Retrofit a 86-89 dash in a 85?

pplkook · 05-28-2010, 12:04 PM

Howdy

I attempted to threadjack the following - How many dash variations are there on the speaker grill over the years? - but after contemplation, I decided that will make it harder for someone else doing a search.

How hard is it to retrofit a 86-89 dash in a 84-85? According to the information above, the defrost vent is different, how about the mounting locations?

Thanks in advance

Jack

pplkook · 05-28-2010, 02:53 PM

huh...no love. If anyone knows I would appreciate it. I am looking at a nice dash from a 86-89 car, so I really don't want to throw money away if I can avoid it.

-Jack

KNS · 05-28-2010, 03:03 PM

I've seen it done a few times, can't remember the difficulty of it though.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

I looked into this briefly, but was warned that it involved retrofitting the duct system plus some sheet metal work. I wanted the larger A/C grill, but decided that I would leave my car stock and the effort for me wasn't worth it. However I never did find out what was really involved...

Picking up a used ventilation system might not be a big deal. Someone out there must have done this. Having some insight to what is involved before you start would be half the battle.

MBAtarga · 05-28-2010, 06:14 PM

My understanding from previous threads I recall is a substantial bit of dash mod is needed, particularly for the vents at each end below the dash.

tcar · 05-28-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

particularly for the vents at each end below the dash.

The vents are actually a large amount of work.

I investigated as I was thinking about doing it to my SC.

emsdoc · 05-29-2010, 12:04 AM

I have an 81 sc and had my mechanic start this upgrade last year...
my car's still in pieces....

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by emsdoc

I have an 81 sc and had my mechanic start this upgrade last year...
my car's still in pieces....

Emsdoc, Can you give us any information on the progress????

pplkook · 05-29-2010, 09:27 AM

Thanks all for the information, you saved me some serious PITA.

As always the forum rocks.

-jack

emsdoc · 05-29-2010, 05:58 PM

well, I think he just lost interest in the project and it got shelved..I had other cars to play with so it has been dormant...
I think it will come together, I just have to get my mechanic motivated to finish it...