Thread: classic range dash swap with a disco 1 complete

OK, now I have to ask the (stupid) obvious questions...

Say I was to convert my hard dash to the soft one....

Major components req'd include but not limited to the following: (someone please help to complete the list if I leave something out)

1. Dash - complete - including instrument cluster hvac controls, steering column & surrounds,

2. HVAC evap / heater matrix assembly??? & ducting (assume these would have to be different?)

3. Centre console - do the window switches have the same location? if so, then it would not present a significant issue, but I'm guessing that a few things like switchgear have different parts in the later model....

4. outside power mirrors - are the controls in the dash in the soft version?

5. the aux switches (6) in the hard dash on the RHS of the hvac controls.... are they replicated in the same way in the soft dash version?

When I looked in RAVE a little while ago, there appeared to be no real discernable difference in the wiring for a 1991/2 versus a 1995 version, so I'm expecting the actual conversion shouldn't present too much of a nightmare, but I'd expect a few things would require modification in the wiring harness.... extension of wires, or shortening where appropriate....

Anyone have details on those more specific bits?

Lastly, I'm guessing it might even be cheaper to obtain a D1 as a complete parts car, if one were to do a complete interior changeover.... but I'm guessing the seats are completetly different.

My 1991 has a nice velour interior in very good condition, but it has manual seats - something I am not used to after living in mercedes-land for the last decade. I'm only guessing that the D1 in all likliness would have electric seats, but they would not mount the same nor would they look the same, and the rear bench wouldn't fit in the RRC either, so a 'straight swap' wouldn't work.

Also, knowing the last of the RRC's had the soft dash presents a couple of questions....

the D1 & RRC share a production date overlap, and with respect to that, many components (such as some mentioned above) would most likely be shared to keep production costs minimal.

Does this extend to the sheetmental under the dash as well, or is there a difference between the RRC/D1?
Someone mentioned it earlier in the thread, so not sure exactly what or which they were referring to. - i.e. phase II and soft dash versus original. Is this referring to the later RRC's having different sheetmetal in the dash?

Just hoping to clear up some details. it looks like a nice idea to convert to the later dash, it looks a little more friendly and slightly less utilitarian, but while I am quite happy with the hard textured plastic, I do quite like the more space-efficient soft dash - especially with the radio and HVAC controls in a better position.

thanks in advance...

My dash is pretty rough and perished, much prefer the disco dash and it will enable me to utilise what I have.

Prob not worth the effort but oh well