Dash Cover installation

[Driftin John]

I've got a '73 240 Z produced in Oct. '72 and I've got several questions:

- I've ordered a full dash cover from British Victoria. I ordered a '73 cover, but I'm not very impressed with the fit. Any chance I should have ordered a '72 cover based on the production date? This isn't the first time I've had the '72/'73 conundrum.

- I need to remove the emergency flasher knob to install the cover. I can't find a set screw on this thing to save my life. I sure don't want to try the brute force method of pulling the knob off.

- This a daily nice driver, so I don't want to go to hundreds of dollars and have the dash professionally recovered. Am I better off with the half cover regarding getting it to fit better?

Any installation tips from others with experience?

Thanks for the help.

[EScanlon]

As far as I know, there is no difference between the 72 and 73 dashes. If you were referring to the 69,70 and early 71 versus the Late 71 and later, then you CAN find several key differences which will make the Dash cover harder to fit.

If someone out there does know of a difference between a 72 and a 73 dash, please post it.

The emergency flasher (knob style) is a bayonet mount knob. Simply push in slightly then turn 90°, it will then remove completely from the stalk allowing you to access the hold down collar nut.

As far as a Half Cap vx a Full Cap. Depends on how good a fit you make. I've seen Half Caps looking very much like a cheap toupee as well as Full Caps looking like bulging padded bras. The main problem with the Half cap is that the Seam between New and Old is difficult if not impossible to hide. Then again there are Full Caps that round out the "eyelids" of the instruments so much that they look swollen.

As far as the expense of restoring the dash properly. Dashboard Restorations, one of our club sponsors, actually REBUILDS your dash, not just add a layer of vinyl or padding. Their complete process is INEXPENSIVE considering what you get back, a literally BRAND NEW dash.

As far as other 72 vs 73 conundrums (other than the carburators and emissions systems) I'd be interested in hearing what you have to offer.

2¢

Enrique