Half dash cap to full?

[oldroaddog]

My '75 280Z has a half dash cap that was installed before I purchased the car. It's a nice installation and the lower dash looks o.k. with no cracks showing and just slightly faded (cap a bit darker). But I'm looking at the full caps offered by MSA and thinking if that were properly installed it would be almost as good as a new dash. What problems would I encounter removing the half cap and then applying the full? I imagine that the adhesive used is pretty strong stuff and there could be some tearing of the original dash trying to pull the cap off. Is this a good idea or will it create more problems than it's worth?

[240ZX]

Han, You are right about the adhesive on the half cap...of course that all depends upon how much the PO used during the install. For sure you will want to remove the dash, as I have never figured out why one would attempt going through this exercise without removing the dash. Anyway, the dash removel is a PITA, so when you have it out check everything in the dash for correctness and proper function. On the full dash cap, take your time to get a proper fit. Do it right the first time and be done with it.....don't get in a hurry or get frustrated. When your ready to do final attachment, and this is only after you are completely happy with the fit, use the bonding adhesive according to the directions and secure the cap firmly with duct tape, to keep it in place while the adhesive is curing.

[oldroaddog]

At this moment the only know issues in the dash are the NF clock and the heater control cable seems to be stuck or it could be the valve. Everything else is fully functional. I'm getting an original clock and I'll have to get a new automatic antenna but the dash doesn't have to be off to deal with those issues. There's some great info in the tech forum for removal of the dash but I didn't see any discussion from someone who's removed a cap. So if there's anyone who's been there... let me know how it went.