Fiberglass dash?

[BluRT00]

Has anyone weighed their dashboard? I am throwing the idea around about ditching the stock dash when I pull the heater core out. Only thing that would be going back in is the stock gauges/ 2 switches. So I don't see the need for the excess weight. Use some aluminum stock to mount it in maybe? Ofcourse if I have money a racepack would be nice. Just wondering if anyone has done this?

http://www.hairyglass.com/images/425%20%282%29.jpg

[TurboBlew]

If you ditch the whole dash (radio, controls, etc) its pretty significant.
Of course that piece is for looks only.

[BluRT00]

If you ditch the whole dash (radio, controls, etc) its pretty significant.
Of course that piece is for looks only.

That's what I plan on doing, either way I will weigh the dash once its out with all controls off it. Hell If I can save 15 more lbs by going for the fiberglass dash then it will be on its way. The trick will be painting it and making it look sorta OEM.

[01dakotaR/T]

That's what I plan on doing, either way I will weigh the dash once its out with all controls off it. Hell If I can save 15 more lbs by going for the fiberglass dash then it will be on its way. The trick will be painting it and making it look sorta OEM.

you will save more than 15 pounds. the whole dash with the metal frame is pretty heavy with everything on it.

[Adobedude]

Has anyone weighed their dashboard? I am throwing the idea around about ditching the stock dash when I pull the heater core out. Only thing that would be going back in is the stock gauges/ 2 switches. So I don't see the need for the excess weight. Use some aluminum stock to mount it in maybe? Ofcourse if I have money a racepack would be nice. Just wondering if anyone has done this?

http://www.hairyglass.com/images/425%20%282%29.jpg

I thought about using that, my only stock gauge is the speedo. (killed my CEL....LOL) No heater, radio, AC...Going to a five point harness, don't need the airbags...Lotta useless crap behind that dash.

Are you carbed or stand alone?

[Intense RT]

Anyone have an aftermarket steering wheel? Seeing as we're talking about the dash area...I gotta keep the heat and defrost though. Still a dd.

What's a light weight radio option? I don't have door speakers, just the puny pillar speakers behind the seat. No jammin' anymore, but gives a hearable tune.

I think it would be great to have a radio with no cassette or cd, just mp3 and I guess a tiny amp to run some speakers. Any audio guys know of something like this?

Edit: wait, we have a separate factory amp. Wonder if you could still use that and it wire up with the new radio?

[BluRT00]

I thought about using that, my only stock gauge is the speedo. (killed my CEL....LOL) No heater, radio, AC...Going to a five point harness, don't need the airbags...Lotta useless crap behind that dash.

Are you carbed or stand alone?

I am still stock fuel injection. Gonna stay that awhile. Why do you ask sir?

[Adobedude]

I am still stock fuel injection. Gonna stay that awhile. Why do you ask sir?

We're in the same boat then....I want to pull out as much wire and shit as I can, but I'm sure a few are tied into the PCM in one way or another. I figure I can safely cut the wires going to the unused plugs, but anymore than that and I'll need to :rtfm:.

[Bos-R/T]

Anyone have an aftermarket steering wheel? Seeing as we're talking about the dash area...I gotta keep the heat and defrost though. Still a dd.

What's a light weight radio option? I don't have door speakers, just the puny pillar speakers behind the seat. No jammin' anymore, but gives a hearable tune.

I think it would be great to have a radio with no cassette or cd, just mp3 and I guess a tiny amp to run some speakers. Any audio guys know of something like this?

Edit: wait, we have a separate factory amp. Wonder if you could still use that and it wire up with the new radio?

I could be wrong but I dont think you can wire an amplified aftermarket radio into the factory amplifier. Everytime Ive ever seen it done,and this is my 3rd dakota,when the radio shop took my factory out they ALWAYS bypassed the factory amplifier. The radio you need is called a MECHLESS head unit.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i472_in-dash-mechless-receivers.html

[BluRT00]

We're in the same boat then....I want to pull out as much wire and shit as I can, but I'm sure a few are tied into the PCM in one way or another. I figure I can safely cut the wires going to the unused plugs, but anymore than that and I'll need to :rtfm:.

Ya I was thinking the same thing on the wires and shit. Hell even been thinking about Multiplex wiring. Here is the link. http://www.isispower.com/

I saw it in my recent Hotrod mag and thought about giving it a shot on one of my projects. If it works great in that, then I would take on the R/T's.