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?85 dash in a 81?

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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 09:07 AM
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?85 dash in a 81?

ive already removed all the a/c components/vents including the heater components but just wondering before i actually pay for an 85 dash would all the bolt patterns match up so it could securely fit in my 81?
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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 08:03 PM
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I think it will work. I know Bad 83 put, I think it was an 85 interior into his 83 chassis. It would
be a similiar swap I think. Check out his build thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/build-threads-293/project-updates-553481/
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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 08:10 PM
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the 85 dash will bolt in, but the wiring will not match up for the heater or ventilation controls. the wiring will also not match up for the two sets of switches located on the cluster surround. i advise that if you were to switch to an 85 dash, to also get the entire 85 wiring harness and swap it in as well.
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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 08:38 PM
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its supposed to do that
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I have done it, but i went the easy way and swapped everything, dash, support beam, wiring harness, HVAC. I would only suggest it if you have the two complete cars to sit side by side.

Isaac
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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 09:16 PM
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may I ask why?

personally I think the S1 and S2 dashes are better looking
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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 10:01 PM
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its supposed to do that
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Some people feel the opposite, while I appreciate the simplicity of the s1-s2, I much prefer the updated looks of the S3 interior.

Isaac
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Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:22 AM
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yea basically what flight of plan said its all preference even though i enjoy my dash i have always liked to look of the 85 dash plus my dash is cracked in 3 places so it needs replacement.
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Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
the 85 dash will bolt in, but the wiring will not match up for the heater or ventilation controls. the wiring will also not match up for the two sets of switches located on the cluster surround. i advise that if you were to switch to an 85 dash, to also get the entire 85 wiring harness and swap it in as well.
i have no heater or ventilation controls i uninstalled both heater and ac components but how difficult would it be to carry over the wire harness
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Old Mar 12, 2012 | 08:53 AM
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the wiring harness is a direct swap.
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Old Mar 12, 2012 | 10:24 AM
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was just curious
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Old Mar 13, 2012 | 06:57 AM
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Tim. The 85 dash swap that I did was in my SA that I had. I really cheated with that one. I used the SA cluster and heater controls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09_uk...f6rnGR3VCDc%3D
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Old Mar 13, 2012 | 07:40 AM
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Originally Posted by bad 83
Tim. The 85 dash swap that I did was in my SA that I had. I really cheated with that one. I used the SA cluster and heater controls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09_uk...f6rnGR3VCDc%3D
i assumed it wasn't too hard? btw i saw your other build thread and i must say your car is gorgeous
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