Dear experts,
what is a full face dash cover for an early 240 z? How does the installation work? Do you have to put the cover over the OEM or do you have to replace the old one when it's cracked?
Thanks for support.

Thorsten

Thorsten Link, Germany

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T. Link
Germany
1971 240z (HLS30-16506)

Hi Thorsten:
The Full Face Dash Cover is made from a molded vinyl, with a vinyl pattern that matches the pattern of the original vinyl used to cover the dash.

The Full Face Dash Cover goes over the existing dash. If the existing dash has large cracks with edges that stick up - you'll want to cut / shave / plane any edges sticking up - down to be even with the top of the dash. Some guys also use a body filler to fill the cracks, if they are more than an inch wide.

Once you have the top surface of the existing dash level - the Full Dash Cover is glued in place over the old dash. Some times you have to "trial fit" the Full Dash Cover a couple times, correct any issues with the fit or placement - then finally glue it down on the old dash.

The only disadvantage of the Full Dash Covers, is that because they cover the inside of the holes in the dash - for the instruments {like the Speedo/Tach}.. it makes it no longer possible to pull the instruments out though the front of the dash. In that case, if it becomes necessary - you have to remove the instruments from the rear of the dash.

Properly installed/fitted - the Full Face Dash Covers are hard to tell from the original dash.

FWIW,
Carl B.

Carl, thanks for the tip! Now it's clear. I have had already contact to Charlie Osborn. He will organize all parts we will need here for "Dale's" Datsun.

Thorsten

_________________
T. Link
Germany
1971 240z (HLS30-16506)

Another interesting point about these full-face covers is that once they are in place, you cannot remove the tachometer or speedometer.

Unlike the fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge or clock, which come out the back of the panel, the tachometer (rev counter) and the speedometer come out forward, toward the driver.

The dash cover has inserts which fit perfectly inside the existing nacels for these two gauges. The little bit of "lip" they add to the inside diameter of the nacel prevents those two gauges from coming out. They are trapped in there after the cover is in place.

Before you install a full-face cover, make sure both these gauges are working properly and all their lightbulbs are good. You won't get another chance to change the gauges and replacing the bulbs will require you to stand on your head under the dash.

ASK ME HOW I KNOW!

Frank