when the Z is all done, I will post a pic.

 

Andrew