Marcquito

I'm going to bring up the 'late dash swap into early car' subject. Sure, some people say it's ridiculous to do it. Some people say it's a waste of time. Some say it's a waste of money. Some say it's this and that... but we'll see. I'm actually doing the swap now. Reason why? I don't know. I wanted to conquer this project. I want to see WHY people steer away from doing it. My project 944 is not a daily driver, or even a driver. It's a car I purchased to fix because I felt so bad for it since the PO was just letting it rot. The interior was ruined, the engine ran strong, and it was just plain neglected. I saw beauty within the disgusting paint and moldy carpets- and alas, here I am.

So far I have sanded the car, dropped the transaxle for a new clutch, and have torn out the interior. The interior had a musty smell because of some water damage- most was from a rusted hole where the battery tray was which just let water into the car. I have cut most of the bad metal out and will be welding new panels in place. I'll weld everything back together with brass to prevent rust later. I'll then sand everything and paint it along with the rest of the car.

-EARLY DASH SWAP-
Okay, call me nuts, but I have started buying parts. Here's my parts list:
-Dashboard from a 1994 968 (black/beige)
-Center console from a 1994 968 (beige)
-Dash center vent and gauge bezel from a 951
-Heaterbox from a 951
(on order)
-black carpet kit from Jageng
-miscellaneous dash trim pieces
-blah blah

I'm not very concerned at the moment on acquiring most of the dash pieces since I don't NEED Them all at the moment for the car to run. I just want the necessary ones to get everything installed and lined up so I can start fabricating.

-QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SWAP-
Okay, main question: I have an EARLY a/c evaporator assembly under the dash at the moment. err.. well, what used to be under the dash. I have not removed it from the car yet. I am more than positive if I were to purchase this part, I could make it fit along with the later heaterbox (which is on order) and get all of the plumbing worked out. One problem, I need the a/c evaporator assy. from a later car. Does anyone have one of these? I can find early ones on ebay and the only picture that I can find is on 944.com on exploded view in the climate control category.

Pics coming soon of all of my work.

Don't call me crazy. I'm going to make this work. I swear to it. I don't care how much work I do- this project is fun and is actually giving me something to do during this ****ty summer.

Thanks, guys.

Po924S

Good luck! I envy the dash swap.

Marcquito

Prepare to be punched in the face by dash-hawtness.

Po924S

Haha. I bet it is really fun. Your gunna update the door panels as well, right?

Marcquito

Oh yeah, I have to. The early style door panels do not meet with the late style dash.

Po924S

Yea. Allthough I have see a 944 with a late dash, early center console, early seats, and early door panels. Didn't quite get why they did that...

Marcquito

Wait, you have seen a LATE dash with an EARLY center console? That had to be hideous!!!

Po924S

YES It was. I'm searching for the picture on Pelican Forums right know.

Marcquito

My god, find that horrible combination and post a pic (or a link to the pic). The lines don't even match!

Interracial dashes are a no-no.

Po924S

Ok, sorry. Want I ment to say was it had newer style interior, but the dash and console were differnt. Here's the link, scroll down. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=401487

Marcquito

So... did he swap a his early dash for another early dash? I don't understand. It's a hideous brown on black. That can't be stock (I hope).

Po924S

Not stock. Why put in a newer style interior in, but leave the console and dash old style? I'm guessing he was in the same process you are in. Late interior swap, but gave up at the end.

Let's hope yours dosn't turn out like that.

xsboost90

you also need to cut out the metal in front of the windshield and weld in the newer style w/ the proper hole for the late heater box...

alordofchaos

Marcquito, dude, I think you're crazy but I admire your ambition!

Personally, if I was going to do all that work, I'd do a custom dash. Doesn't seem like it would be any harder to hammer and bend some metal for the basic form, cover it with leather or vinyl - and you can keep the early gauges if you wanted plus mount the stereo somewhere easy to reach (I'm thinking higher up) plus work in some cupholders

Spidey944

Yeah, this is a hell of a project. IIRC none of the vent flaps for your defrost or anything else will work. you would be better off if you had a complete dash set-up, and not just a few components that you were swapping. That way you could at least try and make it all still work. Good Luck!