Thread: Can you upgrade the dash on a Series I?

I heard this been done on a UK forum, but its is a huge job. Basically you need to change everything, lots of annoying things like different plugs on the switchgear, fit the transducer for the electronic speedo, the HVAC components behind the dash are different (as are the dash controls). The AC evaporator won't allow the provision of a glovebox, you'll also need the centre console trim, which has different window switches.

What's wrong with the dash on a series 1?



Can't see much wrong with them to need an upgrade myself..........................

Originally Posted by jimbo110

What's wrong with the dash on a series 1?



Can't see much wrong with them to need an upgrade myself..........................

You beat me to it!

John

hi yes i can be done , i did it in 1995 . i had a older disco body and found that everything was different as pre mentioned . i even had to change the steering column and new clocks etc. i totally built it up from a shell using all later ( 95) parts which were hard to come by second hand in 95 , most things i had to buy new from the dealers . if you were to do it , it would be easier to buy a later body complete and put that on your chassis.
i was quite proud of what i accomplished and had the disco for two years and didnt have any faults , i even took it to the sahara ( still have it on video too) . hope i have'nt put you off.

taslev

Would be easier to sell it and buy a later model Disco I reckon. You can pick up a 97 - 98 reasonably cheaply these days. Then you'd also get into a 300TDi which still have plenty of parts available. ( assuming yours is a 200TDi you don't say )

Cheers for that guys, i was guessing that it would be a lot of work...my 93 disco is a red, duel fuel 3.5 ltr V8i in quite good condition. I recently saw a 1992 200tdi Disco for around $3,800 that had only done about 130,000 kms and i thought about selling mine and buying the 200tdi. The body and interior looked ok, but looked like it needed some cosmetic touches i.e. had a few small dents, scratches, trim missing.
Hence, if i planned to hang onto the tdi for awhile then i'd think about updrading the dash etc too...what do you think? worth it, or save up and get a later model 1997+ 300tdi? I heard the 200tdi are more economic?

cheers

From what I understand, i wouldn't imagine the 300tdi having much different economy. Even if it was the case you would hardly notice, the big difference is between 200/300tdi's and the Td5. The 300 Tdi IMO is the better motor. The electrics in the later models are also much better, especially if you can hang off until 1997. My mechanic has a 1994 pre update 3.9lt and he his constantly frustrated has he has to refer to several different Model Years for the wiring diagrams.

300Tdi
Serpentine Drive Belt
Better NVH (quieter and smoother)
Boost is 1bar Vs 0.8Bar (200Tdi)
Some Difference to the Oil Pump

Not to mention the improvements in the actual car. I would wait until you can get a 97. I sold my mint 96Tdi for $9500 two months ago.

Stu