[Mylesofsmyles]

I was wondering...For my future Miata project (projected for Spring/Summer 2007) I intend to use a 1994-1997 Miata. The car will be ground-up rebuilt using all new/upgraded components. I want the updated Miata for the 1.8L engine, but I don't want the airbag on the passenger side. I am going to install a Nardi steering wheel, deleating the driver airbag and it just seems rediculious to have a passenger airbag but no driver airbag. Besides, with what I would like to do, the weight savings of reoving the airbag would be nice. My question, can I simply replace my dash in the 1994-1997 for one of a 1990-1993?

 

[turbored]

yes. You'll also need the gauge hood, the glove box, and maybe the center console and gauge surround.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Really, the gauge hood and surround are different...center console too? I just thought the passenger side of the dash was different. Thanks.

 

[Nevadabob]

No...the guage hood is different from the '90-'93, as is the center console around the a/c and stereo. The center console around the shifter is the same, however.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Sweet. This is going to look awesome after I finish it and add all my red Nakayame Quilted Leather components. Can't wait, thanks

 

[timallen]

The wiring harness that is integrated in the dash is different in '94 to '97 cars, but you can easily transfer your wiring harness over to the '90-'93 dash.

You will have to change some wiring so that the TWO knee lights will work as the '94-'97 cars have only ONE knee light.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

The wiring I am not so much concerned about. When all is said and done, I will have a tuned 1.8L w/ IRTB & MiataLink ECU, on a 1994-1997 chassis with a 1990-1993 interior...clearly I have some wiring to sort. Hopefully it should be relatively...I am hoping it will be as simple as exchanging one strand of harness for another, but we'll see. It will be worth it when it is finished.

 

[snig]

Why not just swap in the NB dash?

One of the members in the Mazdaspeed forum is swapping an MSM motor into his NA, said the dash bolts right in.

 

[Bryan]

The wiring harness that is integrated in the dash is different in '94 to '97 cars, but you can easily transfer your wiring harness over to the '90-'93 dash.

You will have to change some wiring so that the TWO knee lights will work as the '94-'97 cars have only ONE knee light.

Keep in mind that 96-97 cars don't have knee lights at all (dome light on the windshield header). I don't know if the wiring harness is still there or not.

The early NA dash swap is not uncommon, as it's a good 20lbs lighter than the later dash setup. I can't remember if that weight counts the airbag or not.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

I am not a total weight whore, but I like to conserve weight within reason. Ultimatly, I am doing the swap because of the airbag. Since I will be installing a Nardi steering wheel, I will loose the driver airbag, and it seems odd to have a passenger airbag but no driver. I could just remove the airbag from the later NA dash, but then I still have the airbag panel on the passenger side of the dash. It just seems best to exchange the whole unit.

As far as a NB dash/interior swap is concerned, I think not. I am not a big fan of the NB or the NB interior; it is too current/modern for my liking. The theme of my NA will be somewhat nostalgic/vintage, emulating classic and iconic British/European Roadsters. The early NA dash fits the bill much better than the NB.

 

[Nevadabob]

As far as a NB dash/interior swap is concerned, I think not. I am not a big fan of the NB or the NB interior; it is too current/modern for my liking. The theme of my NA will be somewhat nostalgic/vintage, emulating classic and iconic British/European Roadsters. The early NA dash fits the bill much better than the NB.

Amen brother... :wink:

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Amen brother... :wink:

Glad to know I have a following, thanks!

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Re: Dash Swap? - Interior Color Scheme

Here is another question, but this is more preferance oriented. When all is said and done with my Miata, I want a red leather interior; similar, but not the same as the Miata LE. I will exchange the carpet for red, the door panels with Nakamae red leather ones, Nakamae quilted leather console, luggage tray, firewall & under door runner, and of course, leather seats. Now, what do I do about the dash and upper trim piece of the door panel. On the early Miata LE's, the upper door panel was red, running through the latitude on the dash, with the upper part of the dash black. I am not trying to replicate or emulate the LE interior, I just want a red interior. Should I do a full red dash/door panel, or should I go LE style? Oh yeah, for some contrast, the AC/Radio trim piece will remain black and the Nardi steering wheel will be black leather as well.

 

[XCLR8TN]

I think black would look good. What color is your car? (did i miss that?)

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

I think black would look good. What color is your car? (did i miss that?)

The car will be painted/cleared Titanium Silver Metallic. So keep the black above the "belt-line?" I happen to think you may be right, however I have seen some sweet British & Italian cars with all red interiors. If done right, all red can look awesome, but I don't want mine to turn Import Tunerish...I would like the red to be done complimentary to the car, in a clean/classy/tastful presentation

 

[XCLR8TN]

Heh. Find me a pic, I'll photoshop it for ya so you won't regret making the wrong decision lol!

 

[gwilo]

If you do not want Airbags look for a Canadian scrapped car pre '92 (or 93?) they came without airbags that is where to get your dash from.

 

[phinz]

The R2 Limited had black on the top of the doors with red panels.

Here's a scale model of one. Below is the brochure.

 

[Phatmiata]

I like your thinking, Nakamae is the way to go! Just keep in mind with the Nakamae seats they are engineered for a JDM buttocks and waistline (small). If you are looking for a picture of a Red Interior swapped into a Silver (NA) Miata, check the 1996 Spring Issue of Miata Magazine. Its on the cover. :wink: Looks very sweet. There is a guy in my local club that has some of the 93LE parts in his 91 Silverstone Miata, and it looks very classy, but he has not finished the project. And i think Tim has sold his 93LE interior from his wrecked LE (not the current one) to another forum member who also is doing a red interior swap?

Anyhow, please post some pics of your Miata, such as before and after, its always great to see this kind of stuff. And be sure to add your Miata to the CR.net garage so that everyone can see all the great parts installed!!


PhatMiata

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

PhatMiata, thank you for posting to this thread. I was going to answer XCLR8TN's request for an image by referencing your vehicle. I am debating whether or not to allow the black to contine a good 4" lower on the dash. Looking at your car's interior, I notice a 4" or so high strip that runs across the dash, continuing atop the door panels. My question is whether or not to do as you have done, or completly paint the dash (top too) red. I love your interior, quite nice...almost made me want the aluminum door inserts by the speakers.

As far as the R2 Limited Edition interior, again, I think not. There is too much black, that breaks up the interior. On my car, I know everything will be red, except for the A/C/Radio Trim Panel and steering wheel. Luggage tray, firewall, seats, door panels...everything will be red. Again, now my debate is to do as PhatMiata did, or paint the top of the dash red as well.