Will Gas Dash fit a Diesel Dash ?

#1

Found a Gas Dash in the local salvage yard, will it fit ( be able to replace ) the diesel dash I have now ? ( and add voltmeter and Oil Pressure to the dash ) ?

#2

Don't know why it wouldn't fit physically if it comes outa the same car. Can't swear to 81,82,83 all being exact same fit but if you download the Nissan elecctronic parts program and check the dash part numbers you can confirm if the years are all the same.

Never had one apart so I can't tell yo the easy fix for the glow plug lamp. The fuel gauge may be the same cuz else the factory would have had to spend more; otherwise you'll need to figure out how to use the output from the tank sensor. The speedo drive might need a different gear on the tranny end to account for gearing differences; but I think they all had the 85mph layouts back then.

You might find better answers than this by searching the topics here.

Cheers, Rufus

#3

Why does the dash need replacing? They are not interchangable. You can't imagine the amount of wiring that is in each car. There is a bundle of wires under the passenger floor carpet (where you would put your feet) about 1 1/4" across. All the relays are different. You'll have better success peeing up a rope. Hope this helps.

#4

It'd be work for sure and Dsl-man may be right. But you know, I just realized we don't know exactly what you meant by "dash". Are talking about just the vinyl top?

IAC, if you've got an owner's manual and look at the dash call outs for each light and control, you'll see (IIRC) there are maybe 3 or 4 lights that are different. That's your starting point. I think the FSM shows connector wiring so you could 1) count and list connectors and identify same/different 2) If most of the connectors look the same, locate the connectors for the lights that are different and see how many there are and what changes might be needed.

Dsl-man, I haven't been under there so this is just my generic thoughts. You could be right. However, it seems logical that the factory would make parts and assemblies as standardized as humanly possible to avoid extra cost. That would imply that the dash connections may be the same to the extent functionally possible. So all those connectors, while a real PITA, would all be the same except for those particular functions specific to the gas or dsl cars. The computers would be different but they would use the same connectors and control wiring to run the dash displays - the warning lamps that are different would still use the same wiring but have different lens lettering; and there might be more or fewer lamps depending.

I have doubts about swapping gauges or lights. If they are soldered onto one large pc board it gets hairy very fast; I suspect a few people like Al could do it but he has rather unique background experience in small electrical and assembly work. Most folks should probably just add after market gauges above or below the dash as needed.

Not a job I'd want to do, but if the computers use the same connectors, it should be mostly a matter of physically swapping the parts and adding a couple separate lamps or a gauge to complete the job.

Rufus

#5

Your answer will be found in the Service Manual in comparing the type of relays under the hood and under the passengers seat as well as the passengers kick panel. Compare the wiring diagrams in the back. I have had the dash out of a few maxis to replace the heater core. Respectfully, you do not know what you are talking about and will have better success peeing up a rope. A silk purse cannot be made out of a sows ear. I am sorry if it appears that I have an attitude, but that is what happens when armchair experience hits real world experience...it melts like ice in the Nevada desert.

#6

I also have taken the dash apart to replace a heater core. Although if I have to do it again, I would try to follow the FSM method and remove the seats and carpet and see if it can be done w/o disassembling the dash.

I also have a gasser instrument panel that I had planned to use to replace the orig. diesel one. Mainly to gain a tach and oil pressure gauge. I can tell you the blade connectors are different. NOT plug'n'play. Last time I saw a gasser Max at a JY I clipped out the wiring side of these blade connectors, trying to salvage as much pigtail as possible, plan being to splice these into the respective wiring circuits in the diesel Max.

Regardless of where the relays and controller boxes are located, most of the signals coming into the instrument panel should be similar, correct? I realize the tach calls for a signal source where one does not exist now (one of Al's modded EGR controllers should handle this) and the oil pressure gauge may require an extra sender. GP indicator lamp also needs to be devised.

Can't figure out why the diesel Max lacked the tach and oil pressure gauge.

#7

Compare the wiring diagrams in the back.

Drag to have to quote yourself, but... Isn't that what I said? ???

I think the FSM shows connector wiring so you could 1) count and list connectors and identify same/different 2) If most of the connectors look the same, locate the connectors for the lights that are different and see how many there are and what changes might be needed.

With due respect, when you have knowledge of specifics, do feel free to share the specifics. There are lotsa "can't be done... got done" stories out there, so a bald statement of impossibility really doesn't help anybody serious about working on his car.

It looks to be a PITA, but Carimbo's approach sure sounds plausible. Relays? Well, maybe it has to be case by case, but I'll go out on a limb and say they're all 12volt... <g>

Cheers, Rufus

#8

Back when I had 2 1969 Chevelles, it was not uncommon to have a temp, oil pressure and voltmeter guages under the dash, or on top, wherever floats your boat. Most people also found a spot for a tach. Why reinvent the wheel? Spend your time on something constructive. If you were restoring a 57 Chevy, I could see going the extra mile. Life is short, ride the wave, paddling upstream can be done...just more effort.

Either way, I wish you success.

#9

Why reinvent the wheel? Spend your time on something constructive.

Point. Just good to talk about why and how com JIC somewhere along the way somebody actually needs to make a decision.

I bet you're the guy who dissed the auto tranny swap (to an OD version) aimed at getting better mileage and suggested bigger tires. Made sense to me - now I got bigger tires and better mileage. <g>

Cheers, Rufus

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Will Gas Dash fit a Diesel Dash ?

Will Gas Dash fit a Diesel Dash ?

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