While attempting to scavenge the dashboard off this junk 82, I cannot find the last bolt. I've got the 2 on each side and the 3 up top, and I know it's somewhere in the center but where? Is it on the firewall? Is it in the blower unit / radio surround area? Am I going insane from pretzel-twisting my head up under the dash looking for it? Yes!


I've already been to the flimsy "tech article" on David Lane's site, it isn't much help.

 

Yeah, know the feeling! Did the same a few months ago, can't remember the locations though :-(
The three at the top/two at the side seem right, I think somewhere near the center console might be another one (two?). If no-one can help you, I'll take a look at the dash in my dad's garage this weekend. Can't do that any sooner, sorry...

 

There are 4 nuts near the middle of the dash, you may need to remove the defroster ducts to get to them. Here's a pic. Good luck! -Mike

 

Aha! More than I bargained for!
Thanks a ton, Mike Wankelguy.

 

You're welcome! -Mike

 

News Flash: those 4 bolts are only for the blower unit, which can stay with the car if you unplug it and take off it's two cables.
Hotter News Flash: NOBODY mentioned the two 12mm-head fine-thread bolts hidden way up under the steering column, holding the dash to the steering column bracket.

I was going to create a huge, compehensive, and picture-laden How-To, but as I don't have a decenct camera or daylight I'll have to wait and do it next spring with the 85 parts car. There's a lot involved.

 

Damn, knew I forgot something :-)
Nevertheless, the 84/85 dash is different. Some bolts at the top are in another location (5 instead of three)

 

I knew there was a solid reason why my instincts kept telling me that I should use this scavanged '82 dash in my '82 project car. I had originally planned to do a full interior & dash transplant from my 85.

When I do my Tech Article, I'll use the 85 but add pics of the 82 to illustrate the differences.

 

My picture is of a 1980 dash. On the '80 cars the blower motor is way over to the right, above the passenger's feet. Are you sure you're not talking about the heater core? Evidently there are some differences I am unaware of. Hey, I tried. -WG

 

Hey, JEC-31, you CAN use the 85, it's just going to give you some extra work. Look at this site: http://www.dataphone.se/~berglund/wankel/
Magnus has put a 85 dash into an older chassis, and explains how.
I believe the 84/85 dash is much nicer, and I'd love to get one in my car...

 

I'm actually still undecided on which dash & interior to use - 82 or 85. It has a bit to do with my indecision on exterior paint...

Choice 1: Blue 1st gen (Montego blue, or Jaguar X350 Light Metalflake blue, Nissan Carribean blue, or...) Swap in totally stock and very nice condition 85 blue-grey interior.

Choice 2a: Orange 1st gen (wild metalflake orange or General Lee hemi-orange) Put in black 82 dash, obtain stock black interior somehow. Sell 85 dash and interior to you, rotary emotions.

Choice 2b: Orange 1st gen. Put in 82 dash painted tan, tan late-model Miata seats, custom tan carpet and door panels, paint old maroon interior peices tan. Sell 85 dash and interior to highest bidder (hee hee).

You see, the older dash is much smaller and a lot more Retro-Rod looking, more 70s than 80s. That would be right for the orange theme.

This is over the next two years, mind you, due to there being other things in life to pay attention to like the mortgage payment.