'82 versus '85 dash -- different?
 

Hi.

I have an '82 RX7 GSL I recently acquired (ok, about 18 months ago, just getting around to working on it) with a cracked dash.

I have an opportunity to buy a dash, but it is from an '85.

Will the '85 dash fit an '82?

Nope, they're way different.

81-83 on the left, 84-85 on the right

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_..._large.jpg?v=0https://i1.wp.com/farm1.static.flick...227244986d.jpg

A dash cap may be a better option, depending on how perfect you want everything to look.

While the 85 dash will physically fit in the 82, the wiring is completely different from dash to dash. You would need a complete harness and ecu from an S3 to make the dash swap work. Not worth the effort in my opinion.

Well, the pictures are worth a thousand words.

That solves that. Guess I will need to look for an 81-83 dash or get the current one recovered.

Thanks j_tso. Looks like you're in Austin as well.

Maybe we can compare cars sometime.

http://www.justdashes.com

Never tried them and they seem to cater to clients of a higher standard (expensive)... but could be worth a look.

I know them, and yes they were expensive and have gotten even more so.

Someone should get in that business and give them some competition.

78-83 is the same dash...
:)

Stu Aull
80GS
AZ

Thanks, thought it was only 81-83, so this widens the search . . .

the earlier 79-80 dash top will fit no problem. Some of the early 79's had a speaker grill in the right side of the dash. That's the only difference that I'm aware of.

Thanks, that expands my search. Do you know if they made red interiors in 1979-1980?

Mazda made a wine colored interior in 79 and 80. It was as close to red as they made.

Sorry, I used the generic "red", when it is really maroon, which could also be wine -- like a nice cabernet when spilled in a white tablecloth:-)

Unfortunately, my car is pretty perfect -- except for the color code sitcker in the door jamb . . .

Was there a code for this red-maroon-wine interior option?

There are only two codes I'm aware of that could be validated on the vehicle itself. That being the engine size (All SA had 12A, and FB had it in the VIN). The paint code is the other and it is a plaque on the firewall. The trim level/colors for individual first gen RX-7s aren't documented except with Mazda maybe.

Sorry 'bout that, you're right.

The door jamb has the GVW and tire pressure info label and that's what no longer legible on my '82 GSL.

BTW, forgot they also put the Wankel in pickups. Have you ever had a Cosmos as well?

The only place that listed the interior color was the window sticker. If there was a code that designated the color, it was never published since you couldn't actually order any specific options from the factory. Along with Black, Wine was used with Sunbeam Silver and Aurora White 79 / 80's. There was also a reddish / purple color used on the dashes in some Sonic Bronze color cars.



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...584b43d045.jpg

Thanks. Mine is wine leather, VGC (dare I say, perfect). Again vehicle was an RV tow-behind with 60K on odometer, would be surprised if the drivetrain has even half that mileage on it.

I think we need to see some pictures of this beautiful SA.....

will do . . .