Seeking Info on swapping 78 Z28 Dash with 79 Z28 Dash

[Zachary]

Greetings! Back again with another question for you guys. I am looking at acquiring a 78 Camaro Z28, but I really prefer the dash style of the 79 Z28. What would it take to swap the dash of this car with a 79? Where would I be able to find one? How would I match the color to this car's interior? Is this something I (inexperienced person) could do myself, or would I need to take it too a shop? Would I need any other parts, meters, etc? How long would the process take? What would the overall cost of getting the dash, supporting parts and install be?

Sorry for the long questions. thanks for any help guys! Ill keep you posted on how the car goes!

 

[TTR230]

I can't help your question, but it's funny how different we all are. You have a '78 and want a 79 dash, and I have a 79 and way prefer the look of the 78 dash. Good luck with the conversion. I suspect it's doable, but the only way to do is to acquire all the parts and start at it... I think your best bet is to find someone parting out a 79.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

The gauge cluster components can be moved from one to the other.
The gauge pod itself is different for the 79-81 clusters due to the signal light location change of the bezel.

There is one metal bracket which is different, front and center at the top of the dash.

The ductwork for an A/C Car is different between the two Styles of dashes but the lower portion of the dash is the same.

Hope that helps.

 

[Zachary]

The gauge cluster components can be moved from one to the other.
The gauge pod itself is different for the 79-81 clusters due to the signal light location change of the bezel.

There is one metal bracket which is different, front and center at the top of the dash.

The ductwork for an A/C Car is different between the two Styles of dashes but the lower portion of the dash is the same.

Hope that helps.

It does, thank you! Do you know the ballparkcballpark of having this taken care of professionally at a shop including parts?

 

[Twisted_Metal]

No clue on price for a conversion like this.
Quite a few factors to consider.
Some reproduction parts are available, some of them are better quality than others.
Some parts would probably need to be found as used pieces.

New dash pads are available but only in black. They can be colored with interior dye.

No special tools are required so this is something which could be done by your average automotive enthusiast.

 

[Rick@NPD]

As was said, you'll need to locate/source much of the needed parts used. That's a huge wildcard, and the condition of the used stuff will also enter into the final costs if you're paying a shop to do this. This isn't like getting a new stereo, and just dropping off your car and picking it up at the end of the week. You've got plenty of research and acquisition to do here. In my opinion, it'll wind up being an awfully long walk just for a different flavor of Gatorade. Not impossible, but a journey to get everything, restore it (used stuff), and get it all in. Be advised the dash pad alone is $450 bucks.

 

[QUAKE_WARS]

As was said, you'll need to locate/source much of the needed parts used. That's a huge wildcard, and the condition of the used stuff will also enter into the final costs if you're paying a shop to do this. This isn't like getting a new stereo, and just dropping off your car and picking it up at the end of the week. You've got plenty of research and acquisition to do here. In my opinion, it'll wind up being an awfully long walk just for a different flavor of Gatorade. Not impossible, but a journey to get everything, restore it (used stuff), and get it all in. Be advised the dash pad alone is $450 bucks.

Rick@NDP Do you work for NDP?

 

[COPO]

I ordered the new Z28’s in 1977, 1978 and 1980. I hated the dash when I took ownership of my 1980 Z28. Why GM changed a good thing is beyond me and thank God it only lasted 3 yrs. LOL. If I liked the 1979-81 dash then I would not have bought a 1978 Camaro.

 

[flht99b]

Go for it. The 79-81 was better looking and structurally stronger than the 70-77. If he could have found a suitable 79, he would have bought it.

 

[Coadster32]

I have a 79 car with a 78 or earlier dash, (personally I like the older dash better, but it is personal preference). One thing to note though...the rear defrost in the 79 and up are electric, and the earlier models have a blower motor by the back window. The wiring is different between the two. Again...not certain if 78 has this difference, but worth noting.