I've been thinking of this for a long time and I'd like some input. I know it'd be tough, but you could put a late model dash into a maverick, right? The way I see it you'd need to figure out how to transfer the late model heater box too, right? By modifying the firewall or something. But then you'd need custom length heater hoses too I think. You'd need to transfer the "cage" that supports the dash and weld on the attach point tabs from the other car too. I've been going over this in my head for awhile. I know it'd be super tough and complicated, but could you do it?
But why? Do you think modern dash panel looks better or... I guess it can be done but what kind of dash are you thinking about? A dash from very modern late model car is not a good idea since everything goes through the computer.
Really it all boils down to the location of the dash controls I guess. I prefer the more modern locations for the heater box controls and the stereo. Not only that- I want a real glove box. It's a huge inconvenience to have such a small and basically useless one like the stock one. I'm not shooting for a super modern one. I'm looking at one from 1993 right now.
Seems like a lot of work for convenience...... Width would be your biggest issue, finding a car that is close...
Somebody on here did a T bird digital dash, maybe it was Thack? It will take some work to rework anything not factory, how good are you at building stuff?
when i did my dash i had considered this. i was going to use a fiberglass mustang dash. all the mustang fiberglass dashes from the 60s to the 2005 ones are the same width. mavericks use the same width also. the problem i see with fitting a stock dash in is the distance from fire wall and the shape of the base of the wind shield. lastly would be the steering column and the parking brake handle locations may not work with another dash. with careful research you should be able to get it to work.
I've gotten a lot better at fabbing up things in the past few years. The biggest worry is the firewall work.
Yeah, The "back" of the dash is going to need trimmed. I'm unsure about the depth of it as well. Luckily i have a parts car to work all the kinks out in before I go for the final install.
Nope, not Thack..it is me. You can see some pictures here: http://www.maverickcomet.com/SpecialMav/SpecialMav.asp I guess you could say it is an "updated" dash...the main dash is from an 80-81 Thunderbird, so I don't know if you could call it "modern". I updated the T-birds digital stuff with pieces from a 2000 Crown Vic, so it has a Crown Vic digital display and electronic climate control among other things. The width of the dash is the main thing to worry about. You have to make sure the steering column lines up in the right spot and of course you have to mount the heater box that matches the dash. It took a lot of measuring and swearing/cussing to get it all right. I ended up having to use some sheet metal to conform the oval and angled fresh air intake of the T-bird box to the flat round hole on the Maverick so it would seal. I also spliced most of the T-birds under dash wiring harness to the Maverick harness. There's probably 40 pounds of solder and shrink tubing in my car.... Why did I do it? I first put this dash in my '77 Maverick back in 1992 because I thought it was cool. I wanted to add cool features to the car and the Maverick dash didn't allow for it. That car rusted out and has since been junked...when I got my '72 a little over 10 years ago I decided to transfer the dash over, I guess because I still think it's cool. Same reason I put the EFI, hydroboost, cruise control, power windows, electronic dimming mirror, auto headlights, yada, yada, yada..... It's not for everyone, but I don't care. I like it and that's what matters to me.
I forgot about these considerations as well. The T-bird dash proved to be a great candidate because the distance and the angle of the firewall/windshield matched the Maverick almost perfectly. Almost looks like it belongs there. I also ended up having to install a later model foot operated park brake because the hand brake in my '72 was in the way.
It would be alot less trouble to build a console with storage(glovebox) and heater controls and you could build it to look period correct(if you like that sort of thing)
Honestly I'm not sure how to move only the heater controls. Just get different length cables maybe? I'll study up on how all the box works and see what'll work better. I have a candidate for a center console with storage. I'd also have to put in buckets instead of my bench I guess. Thanks for presenting another angle to get what I want.
