The Dashboard question

[SteinOnkel]

So, today I finally got around to adding new ground wires to my temp and fuel gauge.

In order to do so I had to remove the instrument cluster, which was an unmitigated disaster. The reason is two-fold:

- My dash has had a plastic cover glued onto it and some point. The fit is atrocious.
- The dash sags in the middle

Now that begs the question of what to do about this.

Option a) I think is to take the dash out and buy a new one. Find whatever needs more support and weld a new bracket on. Pricey, but has the highest chance of success.

Option b) would be to also reinforce whatever causes the sag but remove the old dash cap and place a new one on it. This I has a high chance of becoming a hot mess, I think.

What do you guys reckon?

Cheers
Steiny

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Steiny, my vote would be for option (A), buy a new dash. My only question is what caused the dash to sag? The middle should be supported by the large air-flow ducting underneath the two defroster vents in the middle, yes?

You aren't resting your feet on the dash while you're driving, right....?

-Bryan

[geospider]

Don't know Bryan, I could see Steiny doing that

[SteinOnkel]

Guys, how else am I supposed to get a pedicure at 65mph?

I'll take some pictures tonight and post them. I suspect I'm missing pieces.

Wish there was an online parts catalog with explosion diagrams, would make life much easier.

Cheers
Steiny

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Steiny, try this website:
https://www.middlebartongarage.com/

I know it doesn't make sense, but they have some of the best online exploded diagrams of Fiats that I've seen. Use the pulldown menu under "Parts" at the top to get to Fiat 124 parts.

I've taken apart many spider dashboards, so if you post some pictures, I (or others) might be able to see what the issue is.

-Bryan

[aj81spider]

Those are good pictures. I believe they are all taken from the Fiat Parts Catalog, which can be found on Mirafiori.

[RRoller123]

What a great resource.

[SteinOnkel]

Very helpful, thanks.





Tell me what I'm missing here, besides the obvious center console piece. Note: that also fits only with brute force and ignorance.

Cheers
Steiny

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Is the dashboard sagging in the middle, or are your "finest imitation processed wood-like substance" instrument cluster and glovebox panels crooked?

You know, and I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I have never had a Fiat where the dash and center console fit like they should. It was always very haphazard, and I just did the best I could... There may indeed be something wrong with your dash, but I also wouldn't expect Mercedes-like precision out of a Fiat spider...

-Bryan

[geospider]

Agreed. I am about to redo the "wood" panels and they are anything but square on the dash. the glove box door has just now started to stick on the left side when trying to open. Actually not bad when it wants to fly open anyway. But, as Bryan said; doubt they were ever squared up.
I'll see if I can adjust as I go.

Geo

[SteinOnkel]

Okay, fair enough.

But my stuff is off by 1/2". That can't be right?

[RRoller123]

Maybe look to see if any of the metal cross pieces, on the center dash support where the various warning lights plug in, have been cut out. It is a logical place to install additional gauges, but the steel strapping has to be cut away to do it. That could weaken things and cause a sag maybe?