REGAL Converting 83 non ac to 84+ ac

[druggles85]

Headed to the junkyard tomorrow I think, gonna see if I can grab an 85 dash and all the harnesses. I like the look of the 84+ dash better. And want the larger radio hole.

I'll need to modify the engine wiring harness anyway to use the s10 serpentine setup. With the alternator on the driver side and the ac compressor on the passenger side.

I basically had the whole car stripped down once already.

I just wish I still had a garage I could work in.

 

[ck80]

Headed to the junkyard tomorrow I think, gonna see if I can grab an 85 dash and all the harnesses. I like the look of the 84+ dash better. And want the larger radio hole.

I'll need to modify the engine wiring harness anyway to use the s10 serpentine setup. With the alternator on the driver side and the ac compressor on the passenger side.

I basically had the whole car stripped down once already.

I just wish I still had a garage I could work in.

You know that the piece of the dash skeleton that contains the radio, hvac, and cigarette lighter controls is removable and swappable between a 78-83 and 84-87 dash

 

[druggles85]

You know that the piece of the dash skeleton that contains the radio, hvac, and cigarette lighter controls is removable and swappable between a 78-83 and 84-87 dash

So is the frame just a different shape inside the dash? It's not a separate pod like that cluster is.

 

[ck80]

So is the frame just a different shape inside the dash? It's not a separate pod like that cluster is.

The way GM made the dashes was a couple parts. Some were foam bonded padded vinyl and integral. For the radio they needed something that could hold weight without distorting or cracking - had to be metal. BUT, it was a piece of metal that could be removed.

When they went to the 1984 1.5din style radio they redesigned just that piece and swapped them. The speedo they made a different plastic bucket to hold controls and cluster.

If you have a dash out and look from behind you will see where it's attached, and how. Takes a few minutes to remove. We just moved and still haven't even started unpacking my spare car stuff or I'd show you a picture.

 

[druggles85]

Okay. The car at the junkyard is mostly stripped, I should be able to see what's going on, when I look at it. Just didn't know if both things would fit in the same space. Lol

 

[ck80]

Okay. The car at the junkyard is mostly stripped, I should be able to see what's going on, when I look at it. Just didn't know if both things would fit in the same space. Lol

Yep, no problems there. If dash is decent buy it whole, then swap what you want into your car and sell the leftovers. The control plate swapnis easiest outside a car, but so is your wiring