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I've searched , maybe not with the correct key words but I cannot find any thing but one thread on marlin and pirate that the guy didn't include a lot of info or pics, any one here done the dash swap? Did you use the 2nd gen gauges?
Ok that answered my question about the gauges but I was wondering about he dash its self metal and pad pulled out of an 86 and stuck into my 82 the measurements are the same as far as width so In theory it all should work. If I put the 86 dash in I should take the blower box and all that with it correct?
yeah .. you'll need the vent system .
the curve of the dash is not the same against the windshield , so depending on the final product you want ? .. there is a ton of custom work necessary .All mounts will need to be custom to secure it ..
Yeah I will test fit it to see what it looks like and if I want to go ahead with it. I have the 1st gen dash and the pad I covered with fiberglass so its in good shape but I have a second gen interior that is spotless that I really want to use.
Cool idea but guessing you are about to go down a rabbit hole. I would take a template off the first gen dash and trim the new one as needed. There are NOS first gen dash pads on evilBay. Just depends on how long your rig can be out of commission.
ah its already out of commission I redone the dash pad earlier in my build before I sold the truck I like the fiberglass covered dash pad but I might sand it down and smooth it out and get rid of the speaker holes I put in it if I decide to keep it. Oh yeah a rabbit hole doesn't even come close. 82 2wd body, 85 4runner frame, 86 extra cab for misc. parts like rear axle, steering box and so on, wanted to put the 86 interior in the cab because it is in great shape.
I've just finished installing an 85 dash into an 83 cab. It is possible but is LOTS of work.
It requires custom brackets for most the ac/heater components, an extra hole in the firewall, and a decent amount of duct work modification
I am sure it could be done but it is going to take a ton of work to make it happen. On a pre 84, you can pull the complete dash as a single unit. On an 84 and newer, it has to come out in pieces.
BirAkal did you document it any where? I think Im going to tackle this project.
If you can find a 1st gen steering column that will help a lot. I didn't have one so ended up using my cab support out of my 85 to re-use my 85 steering column.
This caused problems because the support was in the way when I started running my duct work for my heater & a/c.
This swap would have been way cleaner with a proper 83 column. looking back on it, i should have just cut and rewelded my steering column brackets. (this truck build has been a learning process for me)
Keep those black supports that the radio dash piece attaches to and cut them to fit in your 1st gen, that will give you at least 3 of the factory dash mount locations.
The other factory dash mount locations will come from your defroster/VIN piece, I ended up drilling holes in mine to line it up with my 1st gen cab.
I had to fab 2 mounts to hold the a/c & heater box into place, and 2 mounts for each bottom corner of the dash.
I also had to run longer heater hoses also to get them to reach where I needed them under the hood..
It took me a solid weekend to get everything in, but now that it's in it was worth it. Sorry if any of this didn't make sense.. It might make more sense once you start installing the dash! haha
I'm trying to think if I forgot anything that will help.... oh ya, buy lots of beer!
slacker...yeah I've given up on it and found it by happenstance checking out that trekker build.
Marshall did some cool work on that Trekker, last time I heard from him he had it up for sale. I should give him a shout to see if he wants my extra rear trekker hatch..
What a good find dropzone! I should have documented mine.. That's pretty much how I did it with a few exceptions. One thing that I noticed while looking at the trekker post is that there was no ductwork installed
BirAkal no up dates I've been busy its summer time and I have 3 kids to keep active and out of the house plus a fishing page on Facebook to keep up with during the busy fishing season, I have been disassembling my 85 4runner to get the dash mounts out and eventually remove the body to install the 82 body on its frame. So I've been working toward it but nothing of any importance.
Thanks Dropzone! I do have his thread saved to my favorites.
Last edited by dirtdobberoffroad; 06-22-2017 at 01:34 PM.
Ok updates, the plate that bolts to the windshield and the dash is an exact match as far as curve the only think is the bolt holes are off so I drill the holes to match on my test piece.
2nd gen dash to windshield plate fits had to re drill holes to match tabs on 1st gen firewall.
03-09-2017, 09:56 AM
