Hard dash V soft dash

[Paw]

I looking to get a late classic, should I go hard or soft dash and why.

Thanks

Paw

[wiffmaster]

Soft Dash seem to be more desirable and tend to rattle less - they were a sort of test bed for the P38a and as a result command a higher price. Look a lot more modern than the older dash layout. Really though, just go for whichever one you prefer; cosmetics aside there's no real difference. I'd consider a Soft Dash to be a nice bonus, but wouldn't buy on the strength of it alone.

[GKP]

Soft dash wii be air sprung, which may or may not be good news depending on how you feel about such things.

[wiffmaster]

GKP said:

Soft dash wii be air sprung, which may or may not be good news depending on how you feel about such things.

True, but worth remembering that any Classic (hard or soft dash) after around '92 will have air suspension.

[Ramthorne]

Not true, I have an M plate soft dash stored in my barn, coil sprung

[wiffmaster]

Ramthorne said:

Not true, I have an M plate soft dash stored in my barn, coil sprung

In which case I stand corrected! Maybe it was just the Vogue SE models which had air suspension after around '92 then?

[BLUETHUNDER]

A mate of mine had a M plate soft dash.And that too was on coils.

[Paw]

Guys are there any issues with the SD over the HD, Or anything to check.

Plus as my hunt for an Overfinch is not going well (bar the 30K + one at Bramley) anyone know if any nice ones for sale.

Paw

[BLUETHUNDER]

Same issue as anon soft dash.Just pay more attention to the air suspension,as it was more prone to problems than the later P38.

[mister.t]

Later Vogue SE's had air suspension, and they are prone to problems.

The difference between the soft touch/non soft touch dash is mainly cosmetic - I personally prefer the older dash, but then thats my own opinion!

[Ramthorne]

Mine isn't an SE so it may be that is why it's on coils. I prefer the soft dash, gives it a much more modern feel, unless you were going for the full retro experience with an early two door.

[Noogly]

I prefer the look of the soft dash.
It also has a few useful modern touches, like a radio where you can get at it, a glove box and.... cup holders!

Air suspension can be an issue, in it's day it was what really set the top RRs a world apart from the opposition, it's what made a good car great. Besides, if it fails it isn't going to leave you stranded, just make you arrive a bit late (and a bit shaken!)

[dealmaker]

All LSE's had Air Suspension (Hard and soft dash) - Vogue SE's from 92 had air as a circa £1500 option - so if it's a regular wheelbase it depends whether the orginal purchaser ticked the box.

I prefer soft-dash - but some prefer hard dash for it's "classic" look!

[shentodj]

I had a '94 Vogue SE (SWB) which had air suspension. Had it for 6yrs (28K-140K miles) and had no trouble with suspension. Subsequently bought '98 4.6HSE (P38) at 2yrs old and 30K miles and have had all sorts of trouble with EVERYTHING, so don't be put off a classic with air-sus.

Also - I have no experience of the Soft Dash model, but one of my main gripes with my classis was wind noise at anything above 70mph. So if Soft Dash improved door/window seals it may be worth it. Anyone know?

Regards,
Shentodj

[dealmaker]

shentodj said:

I had a '94 Vogue SE (SWB) which had air suspension. Had it for 6yrs (28K-140K miles) and had no trouble with suspension. Subsequently bought '98 4.6HSE (P38) at 2yrs old and 30K miles and have had all sorts of trouble with EVERYTHING, so don't be put off a classic with air-sus.

Also - I have no experience of the Soft Dash model, but one of my main gripes with my classis was wind noise at anything above 70mph. So if Soft Dash improved door/window seals it may be worth it. Anyone know?

Regards,
Shentodj

JE Engineering are working on a solution ot the wind noise - akin to the secondary seals used by Overfinch back in the day (which were very effective) - probably worth talking to them?