So I got my 1998 1.8 coop which was totaled by a deer(everything is fine except the body), but now I planing on buying 1996 model which has the old dashboard.

So I'm asking all experts out there....is it possible to replace the old dashboard and electronics with the new dashboard from the 1998 model?

So that some of you will know how it looks like:

Old dash (Found in 2.0 16V models)

OLD DASH

New dash (from 1998 models)

NEW DASH

I know that I would probably have to replace the whole dashboard due to electronics involved, not just the center console...
I think the new dash looks much nicer and I have all the material from my crashed coop...

Have never seen it done, which would explain a lot. Electrics are not too much of a worrk except the heating system which is completely different.

If you have all the parts you need...and the car is next to you...i Really Dont See any problems, Just probably A lot Of Work....
Also...can I Take The Dash Out Without removing The Front Winscreen?

It would be easier to sell your old dash then get the new dash/console wrapped in carbon rather than try to fit your old one

No it is not just about the work. The 18 and 20vs have a different cooling and heater set up. The heating on the 16vs is controlled by restricting water flow through the heater matrix. The later cars have no restrictions to water flow instead an electrically controlled flap and divert box which controls the amount of air going thriugh or btypassing the matrix... along with a climate control system and ECU. Not sure if the 16v shells has all the mounting points for this different set up. WOuld require quite a bit of planning and modification and fabrication. The work of removing the dash would just be a lot of work but the centre console and heter exchange would be a complex exercise and you need to be aware of that at the outset. It would be a project in itself. Which is why I suspect it has not already been done.

Not trying to put you off but just explaining that it is not just a case of swapping stuff over.

is it possible to maybe use the top part of the 20v with the curved part of the 16v as thats wot i would like to do??

I think this would be the best solution....in gloss black ofcourse...

Nope, the dash and air vent parts are all one part, the lower parts fit differently too

Not even if i used the whole lower centre from the 16v from the stereo down including the the sides.


Has anyone got a 20v centre and a 16v centre an lower i can go frankinstien on for cheap?? Lol

Also, it's a pig to take the dashboard out and replace it. I've done it and it's a full days job to do. Getting the vent that sits on the bottom of the dashboard to sit back on the heater is a complete nightmare to do

i've had all the bits that i need to take out , out before, but i have no doubt that it would take me a few days to cut and weld the plastic and paint it again.

but 1st i need some centre consoles lol, why isnt anyone selling any lol

I have a 20v centre. It may be ok for you if you chopping it up etc as I messed about with it to take a mold. I'll have to dig it out and take a look.
I will post you a pic to see if it is if any use. It's worth no money other than postage.

really?? cheers, i'd be interested definitely, bluey said he has one but he needs to find 1 to replace his first but i think it cold be worth something so he could sell it. all i need now is the lower centre and hand brake surround from a 16v (old pic)
Chris

It's just the shell.
I got some bits to go with it. I got to look.

yea thats fine, thats all i need, once i have sorted out the cutting etc i will use the parts i use currently, heater control lights wouldnt go a miss though as mine are shot. lol.