Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there.
As we all know, the 2nd generation CRX dashboard is, by far, one of the most stylish ever offered by Honda. For us 4g/2g guys, it's definitely the way to go. Follow along as I show you how to put one into your sedan or wagon. You hatchback guys have it so easy! It bolts in and lines up perfect for you guys.
The CRX dashboard is a bolt-in to the sedan/wagon if you shave several inches off the top of the defroster section of the dash. At first, I had it done in this way. The problem is, you'll have gaps in the corners where the dash meets the A pillar covers; pretty unsightly I'd like to add. I wanted my dash to look 100% OEM, so I decided to take the advice of Akiraboy and make a hybrid dash. MAD PROPS GO TO AKIRABOY FOR THIS IDEA!!!!
First of all, let me say don't try this unless you have SEVERAL HOURS, possibly days to devote to the cause. I could probably replicate this again in a much shorter time period, but when working with such delicate parts, i didn't want to cut too deep/too far etc. You get the point.
It has taken me about a week to finish this, working anywhere from 2-5 hours a day on it. The longest and most annoying part is seperating not one, but two seperate dashboards.
Let me continue on.
You'll need:
(1) Complete CRX donor dashboard
(1) Complete Sedan donor dashboard
(2) Permatex PermaPoxy 5 minute Plastic Weld (part # 84115...available most anywhere)
(1) Dremel with different attachments or some other kind of hand-held rotary tool
(1) Air cutter/grinder would also be VERY beneficial to you
(3-4) large C-Clamps!
*Note that in this picture, i've got the finished hybrid dashboard pictured up top with my stock '89 LX dashboard pictured below. The pics are just for reference!
The first thing you need to do is seperate the sedan/wagon dashboard. You're going to have to do this with an air cutter. I'll recommend wearing a mask because when you start cutting through that glue, it absolutely stinks.
Do ALL your cutting from behind, and cut exactly where the top section meets the lower plastic 'tray'. Remember, you're going to reuse this section, so be careful not to screw anything above the top vinyl up.
Basically you want to seperate the top vinyl section (and everything above it) from the lower portion of the dashboard, and you want to do so in a way that you can then weld it back to the lower portion of the CRX dashboard. You can see in the following picture the seam that you'll want to cut at. Cut at it from behind!
I didn't take many pictures during this stage because my camera batteries were dead at the time. The picture i'm using above is just to give you an idea of where to cut. It's actually a picture of right before I glued the pieces back together.
Next, cut everything from this section DOWNWARD from the CRX dashboard. You're using the top section of the Sedan dashboard and mating it to the CRX dashboard, so keep in mind that your two sections will have to join back together at some point in the future.
If you take your time and plan it out, you can cut both pieces so that the fit back together nearly perfectly.
Here's a picture of the seam after cutting the two dashboards apart and setting them together for a test fit. Everything that is grey is Sedan, everything black CRX. This gives you a good idea of where to cut it all apart at.
Use the metal support piece that braces to the upper and lower sections as a frame of reference ...it should be able to screw back in properly afterwards!
Now you'll want to take your Dremel and clean both pieces up for the best possible fit. You can have some small gaps in places, it will be filled in with the plastic weld anyway. You just don't want anything sticking out that will hinder a flush fit. Take your time and be careful.
Here are my two pieces all cleaned up and ready to be glued back together.
Now, before you do any gluing, do several dry fits to make sure it will all go together flawlessly. If the top vinyl section doesn't rest flush, keep trimming. You don't want any gaps in your new dash, do you?
The top vinyl section screws into the dashboard base right behind the side window defrost vents, right at the edge of the dashboard on each end. Use these two mounting points to do all your trial fitting.
Now, when you've determined you're ready to glue it up....apply some Plastic Weld along the seam that goes between the upper vinyl section and the lower plastic tray. When I say tray, I mean the flat spot on the dashboard that we all set our junk like cellphones etc. You'll want to work fast, this stuff sets up quick! If you want, use a 30 minute epoxy if you're afraid you won't be able to do it all in time. I like Plastic Weld because it sets up fast and I don't have to have as much downtime. This stuff is rock hard in under 10 minutes.
After you have this seam filled, put the upper portion onto the lower portion and screw the ends on using the defroster-area screws i mentioned above. Then take your C-Clamps, and squeeze the middle of the dashboard together. Take a look at the front of the dashboard and make sure there's no gaps.
No gaps here....good to go....
Now, take your Plastic Weld (or other type of epoxy) and start applying it at the seam around the C-Clamps.
It doesn't have to look good....just make sure you only miss the areas around the C-Clamps. You'll fill those in when this stuff dries and the dash will hold together without the clamps.
This is a good time to go ahead and put the metal brace back into position on the dashboard. This thing should line up flawlessly....it better, because you're dedicated to the project at this time! I've got it circled in red in the following picture. Go ahead and screw it in place.
Now after your epoxy/glue dries...take off your C-Clamps and go over the areas that were hiding behind it. Now is also a good time to fix all those cracks that our old dashboards get. You may not be able to make the crack look new from the front, but at least you can fix it from behind and keep it from spreading. Your dashboard will also creek less if you fix them.
After it all dries, turn your new dash over and enjoy it because it's awesome and you built it.
And here's a final shot (reused from above) that shows a stock Sedan dashboard against the coolness of the CRX(hybrid) dashboard.
Again, props go to AKIRABOY for the idea. Thanks bro!
If you have any questions, let me know.
EDIT: Installed Picture!
This took me so long to get to because I was doing so many things at once. Retrofitted OEM cruise control and converted from auto to manual. Had to do the 5 speed swap 3 times because I ended up with 2 bad transmissions in a row. Gave up and stuck my mint Si transmission in. Not too fun with a stock d15 motor =/
In order to use the cruise control system with the CRX dashboard, I modified the stock 90/91 CRX hazard button to accept the cruise control on/off switch. It was a PITA, but I got it to work.
For my hazards, I'm using the stock 88/89 style where it mounts on top of the steering column.
As you can see I need to get a few pieces still. Ashtray, passenger side air vent, and I'd like to modify a CRX steering wheel to accept the cruise control buttons. The sedan wheel just doesn't look too good IMO.
I also need to dye the console and the glovebox black.
Modified by Jonathan_ED3 at 12:25 PM 4/6/2006
The CRX dashboard is a bolt-in to the sedan/wagon if you shave several inches off the top of the defroster section of the dash. At first, I had it done in this way. The problem is, you'll have gaps in the corners where the dash meets the A pillar covers; pretty unsightly I'd like to add. I wanted my dash to look 100% OEM, so I decided to take the advice of Akiraboy and make a hybrid dash. MAD PROPS GO TO AKIRABOY FOR THIS IDEA!!!!
First of all, let me say don't try this unless you have SEVERAL HOURS, possibly days to devote to the cause. I could probably replicate this again in a much shorter time period, but when working with such delicate parts, i didn't want to cut too deep/too far etc. You get the point.
It has taken me about a week to finish this, working anywhere from 2-5 hours a day on it. The longest and most annoying part is seperating not one, but two seperate dashboards.
Let me continue on.
You'll need:
(1) Complete CRX donor dashboard
(1) Complete Sedan donor dashboard
(2) Permatex PermaPoxy 5 minute Plastic Weld (part # 84115...available most anywhere)
(1) Dremel with different attachments or some other kind of hand-held rotary tool
(1) Air cutter/grinder would also be VERY beneficial to you
(3-4) large C-Clamps!
*Note that in this picture, i've got the finished hybrid dashboard pictured up top with my stock '89 LX dashboard pictured below. The pics are just for reference!
The first thing you need to do is seperate the sedan/wagon dashboard. You're going to have to do this with an air cutter. I'll recommend wearing a mask because when you start cutting through that glue, it absolutely stinks.
Do ALL your cutting from behind, and cut exactly where the top section meets the lower plastic 'tray'. Remember, you're going to reuse this section, so be careful not to screw anything above the top vinyl up.
Basically you want to seperate the top vinyl section (and everything above it) from the lower portion of the dashboard, and you want to do so in a way that you can then weld it back to the lower portion of the CRX dashboard. You can see in the following picture the seam that you'll want to cut at. Cut at it from behind!
I didn't take many pictures during this stage because my camera batteries were dead at the time. The picture i'm using above is just to give you an idea of where to cut. It's actually a picture of right before I glued the pieces back together.
Next, cut everything from this section DOWNWARD from the CRX dashboard. You're using the top section of the Sedan dashboard and mating it to the CRX dashboard, so keep in mind that your two sections will have to join back together at some point in the future.
If you take your time and plan it out, you can cut both pieces so that the fit back together nearly perfectly.
Here's a picture of the seam after cutting the two dashboards apart and setting them together for a test fit. Everything that is grey is Sedan, everything black CRX. This gives you a good idea of where to cut it all apart at.
Use the metal support piece that braces to the upper and lower sections as a frame of reference ...it should be able to screw back in properly afterwards!
Now you'll want to take your Dremel and clean both pieces up for the best possible fit. You can have some small gaps in places, it will be filled in with the plastic weld anyway. You just don't want anything sticking out that will hinder a flush fit. Take your time and be careful.
Here are my two pieces all cleaned up and ready to be glued back together.
Now, before you do any gluing, do several dry fits to make sure it will all go together flawlessly. If the top vinyl section doesn't rest flush, keep trimming. You don't want any gaps in your new dash, do you?
The top vinyl section screws into the dashboard base right behind the side window defrost vents, right at the edge of the dashboard on each end. Use these two mounting points to do all your trial fitting.
Now, when you've determined you're ready to glue it up....apply some Plastic Weld along the seam that goes between the upper vinyl section and the lower plastic tray. When I say tray, I mean the flat spot on the dashboard that we all set our junk like cellphones etc. You'll want to work fast, this stuff sets up quick! If you want, use a 30 minute epoxy if you're afraid you won't be able to do it all in time. I like Plastic Weld because it sets up fast and I don't have to have as much downtime. This stuff is rock hard in under 10 minutes.
After you have this seam filled, put the upper portion onto the lower portion and screw the ends on using the defroster-area screws i mentioned above. Then take your C-Clamps, and squeeze the middle of the dashboard together. Take a look at the front of the dashboard and make sure there's no gaps.
No gaps here....good to go....
Now, take your Plastic Weld (or other type of epoxy) and start applying it at the seam around the C-Clamps.
It doesn't have to look good....just make sure you only miss the areas around the C-Clamps. You'll fill those in when this stuff dries and the dash will hold together without the clamps.
This is a good time to go ahead and put the metal brace back into position on the dashboard. This thing should line up flawlessly....it better, because you're dedicated to the project at this time! I've got it circled in red in the following picture. Go ahead and screw it in place.
Now after your epoxy/glue dries...take off your C-Clamps and go over the areas that were hiding behind it. Now is also a good time to fix all those cracks that our old dashboards get. You may not be able to make the crack look new from the front, but at least you can fix it from behind and keep it from spreading. Your dashboard will also creek less if you fix them.
After it all dries, turn your new dash over and enjoy it because it's awesome and you built it.
And here's a final shot (reused from above) that shows a stock Sedan dashboard against the coolness of the CRX(hybrid) dashboard.
Again, props go to AKIRABOY for the idea. Thanks bro!
If you have any questions, let me know.
EDIT: Installed Picture!
This took me so long to get to because I was doing so many things at once. Retrofitted OEM cruise control and converted from auto to manual. Had to do the 5 speed swap 3 times because I ended up with 2 bad transmissions in a row. Gave up and stuck my mint Si transmission in. Not too fun with a stock d15 motor =/
In order to use the cruise control system with the CRX dashboard, I modified the stock 90/91 CRX hazard button to accept the cruise control on/off switch. It was a PITA, but I got it to work.
For my hazards, I'm using the stock 88/89 style where it mounts on top of the steering column.
As you can see I need to get a few pieces still. Ashtray, passenger side air vent, and I'd like to modify a CRX steering wheel to accept the cruise control buttons. The sedan wheel just doesn't look too good IMO.
I also need to dye the console and the glovebox black.
Modified by Jonathan_ED3 at 12:25 PM 4/6/2006
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Kuala Lumpur, WP, Malaysia
Re: (SiMateoAko)
I've got an EF8 SiR dash in my car (Check link). Looks good but there's a gap about the thickness of little finger on either side to A-pillar base. Looks horrible but hope to fill in with black hi density foam or something to disguise it. Hate it looking patched together! 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 0
From: Speedometer Durability Technician
Re: (Wes V)
That's something I would LOVE to do in my sedan... but I need patience first. Guess maybe I should buy a blue CRX dash and a donor blue sedan dash and give it a whirl, eh?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Re: (nickgomez)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nickgomez »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've got an EF8 SiR dash in my car (Check link). Looks good but there's a gap about the thickness of little finger on either side to A-pillar base. Looks horrible but hope to fill in with black hi density foam or something to disguise it. Hate it looking patched together! </TD></TR></TABLE>
That's exactly what I wanted to get rid of.
I figured that since I'm doing a 5 speed swap and still have a few days downtime, I
might as well finish the dashboard before I stick it back in.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wes V »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dang Jonathan, you have just too much time on your hands!! Why not finish that Jaguar?
Good idea!
Wes</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good eye, Wes! I figured if anybody recognized it, it'd be you!
It's actually a '66...my dad bought it very lightly used in '68. It's a project my brother and I are working on together. It's very complete, which helps out a lot. As I'm sure you know, the most expensive part of E-Type restorations is the body work. Those replacement panels just cost so dang much! Slowly but surely...she'll get there hopefully in the next 2-3 years. In the meantime (with my spare change) I'm playing with my Hondas.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ex voto »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's something I would LOVE to do in my sedan... but I need patience first. Guess maybe I should buy a blue CRX dash and a donor blue sedan dash and give it a whirl, eh?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Go for it man. I was trying to hold off and go with a blue CRX dashboard, but I really wanted to convert to black and this was as good of a start as any. Plus I found a good donor dashboard in the junkyard and decided to tackle the task.
I should have installed pictures in my sedan here in the next few days. Hopefully I can finish my 5 speed swap in that time.
</TD></TR></TABLE>That's exactly what I wanted to get rid of.
I figured that since I'm doing a 5 speed swap and still have a few days downtime, I
might as well finish the dashboard before I stick it back in.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wes V »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dang Jonathan, you have just too much time on your hands!! Why not finish that Jaguar?
Good idea!
Wes</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good eye, Wes! I figured if anybody recognized it, it'd be you!
It's actually a '66...my dad bought it very lightly used in '68. It's a project my brother and I are working on together. It's very complete, which helps out a lot. As I'm sure you know, the most expensive part of E-Type restorations is the body work. Those replacement panels just cost so dang much! Slowly but surely...she'll get there hopefully in the next 2-3 years. In the meantime (with my spare change) I'm playing with my Hondas.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ex voto »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's something I would LOVE to do in my sedan... but I need patience first. Guess maybe I should buy a blue CRX dash and a donor blue sedan dash and give it a whirl, eh?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Go for it man. I was trying to hold off and go with a blue CRX dashboard, but I really wanted to convert to black and this was as good of a start as any. Plus I found a good donor dashboard in the junkyard and decided to tackle the task.
I should have installed pictures in my sedan here in the next few days. Hopefully I can finish my 5 speed swap in that time.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Re: (Jonathan_ED3)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jonathan_ED3 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I should have installed pictures in my sedan here in the next few days. Hopefully I can finish my 5 speed swap in that time.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've been sick for the past week or so and haven't felt like being outside much.
As soon as I finish the 5speed swap I'll have installed pics.
I've been sick for the past week or so and haven't felt like being outside much.
As soon as I finish the 5speed swap I'll have installed pics.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Re: (nickgomez)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nickgomez »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Problem now is my door panels and B-pillar bottom half are BLUE! </TD></TR></TABLE>
Take them to an upholstery shop and get them dyed....dying chemically alters the color and is permanent.
I'm going to dye the rest of my interior. At least the pieces I can't find in black (Like black power door panels...very hard to find!)
</TD></TR></TABLE>Take them to an upholstery shop and get them dyed....dying chemically alters the color and is permanent.
I'm going to dye the rest of my interior. At least the pieces I can't find in black (Like black power door panels...very hard to find!)
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 0
From: Founder of hondacivicwagon.com
Re: Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there. (ukdm crx)
thanks for the props Jon, here a shot of mine as a finished product in my 1990 RT4WD Civic wagon, also pictured are my 1990 Integra cluster swap as well a the 3 gauge cluster above the center air vents
Its not a walk in the park. Like Jon said it requires patience and for those of you who are wondering if this was a photochop, nope....
if fact this is how I did mine
Props to Jon for the tutorial. Good job bro
Its not a walk in the park. Like Jon said it requires patience and for those of you who are wondering if this was a photochop, nope....
if fact this is how I did mine
Props to Jon for the tutorial. Good job bro
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 7
From: b00sting my D16s, SoWis, USA
Re: Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there. (Akiraboy)
Damn, I didn't think it would work. Thanks a lot for posting it - people underestimate the 4-door. Are there any CRX center consoles with cupholders? I prefer cups for my mixed drinks rather than drinking straight-up from the vodka bottle. 
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Re: Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there. (HiProfile)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HiProfile »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Damn, I didn't think it would work. Thanks a lot for posting it - people underestimate the 4-door. Are there any CRX center consoles with cupholders? I prefer cups for my mixed drinks rather than drinking straight-up from the vodka bottle. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I don't think any came factory with cup holders.
But it's pretty freakin easy to add OEM style cupholders.
There's a write up around here somewhere on installing (I believe) Integra cupholders into the CRX dashboard. I plan on installing a set of Mazda cupholders because they're about one DIN thick, pop out and slide in, and are simple and very strong. If I remember correctly they came out of an older 626.
</TD></TR></TABLE>I don't think any came factory with cup holders.
But it's pretty freakin easy to add OEM style cupholders.
There's a write up around here somewhere on installing (I believe) Integra cupholders into the CRX dashboard. I plan on installing a set of Mazda cupholders because they're about one DIN thick, pop out and slide in, and are simple and very strong. If I remember correctly they came out of an older 626.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 2
From: long island, ny, usa
Re: Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there. (BDietrich84)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BDietrich84 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">were you planning on adding VTECH....lol</TD></TR></TABLE>
OMG!!~!
Jon found the elusive MAD TYTE VTECH Y0!!!!!!!
LOL!
awesome writeup. i still wouldnt drive a sedan, but looks nice!!
OMG!!~!
Jon found the elusive MAD TYTE VTECH Y0!!!!!!!
LOL!
awesome writeup. i still wouldnt drive a sedan, but looks nice!!
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Re: Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there. (doublethink)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by doublethink »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
OMG!!~!
Jon found the elusive MAD TYTE VTECH Y0!!!!!!!
LOL!
awesome writeup. i still wouldnt drive a sedan, but looks nice!! </TD></TR></TABLE>
You guys have found my secret
I just want to say....VTECH phones suck. I've had nothing but problems with my set!
OMG!!~!
Jon found the elusive MAD TYTE VTECH Y0!!!!!!!
LOL!
awesome writeup. i still wouldnt drive a sedan, but looks nice!!
</TD></TR></TABLE>You guys have found my secret
I just want to say....VTECH phones suck. I've had nothing but problems with my set!
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Finland, Europe, Finland
Re: Hybrid CRX/Sedan dasbhoard How To....for all you sedan/wagon lovers out there. (Jonathan_ED3)
Oh ****. Dash looks awesome! And the cluster is hotness. Damnit. Looks very nice.
Btw, what about you E-type? I have restored one XK140 4.2 I-6 last spring. But it still needs some work on brakes. We ran one historic race on it.
Btw, what about you E-type? I have restored one XK140 4.2 I-6 last spring. But it still needs some work on brakes. We ran one historic race on it.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Slowly (very slowly) restoring it.
It's all there, and all original, but it does have rust in all the usual places.
The replacement body panels are just so expensive for them. Saving up to buy those.
Don't know if you read above, but it's a '66 4.2. My dad bought it in 1968...been in the family ever since.
Do you have any pics of your XK140?
It's all there, and all original, but it does have rust in all the usual places.
The replacement body panels are just so expensive for them. Saving up to buy those.
Don't know if you read above, but it's a '66 4.2. My dad bought it in 1968...been in the family ever since.
Do you have any pics of your XK140?