Replacing Entire Dash?

[srgould41]

I have been unsuccessfully hunting for any threads on replacing the entire dash, door to door.

I have all new gages planned as well as an entire vehicle re-wire. After messing around under the dash fixing wiring and air vents I thought how nice it would be if the dash face were removable via some screws, or maybe even hinged along the bottom so it could fold down for maintenance of the innards.

My first thought was to take it off at the pillars and top edge, weld bars across between the cage frame, then attach to the bars, but now I am thinking to trim the dash out along the entire contour, leaving a 1/2" or 3/4" lip for screwing to and using a piece of aluminum for the dash. I would try to keep the glove box, shin guards, and dash pad. I know I would need to fab new supports for the steering, but I am going to install tilt steering anyway.

Does anyone have any link, pics, stories, or experience with this?

Steve

 

[Colorado Boy-74-FJ40]

No experience but it sounds do-able. aircraft dash panels hinge down or are removeable, just remember to have enough slack in all of the wiring to accomodate the panel travel when extended or you will have to disconnect everything every time you lower the dash panel.

 

[bsmith123]

dash

sounds like it could be done. Cut the dash out 2 or 3 inches in. Cut out a donor dash full size and lay it over with suitable fasteners


I dont see this as desirable though--maybe with care to keep it from rattling and some kind of stiffeners to preserve structural integrity


just having enough length to pull the gauge out seems enough and the cables would be a pain probably

all the gauges and switches could be mounted on removable panels though


Personally I would hate to see the dash chopped out of any cruiser I was looking to buy

nicely done on a totally modified trail runner ---maybe

 

[Eshu Elegua]

I dont have experience or read about that but, if you have the dash pad and also the lower pads,you can try to hide your new idea using the pads for " cover" the new fastener and the line-cut insertion.

 

[bigassbike]

I cut into my dash right after I got my 40 for speakers. Now after owning it for a couple of years I wish I didn't. It is just one of the many "rookie" mistakes I made. Maybe I am just getting old, but stock looks better to me everyday. It's your rig so do what you want. Just my .02.

 

[3doghouse]

Sounds like it would work, and if you cut carefully, you could probably go back to original without too much effort if you change your mind.

It sure would make it easier to work on!

 

[D'Animal]

There is a guy in Reno that did it. He has a yellow FJ40 that is built and has been puplished in a few mags.

I know his real name but not his Mud name so I can't find the threads.