Wagon dash/interior swap (88/89 and 90/91 differences)[USDM]

CharbCharb Administrator
in Bodywork & Cosmetic Modifications
Ok, so we should all know the cosmetic differences between the 88/89 and the 90/91 dashes.

My question is- what are the differences when swaping the dash?

Is the dash from a 90/91 going to bolt into my 88?

Again, I'm aware of the differences with switches and guages. So I'm prepared to grab these parts to make it work (if they're different). But I'm wondering if there are any HVAC clearances underneath I'm not thinking of, or different bolting allignments, or what?

We got a 90/91 with CLEAN and FULL Grey interor at my yard. I'm thinking about buying it, but don't want to hate myself later if it's not gonna work over a detail I overlooked. I did a bunch of searching, but nothing this specific (usually CRX or Teg swaps).

This is a question to start. Hopefully it will be a write-up on an interior swap soon :)

Comments

  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    hmm, good question.

    1) The 'A' and 'B' pillar trims will be different due to the automatic belts.

    2) The front seats won't be a direct fit- the floorpans are different, as are the seat mounts.

    I don't see why the dash wouldn't fit, heck, all of this can be overcome. I've seen some unexpected quirks, though... especially when dealing with an '88.
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    The pillar trims are the same color. So, as long as the colored dash under the A, and brown/grey trim under the B fit, I'm good there. Granted, I'll need new front belts. But that won't be a big deal to have shipped. The rear belts should be the same.

    The passenger seat is perfect. I'm gonna grab it and reskin mine. Then just wait for another skin to pop up. I've got a blue seat in there now already for driver. It will match better with the grey than with the current brown.
  • MrM3MrM3 Council Member
    The dash panel itself is the same. My dash came from a 91 and was put in an 89. Bam already pointed out the only differences that I ran into.
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    MrM3 wrote:
    The dash panel itself is the same. My dash came from a 91 and was put in an 89. Bam already pointed out the only differences that I ran into.

    That's the kind of info I'm lookin for!
  • MrM3MrM3 Council Member
    Oh I did forget to mention that I didn't install any of the heating duct work but I don't see why it would be any different.
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    Is there any interference with the swap for the rear defroster/hazard light switches? I notice they're in different locations between those years.
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    Revmaynard wrote:
    Is there any interference with the swap for the rear defroster/hazard light switches? I notice they're in different locations between those years.

    That's kinda what I was refering to in the first post.

    I'm gonna snip the pigtails off the junk car, just in case.

    Still trying to pull the funding. Based on their online price list, should be around $160(I think)
  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    Charb1618 wrote:
    Revmaynard wrote:
    Is there any interference with the swap for the rear defroster/hazard light switches? I notice they're in different locations between those years.

    That's kinda what I was refering to in the first post.

    I'm gonna snip the pigtails off the junk car, just in case.

    Still trying to pull the funding. Based on their online price list, should be around $160(I think)


    Changing the whole dash, switch locations shouldn't matter. Like charb said, just get the pigtails...or the whole dash harness just in case!
  • RevmaynardRevmaynard Council Member
    Gotcha, I was thinking about this when it came to swapping Erin's dash.
  • bikewrenchbikewrench Wagonist
    bam-bam wrote:
    or the whole dash harness just in case!

    This would be the way to go as the harness is already ran through and attached to the new dash. Just unplug the harness from the fuse block and pull the dash. It should plug right into the 88/89, right?
  • 1988rt1988rt Senior Wagonist
    I know this is wondering away from the dash part a little but the rear wiper is different, I just figured that out
  • jdm_rolexjdm_rolex New Wagonist
    MrM3 wrote:
    The dash panel itself is the same. My dash came from a 91 and was put in an 89. Bam already pointed out the only differences that I ran into.

    Do all of the switches work on your dash? I plan to do the same but with a CRX dash.
  • MrM3MrM3 Council Member
    The only thing that does not work is the hazard lights since in the 88-89 it is mounted on the steering column and the 90-91 is in the dash. I'm sure it's an easy thing to wire properly but then you would need a newer steering column.
  • jdm_rolexjdm_rolex New Wagonist
    ^Thanks!!^
  • JDMWago666JDMWago666 Senior Wagonist
    MrM3 wrote:
    The only thing that does not work is the hazard lights since in the 88-89 it is mounted on the steering column and the 90-91 is in the dash. I'm sure it's an easy thing to wire properly but then you would need a newer steering column.

    This might sound weird, sorry for thread jack. I have an 89 civic wagon and my hazard switch is in the dash not the steering column. Could this be because of the time of year it was made? Thanks and once again, sorry for the thread jack.
  • MrM3MrM3 Council Member
    Quite possibly but I'm not really sure. Check the tag inside the door and see what month the car was built.
  • EDwEFprtsEDwEFprts Senior Wagonist
    i want this full grey interior.
    (sorry i can't help with info, although i know the glove boxes swap)
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