Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I can't seem to find much information on changing over to a flat dash from the late z-type dash.
My dad had a garage fire and it melted the dash and seats. The dash harness seems fine.
Anyone with some experience that could give me some guidelines?

Basically, get the dash and gauges from a low windshield car. You should also get the upper dash section from a donor car (I have one as a spare). Trim the upper panel to fit, bolt in the dash, install gauges, install new dash pad - don't cut the holes for the dash mirror since you have the upper mirror. Done. That is the reader's digest version...

Here is one of the write ups on the conversion

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... sh+install

I've seen several threads on the subject. Each seems to vary slightly, but the Raders Digest version from SPL310 is consistent with all.
Get the parts needed.
Remove the old dash including gauges.
Fit the new dash support to the car.
Install flat dash.
Wire whatever gauges you decide to use.


I don't think its a straight forward bolt in sort of deal. Seems to take some fitting and trimmin to get the parts to fit correct as well as adding new supports for the flat dash mounting. Also, I don't think the high windshield radio console works with the flat dash setup.
Dan

So parts list is:

Dash face with trim
Upper metal dash mount
Dash pad (i.e. the one from Dean http://www.datsunparts.com/1292
Lower console

Right?

And then you have to figure out details for gauges, steering column, ignition switch, heater controls, etc.

Its been a few years and the progress is there, slowly. I have the dash in and the new Speedhut gauges in hand. Photos to follow soon.

My question is will the stock alternator handle the new gauges? There are 6 gauges drawing .02 amps each.

Thanks in advance

Speedhut gauge lights will be LED so will draw LESS power than the stock gauges.

As I move forward on this project slowly, I have the new dash plate welded in and I am installing the autometer gauges. I am trying to keep things as simple as possible by using the original push pull switches and ignition.

The changes are:
I will change from a Amp-meter to a Volt meter.
Electronic gauges include a Volt meter, GPS speedometer, Tach, Temp, Fuel and oil pressure.

With these changes, I have some questions for our electrical guys out there.

1. From the back of the Amp meter I will be joining the white wire and the white/red wire together with a non insulated butt connector then cover with heat shrink. is the the correct way forward?

2. Where should I pull 12v source for the new Volt meter?

3. The power source for the 6 gauges at 0.2 amps each would be from the radio power. It would be used for this since I will not be installing a radio. It is OK to do this or should I source the power somewhere else? OK to use the ground

4. The original multi meter has a 4 connector plug in the back with power to temp and fuel sensors. I will abandon this with empty plug and tape.

5. Is it OK to abandon the S brake light and service switch? Am I missing anything?

Thanks so much, trying to post some pictures but I keep getting the too large warning

Waiting for pics... sounds like you are in the mix of it

I just did one not to long ago. Not really that hard. Just take your time and slowly trim metal from the top dash piece, because its easier to remove metal than it is to add. Also dont forget to remove a strip of metal that is spot welded to the top dash piece of the flat dash! Theres a thread on here somewhere that has measurements for locating the dash. Thats what I used. Look towards the end of my build thread. Not at home right now or i would look it up.

cheers
Matthew

How did you install the gauges and power supply?

That looks great!

Beautiful. But a question for the old timers. When working from the ground up is there a tried and true sequence of steps for resto that has been documented? I'm seeing this beautiful dash but there is so much work left to be done, work that could nick, scratch that Dash. Not bashing just looking for honest feedback as I have a semi-major 1967 project ahead of me.( nothing to this extent)