1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Anyone try putting a 2000 + Miata Dash or 2000 + Mazda 3 Dash into their 1st Gen ?

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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 08:44 PM
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Anyone try putting a 2000 + Miata Dash or 2000 + Mazda 3 Dash into their 1st Gen ?

My dash and interior are trashed. I needs a severe facelift and I'm thinking about getting silly. I'm thinking of a drastic update. I don't mind breaking out the sawzaw, welder and hammer

I'm thinking about hitting the junkyard and car dealerships to take some measurements.

Measurements and things to consider.

1. Width
2. Depth
3. Firewall contour
4. Height

What are somethings I'm leaving out ?

I won't be running AC or Heater and the car is powered by a Haltech.
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 08:45 PM
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No 2nd gen or 3rd gen. Been there, done that.
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:01 PM
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If you are after a change why don't you just get a dash from a 84-85. The styling is alot different but you will still be able to maintain your stock guages and such.
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
If you are after a change why don't you just get a dash from a 84-85. The styling is alot different but you will still be able to maintain your stock guages and such.
Yes, you're right.

But, I was thinking more of a updated dash. Something that will make the car feel newer.
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 10:03 PM
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The 84-85 dashes are a newer style but I personally like the earlier dashes. How about just modernizing your existing dash. Maybe putting in an aluminum center console and restyling what you have? You could always design your own instrument cluster maybe out of aluminum or carbon fiber than install a full set of digital guages.
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 11:15 PM
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someone show him the one with rx8 interior. don't have time to search, going out....sorry
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
The 84-85 dashes are a newer style but I personally like the earlier dashes. How about just modernizing your existing dash. Maybe putting in an aluminum center console and restyling what you have? You could always design your own instrument cluster maybe out of aluminum or carbon fiber than install a full set of digital guages.
I dunno, those interiors just don't seem modern enough for me. But, I'm open for suggestions.

I already have a aluminum center

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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 10:03 AM
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no?
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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 10:16 AM
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doubt this has been done. the FD has been done. go for the miata dash
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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 10:32 AM
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You guys have pics of the conversions that have been done ?
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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 11:15 AM
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RX-8 console and gauges in an SA:

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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
If you are after a change why don't you just get a dash from a 84-85. The styling is alot different but you will still be able to maintain your stock guages and such.
Since we're on this topic..

I've been wanting to do that actually..
Are there any conversion threads concerning the 84-85 into an S2?
I imagine it just wont fit in like the stock dash
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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 03:16 PM
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Personally i think the best convo would be a FD dash in the FB, but it seems like so much work (to me). I guess i have to ask why?

I like my dash, lol

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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
If you are after a change why don't you just get a dash from a 84-85. The styling is alot different but you will still be able to maintain your stock guages and such.
Also, 84/85 dashes are practically bulletproof. I have NEVER seen a cracked one. You also have to appreciate the look of the 84/85 dash at NIGHT. That is when I first fell in love with it's beautiful Orange glow.
Plus they are only backlit (like lexus).

It's much more modern looking than the 79-83 dashes.
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Old Nov 10, 2007 | 08:44 PM
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^word
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 12:25 PM
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i test fit a 90-93 miata dash in an fc, it SHOULD fit nicely into an fb, kinda the same look but newer?

gimme your old dash, ive got an 84-85 dash in my racecar, and it sucks...
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Directfreak
You also have to appreciate the look of the 84/85 dash at NIGHT. That is when I first fell in love with it's beautiful Orange glow.
Orange? It looks more reddish to me.
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 02:49 PM
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Lets go with Burnt Orange then That is one thing that I have not found, a car that I can buy with that sweet color guages
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by sweetege
Lets go with Burnt Orange then That is one thing that I have not found, a car that I can buy with that sweet color guages
BMW's and the newer Mazdas have that orange.
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
The 84-85 dashes are a newer style but I personally like the earlier dashes. How about just modernizing your existing dash. Maybe putting in an aluminum center console and restyling what you have? You could always design your own instrument cluster maybe out of aluminum or carbon fiber than install a full set of digital guages.
Alright, say I wanted to put an 85 dash in the car. What's different, just a few mounting holes ?
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 08:42 PM
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Any pics of the FD dash in an FB? That would look interesting.

As far as I know the 85 dash should just bolt in....but I have not done it before.
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Old Nov 14, 2007 | 09:53 AM
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I'm going to swap the S3 dash into an S2. I've had both dashes out before, but have not tried to line the holes up with the S3 dash in the S2 body. I'm dead-set on the conversion, so I'll make it fit if the holes don't line up. That RX8 dash looks killer in the SA, as does the Renesis in it's engine bay...
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Old Nov 14, 2007 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Viking War Hammer
Alright, say I wanted to put an 85 dash in the car. What's different, just a few mounting holes ?
The mounting holes for the dash are in the same place on the chassis. If you plan to leave the heater controls in you will need to swap the harness and heater core, IRRC.

Otherwise it bolts in.

-billy
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Old Nov 14, 2007 | 07:09 PM
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Well, those late model dashes must be impossible to find. I've been trying to locate one for 3 months without any luck. This is one reason why I thought about using a different dash.

Anyone have one ?
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Old Nov 14, 2007 | 08:44 PM
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Post a WTB ad in the classifieds, I'm sure somebody on here has one. Thanks for the info, Billy. Looks like I've got another part to pull from the SE...
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