How straightforward to remove dash and replace interior?

[Ducati07]

I’m currently planning on looking at a couple of cars in the next week or so (with the intention of hopefully buying something), however I was wondering how easy it is to refit / retrim the entire interior - I have a very clear idea of what I’m after - checker plate floor, alcantara dash, stack dash replacing analogue dials etc - very F40 stark / race car type finish with no leather. So with that in mind, how easy it is to remove dash and all interior panels and carpet etc to retrim entire interior, or is this a pain and need roll cage removal and other bits? I would get someone to do the actual trimming, but everything else i’d try and do.

I love the fact that with ultima’s it’s an ongoing project, so I’m excited about that, it’s more about how long it would be off the road and the kind of budget involved if it wasn’t a straightforward diy job.

Many thanks!

[Steve_D]

Ducati07 said:

I’m currently planning on looking at a couple of cars in the next week or so (with the intention of hopefully buying something), however I was wondering how easy it is to refit / retrim the entire interior - I have a very clear idea of what I’m after - checker plate floor, alcantara dash, stack dash replacing analogue dials etc - very F40 stark / race car type finish with no leather. So with that in mind, how easy it is to remove dash and all interior panels and carpet etc to retrim entire interior, or is this a pain and need roll cage removal and other bits? I would get someone to do the actual trimming, but everything else i’d try and do.

I love the fact that with ultima’s it’s an ongoing project, so I’m excited about that, it’s more about how long it would be off the road and the kind of budget involved if it wasn’t a straightforward diy job.

Many thanks!

Roll cage is a part of the chassis so is not removable.
Inner skins are likely ali and riveted/bonded in place. They are also structural so don't remove them.
Dash is part of the main body tub so is not removable as such but could be cut out if you felt the need but will be lots of work.
Whilst I have the Stack dash it is probably not the best choice these days. Have a google and find better.

Steve

[Racingroj]

Aim MXS 5” dash is my preferred choice and has many options that you can use to customise. Also would recommend fitting it behind the steering wheel although in my car it is in the centre but much closer. They also do a larger 7” if you think that would suit.
If someone has stuck carpets to the aluminium panels you may not be able to cleane the glue off easily and get a good finish for a bare aluminium look.
I was told that it isn’t possible to cover the roll cage in leather once the body is on but you may find someone out there that would do it with the stiching showing. There are some great upholsterers out ther depends where you are based.
All the best on your search.

[deadscoob]

If you can factor in screen removal it will make things much easier.
I’ve recently removed my stack gauges and replaced With the aim unit. Whilst unquestionably it is hugely more versatile than the traditional analogue stack gauges, it is an almighty pain in the 4ss to hook up if you intend to use it to show the traditional warnings as it is designed around a can wiring setup.

But, get the screen out makes removing the dash covering easier, remove seats to strip carpet, it’s all doable, just more difficult as Steve mentions above.

[ROWDYRENAULT]

Agree that removing the windscreen is optimal for redoing the interior and that's the way I would do it but I will say there is a very good chance that you will crack the glass in the process. As far as removing the carpet goes 3m has a product to remove glues that is good. Her in the states at least there's a product called goo off that might even be better. Lee

[humble]

I run the MXS 5" dash in my car, and if you have the newer wheel mounted buttons, I'd suggest center-mounting on the dash like I did. The steering wheel buttons crowd the display making it too difficult to read, but in the center there's no obstruction.

Will