Roman did a writeup on how to install a dashcap.
Since it's being asked for, I dug up a copy. Just skip
this if you've seen it before.
Address questions to Roman <ristguitars@yahoo.com>
-- John
John F Sandhoff sandhoff@csus.edu Sacramento, CA
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 01:34:08 -0800 (PST)
From: Roman Rist <ristguitars@yahoo.com>
Subject: Interior installation advice
To: datsun roadsters <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Hey folks, me again.
If you are installing a late model interior, including dashcap and
window trim pieces, I highly advise TAKING OUT THE WINDSHIELD!
here is why; the trim pieces are a cheesy fit if installed on top,
however, if you take out the glass and remove ALL old window trim, you
can get a factory perfect fit! Also, you can get the dash cap to fit
much better with the window out.
here is how you do it;
1) Remove glass, providing you have new rubber to install when you are
ready to reassemble.
2)remove steering wheel, radio console and ignition assembly, unscrew
dash, pull it out far enough so you can work around it.
3) remove all window trim, clean off old glue
4)line up the side window trim, don't worry about top piece yet ( that
is last)
5) with an exacto or other sharp blade, trim the pieces for a good
fit.
6) now this is important!, thin out the back of the trim with 80 grit
sandpaper. what you are doing here is approximating the thickness of
the original vinyl. take your time,and try to get it as thin as
possible on the outside edges.
7) when you are satisfied with the fit, glue it up to the window
frame.
( I used contact cement and lots of clamps! )
Do not, I repeat, do not install the top piece!
Now, on to the dash cap.
What worked for me and gave me a MUCH better fit was this;
1) chip, peel, whatever, as much of the cracked up plastic off of the
dash as you can get. (I know that the cap is designed to go over the
cracked up plastic, but my installation looks better than most I have
seen, so I must be on to something) If don't beleive me, ask Victor.
2) unscrew twisties from bottom.
3) when you are satisfied with the fit, glue it up, use lots of glue,
lots of wedges, lots of duct tape, lots of clamps, etc.
(almost forgot, paint black any areas of the original dash that may
show, before gluing).
4)When glue is dry (24 hrs) reinstall twisties, clean up any glue that
has squeezed out, and screw dash back in.
5) reinstall ignition assy, leave wheel off for now.
6)install new rubber on window and using the "rope trick", install the
window
Note: you are on your own, on the stainless molding, it is hell! Victor
and I were on the verge of smashing my new window over that
stuff.(secretly I wanted the look of a non stainless window)
Now here is where all your previous sanding will pay off!
THE WINDOW RUBBER WILL GO OVER THE WINDOW TRIM...JUST LIKE STOCK!!! and
once the door rubber is installed it will not come off.
The look is super clean, like factory!
Last step; Now you can glue the top trim on! Oh, you might want to
install your wheel, if you want to drive it, that is.
OK, hope this is of some use to someone.
Roman
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