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Important Details for 50-2030 Dashboard Pad, 70-71, 73* 240Z
Originality:
The original factory S30 Dashboards were not made by Nissan, but sourced from multiple outside suppliers. Slight inconsistencies and tolerance variations existed from one dash to another. These Dashboard restoration pads mount to your existing Dashboard frame. They give you the ability to adjust the mating surfaces of the new pad, so any inconsistencies from the OE Nissan manufacturers can be rectified. There are some improvements (and minor differences) when compared to the original 1970-1971 240Z Dashboard. Most importantly, these Restoration Dashboard Pads are made of vastly upgraded materials, including the Urethane foam base, as well as the plasticizers and UV Protectors in the Thermal Formed ABS/PVC Vinyl, with 50 years of technology and quality upgrades, providing much longer durability than the original foam and vinyl overlay used in the original "padded" material.
The top opening of the dual "ports" (to the right of the tachometer) was slightly different in angle & depth on an original 1970-1971 240Z Dashboard compared to the 1972 Dashboard, which the "ports" in this restoration pad most closely match. As you will see in the comparison image below, the difference is quite small. Click the image below for a large version, which shows an original 1971 240Z Dashboard, compared to this Dash Restoration Pad, from similar angles.
*For 1973 240Z Owners:
If you have an original 1973 Dashboard, this restoration pad may require some small modifications to your original 1973 Dashboard frame. The 1973 Factory Dashboard was unique compared to 1970-1972. It looks basically the same as the 1970-1971 as far as not having the "cross" indentation for the Hazard Light Decal that appears on the 1972 dash pad. However the angles of the dual ports to the right of the Tachometer, and both ends of the Dashboard (facing the door/body), are angled slightly different than the 70-72. Many people over the years replaced their 1973 Dashboard with what Nissan had available (usually a 1972 Dashboard). If your current Dashboard is a 1972 version, as many are, this restoration pad will fit your frame just fine. If you have an actual original 1973 Dashboard, and wish to keep it completely original, you'll need to have your own Dashboard professionally restored (we can help with that too). This 70-71 restoration pad will be the closest to the proper 1973 look (since it does not have the "cross" indentation that the 1972 had), but the dual ports, and the ends, may not line up exactly with the original 1973 Dashboard frame. If you confirm that you do have an actual original 1973 Dashboard, your options are:
- Modifying your Dashboard frame, at the dual ports, and on either side-end, to properly fit and line up the 70-71 Dashboard Pad.
- Locating a used 70-72 Dashboard from which you can remove the frame, and use it with this new pad.
- Sending it out for professional restoration (ask us)
Does Your Z Currently Have The "Wrong" Dash? Identifying Your Current 240Z Dashboard
Nissan sold the 1972 Dashboard as the only replacement for many years after the 70, 71, and 73 units were discontinued. We've seen many 1970, 1971, and 1973 240Z's with 1972 Dashboards (with the "cross" indentation for the Hazard Switch Label). If this is the case for your 70-71, or *73, then this restoration pad may offer you an option that you can't get by sending your current Dashboard out for professional restoration, which is changing from a Dashboard with the indentation (1972 only) to one without the indentation (1970/1971, and *1973).
1970-1971: Looking at the image below, if your Dashboard does not have the "cross" indentation, and the top hole was not punched out from the factory, then your dash is a 1970 to 1971 (note that some owners may have punched this hole out themselves to use for a switch or similar). On these original 1970-1971 Dashboards, the top hole was unused in the US, and the bottom hole housed the emergency flasher toggle switch.
1972: If your Dashboard does have the "cross" indentation, and both holes are cut out from the factory, your dash is a 1972. On these original 1972 Dashboards, the top hole housed the cigar lighter, and the bottom hole housed the emergency flasher toggle switch. The "cross" cutout was for the flasher toggle decal.
1973: If your Dashboard does not have the "cross" indentation, and both holes are cut out from the factory, your dash is a 1973. On these original 1973 Dashboards, the top hole was for the cigar lighter, and the bottom hole had a "pull out" emergency flasher switch.
Note: Over the years your Dashboard may have been replaced with one from a different year. The 1972 Dashboard in particular was available longer than other models, and therefore was often purchased as a replacement for other year 240Z's. In addition, even from the factory, Nissan actually installed some 1972 Dashboards on a few very early 1973 240Z's. Please call us at (714)639-2620 prior to ordering if you are uncertain. If you have to send the wrong one back to us, the shipping costs can add up quickly!
Finishing Details:
Semi-Finished Molded Parts:These are semi-finished, fresh-out-of-the-mold Thermal Formed Vinyl over Molded Urethane Foam Dash Pads. Due to the inconsistencies that are common in original Dashboards, a pre-finished, pre-drilled part would present many installation problems. It is better to start with the semi-finished pad in order to have the flexibility to get the best match to your Dash Frame, Gauges and Dash Attachments. Regarding color, while all S30 dashes were black, you could line up 100 current cars and have 100 slightly different shades, depending on many factors, including 40+ years of fading. Even cars that have been garaged all their life will see some discoloration. With our pads, it’s your choice. If you like the natural shade of the pad, it does not require paint. You can then pick a paint color and refinish other pieces to match the Dashboard. Or, pick the item you wish to match (like your glove box lid), and a good automotive paint store can supply the paint to color the dash and anything else that you want to paint match (like the console or other trim pieces for instance), with the correct matching shades. See "Color Finishing" below.
Mold Material Finishing:
Burrs and imperfections are a part of every molding process, and may need to be trimmed. They could interfere with the fitment of the pad onto the Dash Frame, or the position of the gauges, and the installation of other items that go "into" the Dash pad & frame. High quality Urethane foam material is easily trimmed. Extra material is molded around openings to ensure a good fit to the other Dashboard pieces.
Hole Drilling/Port Opening:
While the ports for the five main gauges and two end vents are already open as part of the mold, other ports will require cutting/drilling to fit instruments or switches as needed (Note: This was also true of the factory Nissan replacement Dashboards). This includes the twin ports (below & right of) the Tachometer, as well as the trip odometer reset dial, dash illumination Dimmer Switch, and Glove Box push button. Holes are also (wisely) not pre-drilled for the screw attachment of Dashboard "insert" pieces, like the Glove Box or Map Light Bezel, Heater Control Panel, and mounting brackets. Remember that no additional hardware is required, you will re-use all the original fasteners.
Final Finishing:
With all parts of this type of construction, they may have some small level of shade variation in the surface. See "Color Finishing" below for details.