I have made a new dashboard for my 71 spider but before I replace, I would appreciate any suggestions. It appears that I could probably replace it without removing the steering wheel, but it may be considerably easier with wheel removal. I do not want to stress the new dash, as it is pretty thin wood and I do not want to break it. Also any tricks or considerations / comments would be appreciated. What is the easiest way to remove the horn button. It does not want to come off easily and I do not want to break the plastic tabs. Thanks,
Bud
71 dashboard replacement
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- Posts: 60
- Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:15 pm
- Your car is a: 1971 Spider
- 124JOE
- Posts: 3141
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:11 pm
- Your car is a: 1978 124 fiat spider sport 1800
- Location: SO. WI
Re: 71 dashboard replacement
skip the wheel and drop the colum
when you do everything correct people arent sure youve done anything at all (futurama)
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
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- Posts: 60
- Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:15 pm
- Your car is a: 1971 Spider
Re: 71 dashboard replacement
Thanks, Joe. That is a great idea. I see you are from Wisconsin. I am in Seattle, but my wife is from Prairie Du Chien, and I visit the Madison and PDC area fairly often.
Again, thanks.
B
Again, thanks.
B
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- Posts: 60
- Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:15 pm
- Your car is a: 1971 Spider
Re: 71 dashboard replacement
Joe thank you. Your suggestion to drop the steering wheel rather than removing was MUCH easier and my new dashboard looks beautiful. I was able to load all of the existing instruments before connecting the wiring and with the color coded plugs, it was very easy. I did not know about the rubber spacers behind the dash, but a trip to the local hardware replaced them. Next up is putting a new matching panel on the center console. I made templates so if I ever have to replace again, or if someone wants to do on their own, it will be easy. I used a stain and covered with several coats of Seafin Oil, a marine finish that I have used on my Doug Fir front doors. It is a popular marine product here in Seattle, and gives a nice finish that you can renew every year, or as desired. So thanks again.
Bud
Bud
- 124JOE
- Posts: 3141
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:11 pm
- Your car is a: 1978 124 fiat spider sport 1800
- Location: SO. WI
Re: 71 dashboard replacement
no problem
i needed new gaskets for my tail lights,so i cut up a life preserver.it has closed cell foam 3/16 or so
then cut two of them up as gaskets
i also made a pattern
i needed new gaskets for my tail lights,so i cut up a life preserver.it has closed cell foam 3/16 or so
then cut two of them up as gaskets
i also made a pattern
when you do everything correct people arent sure youve done anything at all (futurama)
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
Re: 71 dashboard replacement
New project car coming to me next weekend is going to be a 71, you should upload some photos!
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- Posts: 1359
- Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:11 am
- Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider 1608
Re: 71 dashboard replacement
Yes pics please