Driving without the dash ...

[Duffman]

A dumb question :lick:... has anyone ever driven their car without the dash in place? I am sending my dash off to be restored and want to get some internal body work completed, as well as some A/C installation work, while the dash is gone for 5 or 6 weeks. I know I need to have the harness hooked up, with the gauges hooked up (have separate set). Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

[EricB]

separate the vinyl part of the dash from its metal framework underneath

you can keep the gauges attached to the metal framework and have everything plugged in the way it should

i've been driving like this for longer than i care to comment

-e

[Duffman]

Eric, I am sending my dash/frame and original gauges in to the dash restoration place, therefore, no frame to keep in place. Would just have the harness and, somehow, prop the gauges up to view while I drive.

[EScanlon]

If you pull off the harness and connect a spare set of instruments, most critically the Ammeter and the Tach, and connect the ignition switch you can probably get away with it.

But on another note, Why? Wouldn't it be easier and safer to just park it until the work is done?

Just asking...

E

[Duffman]

Thanks, E. Just figured I could get some additional work done while I am waiting the 5 or 6 weeks for the dash to be returned to me. With the rest of the interior torn out, I would like to get the floorboards under each seat repaired, new carpet, etc, installed and look at putting an a/c unit while the dash is out. That is my thought, if it could be done!

[Montezuma]

Years ago I did a Z run with a guy who wanted to go but had his dash out. What he did was strap in all his guages using tie straps, it worked pretty good.

[Six_Shooter]

I know I've seen an ad for a crack dash for like $15. I believe it was on this site, if not it was in the old classifieds on HybridZ, which are now gine unfortunatly. I'm leaning towards the classifieds on here though.

[EScanlon]

Get the Floorboards first, then the A/C, then the Carpet. That way you won't be removing prior work.

On another note, you might want to look up the Honda Blower upgrade, especially being in AZ and adding A/C. Also look into putting some form of Dynamat, Brown Bread or simple Q-Pads on the underside of the cowl and the firewall. All of those will help keep heat out of the passenger compartment. Check your cowl drain tubes also!!

As far as the instruments, the only ones you HAVE to have connected, are the Tach, and the Ammeter. The rest, just make sure that you insulate any connectors and you should be fine. If you'll be running the car at all, you must also connect the Hazard and the T/S switch in order to have Brake lamps. Ignition Switch is obvious.

The rest, Fuel, Oil, Clock and Speedo (only need to cap the cable) aren't essential to operate the vehicle.

HTH

E

[Six_Shooter]

Here is the ad I had mentioned: http://www.classiczcars.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=2400&cat=4

[Duffman]

Thanks,E, I appreciate the comments on adding Dynamat or Fatmat on the firewall AND under the cowl, that makes good sense. Am looking at the Hot Rod Air system for the A/C, as they will be able to use my existing controls to work the A/C, while replacing the huge heater box, fan, etc, with a more streamlined unit. I can't use the original A/C systems because they can't handle heat around 110 to 115 degrees!

Six Shooter, I don't plan on a lot of driving while I wait for my dash to be returned, just to get additional work done. The 260z dash you mention is probably not worth the cost of shipping and it may not fit anyway. I appreciate the thought!