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range rover dash conversion

Tech Talk for Rover owners.

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range rover dash conversion

Post by presto »

Done a search on this but haven't found much, if any, info on here or google.
I'd like to put something a bit cleaner and modern in my 74 model since the last 35 years hasnt been too kind on her.
i read rusty_042 was attempting a vn commodore dash conversion but not sure how thats coming along yet, has anyone else done similar?
Does anyone have suggestions on what kind of dash would be suitable or knows someone who's done the upgrade?
depending on how involved the dash upgrade gets, i may use it as an excuse to rewire the 4b at the same time. so any suggestions or information on what systems people perfer, find more reliable or to be a better design than others would be awesome help too.
cheers for any comments :armsup:
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Post by Slunnie »

Will D1 and D2 dashes fit? Also late RRc dashes.
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Post by dont_follow_me »

this rangie was for sale a while ago and had a VN commodore dash fitted. looks pretty neat.

a pic

Image
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Post by chimpboy »

dont_follow_me wrote:this rangie was for sale a while ago and had a VN commodore dash fitted. looks pretty neat.

a pic

Image
That looks pretty good I reckon!
This is not legal advice.
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Post by Bush65 »

Slunnie wrote:Will D1 and D2 dashes fit? Also late RRc dashes.
D1 will fit early rangie, with some custom brackets.

Early 90's instrument cluster fits early rangies.

I would expect complete late RRC would also fit without trouble - if I could get my hands on one, I would replace the dash in my rangie.
John
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Post by dont_follow_me »

chimpboy wrote:
dont_follow_me wrote:this rangie was for sale a while ago and had a VN commodore dash fitted. looks pretty neat.

a pic

Image
That looks pretty good I reckon!
I reckon it is the ducks guts. The only probem I can see is you have to loose the window winders, but elec windows will fix that.
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Post by presto »

I've seen that photo before, was it a custom rangie ute? stretching the memory a bit. i dont need to worry about window winders or anything like that because its going in a Dakar, only issue is gear sticks and what centre console will suit.
gearbox is an R380. I like the look of the newer disco dash's does anyone have a preference to a year or model thats systems are more reliable? or just a dash that looks sexier than the rest?
with the later disco's, is there much difference in the firewall layout to the early range rovers? i dont wanna get a full dash and find out i dont have room to put fan motors, heater cores etc.
thanks for your input :)
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Post by Loanrangie »

Any series 1 disco update dash will fit with mods, that dunnydoor dash makes it look like a cheap plasticy GQ.
Saddle up tonto, its the not so loanrangie! . 98 TDI DISCO lightly modded with more to come.
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Post by zuffen »

That soft dash shown may be running Patrol transmission/transfer looking a the shifter locations.
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Post by Loanrangie »

zuffen wrote:That soft dash shown may be running Patrol transmission/transfer looking a the shifter locations.
See what happens when you fit cheap common parts, the vehicle slowly turns generic :D
Saddle up tonto, its the not so loanrangie! . 98 TDI DISCO lightly modded with more to come.
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Post by dont_follow_me »

Loanrangie wrote:
zuffen wrote:That soft dash shown may be running Patrol transmission/transfer looking a the shifter locations.
See what happens when you fit cheap common parts, the vehicle slowly turns generic :D
I guess that guy wasnt a purist :D but if you were to build a tuff vehicle, then a RR body with a good mix of gen V8 and patrol running gear isnt a bad thing :lol:
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Post by awright »

I have a D1 dash that I was going to fit into my rangie before it got scrapped.

It is waiting for a good home if someone gives me a slab they can pick it up from Seaford.
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Post by Rick269 »

dont_follow_me wrote:
chimpboy wrote:
dont_follow_me wrote:this rangie was for sale a while ago and had a VN commodore dash fitted. looks pretty neat.

a pic

Image
That looks pretty good I reckon!
I reckon it is the ducks guts. The only probem I can see is you have to loose the window winders, but elec windows will fix that.
Why would you go to all the trouble only to fit one of the worst dashboards ever designed?? Those early Commodore dashes are the worst! Terrible airflow from the vents, especially for the driver as they are behind the binnacle. All the controls are on the binnacle, instead of on stalks. The wiper stalks are forever breaking on them. The gauges themselves are hopelessly inaccurate, the circuit boards on the back are always playing up or burning out and the odometer cogs break all the time. To top it off, the plastics that make up the dash, glovebox and steering column are rubbish. If I was going to replace an old Rangie Classic dash it would be with a later model Classic dash and that's it. If you really have to have something different, how about something Japanese that at least you won't have to rip apart all the time to fix. Something like a 90's Magna or Verada one.
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Post by dont_follow_me »

Rick269 wrote:
dont_follow_me wrote:
chimpboy wrote:
dont_follow_me wrote:this rangie was for sale a while ago and had a VN commodore dash fitted. looks pretty neat.

a pic

Image
That looks pretty good I reckon!
I reckon it is the ducks guts. The only probem I can see is you have to loose the window winders, but elec windows will fix that.
Why would you go to all the trouble only to fit one of the worst dashboards ever designed?? Those early Commodore dashes are the worst! Terrible airflow from the vents, especially for the driver as they are behind the binnacle. All the controls are on the binnacle, instead of on stalks. The wiper stalks are forever breaking on them. The gauges themselves are hopelessly inaccurate, the circuit boards on the back are always playing up or burning out and the odometer cogs break all the time. To top it off, the plastics that make up the dash, glovebox and steering column are rubbish. If I was going to replace an old Rangie Classic dash it would be with a later model Classic dash and that's it. If you really have to have something different, how about something Japanese that at least you won't have to rip apart all the time to fix. Something like a 90's Magna or Verada one.
your kiddin right...magna?????
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Post by Rick269 »

No, I'm not kidding!
The reason I suggested a Magna dash is, I think they look heaps better, they are a lot more reliable in their controls and gauges, the plastics are better, it would be just as cheap to buy and finally, they were built the same way VN Commodore dashes were - on a separate production line, then fitted into the body after completion, making it a relatively easy conversion.
I saw one of these early dashes in a Holden HQ Sandman. It really suited it!
Image
By Rick269
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Post by presto »

does anyone know how hard it is to fit a disco dash in? I've just pulled the engine and gearbox out of the car since im upgrading the driveline. I've also pulled the dash out since im resealing the floors, putting in new seats and few other things. while its all in peices im pretty keen to fit a disco dash if it isnt big dramas making it fit.
plan on possibly rewiring the whole car at the same time as fitting a new dash but would like to know what im getting myself in for before i start removing old harnesses.
surely someone here has done it or seen it done, or even knows who i could ask or call for a clue?
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Post by rusty_042 »

hi presto sorry on reply like 2 months late but its here

that dash set up was in a green custom rover ute which is what i was aiming for as i was running a full vn 5ltr driveline. now the conversion has not been done as i have been out of work for over 6 months now an with a family here money is not for toys :(, so im just going to be changing the rover cluster over with a commodore one as it allready has all the commo cluster wires an conection there
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Post by mrbenwithag »

dont_follow_me wrote:this rangie was for sale a while ago and had a VN commodore dash fitted. looks pretty neat.

a pic

Image
that thing was awesome.
was a 2 door cut down to flat back ute, dont know how much lift but it was comfortably wearin 37's. locked GQ front and rear, GQ 5sp box, 5ltr holden radiator on the back of tray, racin seats, and engineered for N.S.W
14g he was askin.
can you tell i was keen :D
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Post by presto »

The dak dak has been stripped down now :armsup:
new engine and box are sitting in, new seats are almost ready and dash has been removed.
I'm about to buy a disco dash for it, looking between 1994 - 2002.
the thing is i have to get it all sent interstate from a wrecker and would like an idea of colours, layouts, grab handles, etc.
can anyone with a disco please just take a quick shot of your dash for me, dont care about picture quality just want an idea of what my options are.
cheers :)
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Post by POIDA »

Why dont you check out carsales and find all of the dash photos there?
Otherwise I have a D2 I can take as many photos as you need, under/over whateva
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Post by presto »

I've spent a bit of time looking up google images, cars on ebay, redbook, car sales etc and have a fair idea of whats out there just after a few more options and mainly the different colours to choose from in the various dashes.
not after a whole heap of photos, just one that shows whether it has an air bag or the grab handle or nothing, heater controls and instrument cluster since im having a bit of trouble making a decision on one at the moment. but by all means, the more photos or info you can give me would be greatly appreciated. :D
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Post by POIDA »

One complication you may want to consider with the D2 dash is the climate control. It may be a little hard to integrate. I'm not sure how many external connections it has electronics wise. I'm guessing you may also have problems with other dash cluster functions. The late D1 dash would be easier as it just uses standard dials on the aircon but you still get dual zone and the dash overall is modern looking. The cluster should be less complicated to integrate.
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Post by presto »

thats exactly the kind of information i've been chasing, thanks heaps poida!
I originally thought of putting a D1 in after talking to my old man and Bush65's suggestion, but then got carried away and thought why not go all out. As much as i perfer the look of the D2 dash, i dare say D1 will still be the go.
has anyone got schematics of the D1 at all or know where i can get them?
Does anyone know what different colours are avaliable and any differences between the years?
Any photo's would be great thanks!
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Post by Scouse »

If you decide to go for a D1 update dash (1994-1998), you might find that it has curled up along the front edge. New, modified dashboards are available from your local LR dealer for $100 (list). The only ones left though are non-SRS dashes which is probably what you want anyway.

Both colours are available:
Grey STC1287LOYK
Brown STC1287SUCK

It's the bare dash itself, you just need to transfer all the other bits across.
Scott

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Post by presto »

sorry im not sure I know what you mean by curled up along the front edge and modified?
and yeah you're right, non srs would be preferable :)
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Post by POIDA »

As far as schematics the Rave CD might be the go.
Do a search for "Discovery Rave CD" on google.
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Post by Scouse »

presto wrote:sorry im not sure I know what you mean by curled up along the front edge and modified?
The top layer of the dash usually curls up where the front edge of the dash meets the windscreen.
It's just cosmetic really but may be a bargaining point if you're buying one.
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Post by TRobbo »

Th eprevious owner of my disco had a dash pod installed. When i removed it, I found the top of the dash had expanded due to heat and no longer fitted flush with the front section of the dash.

there are a couple of series one dash pictures here (not mine)

http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/LAND%20 ... 91167.aspx

I think you will find a series 1 will be easier than a series 2 due to the climate control, however it may also be possible to get the series 1 fan binacle and fit that in place of the climate control.
Last edited by TRobbo on Tue Jun 02, 2009 4:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by shakes »

presto wrote:does anyone know how hard it is to fit a disco dash in? I've just pulled the engine and gearbox out of the car since im upgrading the driveline. I've also pulled the dash out since im resealing the floors, putting in new seats and few other things. while its all in peices im pretty keen to fit a disco dash if it isnt big dramas making it fit.
plan on possibly rewiring the whole car at the same time as fitting a new dash but would like to know what im getting myself in for before i start removing old harnesses.
surely someone here has done it or seen it done, or even knows who i could ask or call for a clue?
it was done in my car before I brought it. (97 disco dash)

wiring issues were the taco no read's from the alternator, speedo drive is now electric as well, indicators needed something between them to stop the fast flashing and something else that slips my memory.

custom brackets also needed to be made, previous owner said if he knew how much work was involved with it he wouldn't of started it.
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Post by presto »

shakes wrote: it was done in my car before I brought it. (97 disco dash)

wiring issues were the taco no read's from the alternator, speedo drive is now electric as well, indicators needed something between them to stop the fast flashing and something else that slips my memory.

custom brackets also needed to be made, previous owner said if he knew how much work was involved with it he wouldn't of started it.
what model is yours? do you have any photos at all? i wouldn't mind seeing how it all fits around the windscreen and A pillars. also how the centre console meets up to the dash too if you have the oppertunity to take some snaps for me? thanks heaps for the info guys :)
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