Instrument Panel Conversion?

[Placebo]

Just curious if anyone ever thought about or heard of, an instrument panel conversion for the 2geez? I'm sure it would be a crazy pain in the neck (in many ways). Here's a link to a guy who put an s2000 panel into an JDM Integra:
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1969269
A while back I also ran across a guy who specialized in conversions to NSX panels. I can't find that anymore but I thought I saw him on ebay at some point. Anyway, I know this might be sacrilege because a lot of people love the look of the 2gee panel but...just wondering. I suspect that there would be trouble with the whole idea because mechanical versus electrical tach, etc. But maybe a 3gee panel could work. Thoughts?

[Civic Accord Honda]

id love a 1st gen integra dash in my 3gee

[2ndGenGuy]

If you're willing to modify the 3g gauges to work, I don't see why it woudln't. The whole problem is the fit. The top doesn't come off of the 2g gauges like it does in the 3g. It's a serious pain in the ass just to get the 2g gauges in and out.

I would imagine though that if you were determined, the wiring could be converted easily enough. I imagine that they're the same electrically, just color coded with differently. The speedo cable should pop right on. But if you're going to go to all that effort, you might as well get something really nicer than another Accord dash.

[2ndGenGuy]

Oh also, take a look at the 82-83 gauges. They are a direct fit IIRC, and have a completely different look. Or if you want something sporty, grab the Orange gauges from the hatchback.

[85manw/a plan]

talking about that instument panel how the hell do u take them out i can figure it out, I been trying to take it out all week so i can replace it

[Placebo]

I have the hatch so yeah, those orange gauges make me feel hella fast!!! But as far as getting the cluster out, wtf. I tried of and on for weeks to that out, I think you need to disconnect the speedo cable first. I was sick of scraping my hands at the time, maybe I'll get back to it.

[Civic Accord Honda]

yeah id go with a 82-83 cluster thay look alot beter IMO i have a set in the garage cuz i was going to get a 84 accord once lol

[offthahook]

Man, you guys are going through what a lot of us have been through. Trying to get those gauges out. In all honesty, I would take off the steering wheel and lower the whole entire steering cloumn. Three screws at the top of the gauge lens. I like to pull off the panel brightness switch and pull that nut off. AT THE BOTTOM of the gauges, there are 2 metal clips that hold that cluster in tight. I forget, but I wonder if you could take those clips off (they attach with a phillips screw) instead of really tugging on the cluster? There are 4 bolts also, but you'll see those once you get the trim bezel off. I would think it would be so much easier if you drop the column. You don't have to, but your chances will greatly increase if you lower it. The upper column cover and the combo. switch will really piss you off otherwise.

I know 2ndgenguy removed a set a few months ago, so he might have a more recent real world explanation than mine. They can be tricky and you can crack the lens and bust up your hands pretty well if you don't just drop that steering column down.

[Placebo]

Sorry man, I tried the steering column bit. Removed steering wheel, bezel, and lowered the column as much as possible. It still gets stuck. I remember reading in the Haynes manual how delicate they are so at a certain point I stop tugging. The last thing I need is to replace something that a) might be hard to find and b) was so hard to get out that I broke it, so what makes me think that I can get it in without doing so. I got to the point that I seriously considered removing the dash, but I'm also under the impression that that's not too much of a picnic either. Of course, that's not the only reason I would remove the dash. I was thinking of doing that to clean up behind there (believing that's one of the causes of "old car smell"), deal with some heater-core issues (all hot, or not), and put in place a convenient hole to get through the firewall for wiring purposes (read: no more broken backs, scrapped knuckles and worn out flashlights). Not to mention the joy of being able to do some wire management with ease (seriously). Oh, yeah I almost forgot, the initial reason for removing the instrument cluster was to reset the odometer since I had the engine rebuilt at 250K. How cool to have a 2G read 2K miles!!!!

But speaking of that, what's the word on dash removal?

[offthahook]

Damn, dude. Sounds like you've done what we all have done to get those tight fitting gauges out. You're right about them being hard to find and that tugging will eventually break them. Plus, there are 2 vendors of those gauges, so you have to match the vendor up with the other stuff-- AT/MT, base or LX, 3 or 4 door. How do you plan on resetting your odometer? I tried, but it was not doable by me. I know you can pay professionals, but I don't know how familiar they would be with a 2G Accord. I guess some odometers are really simple to turn back. In my experience, Hondas are not. I was scared to totally disassemble my odometer because it a) might be hard to find and b) was so hard to get out that I broke it, so what makes me think that I can get it in without doing so. I'm like you man. There comes a point where I hoist up the white flag, too. I'd like to get mine reset since adding cruise control added like 60K to my car (speed sensor is in the speedometer itself).

Removing the dash is an absolute chore IF you want to put it back. To do it right would be very involved. But, yeah, the heater core and all the other stuff you mentioned would be easy. You're sure you got all the bolts out for the cluster? Can you see the metal clips at the bottom of the gauge case? Man, I feel your pain. Keep us up to date.

[2ndGenGuy]

You HAVE to drop the steering column. Then you unscrew those little metal tabs that Offthahook was talking about. Then unbolt the gauges and tilt it forward as much as you can. The wires and speedo cable are keeping it from pulling out. To get some length on that cable, you have to pull it out of the transmission. Once you've got some slack on that, be careful not to pull the gauges to far forward, or you will bend that cable and not be happy.

[LX-incredible]

How do you plan on resetting your odometer? I tried, but it was not doable by me. I know you can pay professionals, but I don't know how familiar they would be with a 2G Accord. I guess some odometers are really simple to turn back. In my experience, Hondas are not. I was scared to totally disassemble my odometer because it a) might be hard to find and b) was so hard to get out that I broke it, so what makes me think that I can get it in without doing so. I'm like you man. There comes a point where I hoist up the white flag, too. I'd like to get mine reset since adding cruise control added like 60K to my car (speed sensor is in the speedometer itself).

Pull the U-shaped clip, to the left of the numbers, off. Slide the numbers to the left and right of the digit you desire to change. Rotate the wheel is it's natural direction until you reach your number. You may need to jiggle the number wheel to get things started, but once moving it should turn freely. Do not turn the wheel backwards, only forward.