what should I pay for a perfect non-airbag dash?
 

I located a perfect non-airbag dash to replace the airbag dash in my 87 951. Any idea what it should be worth? how hard is it to switch them?

A good flawless dash should go for about $300 - $500 or so

AFJuvat

Why wouldn't you try and find one with an airbag??

good question!

btw: I am also on the lookout for a good airbag dash

My airbag system doesn't work and I don't feel like spending the money to fix it. The current airbag dash is split in dozens of places around the heater vents. It would also lighten the car to pull out all of the airbag components, would make it easier to work on and would probably be safer on the track. The current airbag problem originated in rapid deceleration at a toll booth, without any impact. Just seems too sensitive to me (and potentially explosive!)

your airbag deployed at the toll booth!?

No, it did not deploy but it thought that it did, ruining the computer which can not be reset. Of course, the bags are supposed to be replaced after 10 years as well so it adds up to a $1500 service.

umm. so I don't quite follow here. what exactly happened to the airbags

The airbags stayed in the dash and steering wheel. Apparently, the airbag system has a sensor that senses sharp stops or something. At least that's the story I was told by the PO - He stopped abruptly at a toll booth, the airbag light came on, the computer will not reset and the dealer wants $1500 to fix it (which includes replacing the aged air bags). This does not fix the cracks in my dash even if I repair the airbag system.

hmmm. that doesn't seem to make sense. I'm not sure that the sudden stop had anything to do with it. I've made hard stops before and my airbag light never came on. wonder if Britwrench could weigh in on this with a bit of advice

hey ROSBIF! show your face!!

I agree that it shouldn't be a common fault. It could be any number of things - the pull on the seat belt buckle scewing up that circuit, a wire coming loose. I just know that it refuses to reset and it won't generate fault codes. Thanks for any help you can generate from other members of the board.

even if I have to do it at gunpoint :D