78 Monte carlo Dash options??

[smokybob]

Dixie makes a brand new 81 dash. My question is, will the 81 dash fit in the 78? Does anyone know if this is possible? Finding a dash is proving hard.

 

[79 USA 1]

Dixie makes a brand new 81 dash. My question is, will the 81 dash fit in the 78? Does anyone know if this is possible? Finding a dash is proving hard.

Fits right in. I have a dash pad in my black 79 Monte Carlo which started its life in my 86 El Camino. Grand Prix dashes are also a excellent upgrade!

 

[smokybob]

Awesome, thank you!

 

[406 Monte]

Is it a nightmare to change out a dash??? Seems like it would be?

 

[Dixie Restoration Depot]

If you decide to run the 81-88 dash, you will also need a right-hand vent panel and radio plate, which are different on a 78. If you use your factory cluster, everything is pretty much plug and play. If you decide to upgrade to either a later style cluster or something aftermarket, give us a call and we can go over what that entails.

Removing the dash is more straight forward than you might think:

Remove the cluster face plate first, disconnect the speedometer, and then remove the 4 bolts holding the cluster in. After that, you have (4) 7mm screws on top of the dashboard along the windshield edge, the bolts holding the column to the bracket, and then you have 1 bolt in each kick panel area and 1 on either side of the radio area. After that, the electrical that is attached to the back side of the dash is probably the part that is the most troublesome. You're bound to miss a step or two along the way (wiring connections, cable clips, hidden bolts, etc...), but it is a fairly straight forward job. If the seats are still in the car, it may be one of the more comfortable jobs you get to do.

Rob

 

[smokybob]

Wow thank you so much for the info, i will call to order when I get to that part of my build.