Binnacle/dashboard update

[Guest rflowers]

Hi,

Anyone convert from the SE-S4 style binnacle to the binnacle used on the last few years of cars?

If so, pictures and comments on the conversion would be welcome.

[DAVES_GT3]

Hi,

Anyone convert from the SE-S4 style binnacle to the binnacle used on the last few years of cars?

If so, pictures and comments on the conversion would be welcome.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

not a nice job i would think. is it possible?

the dash is a hell of a lot smaller. i would have thought you would have needed to change the whole dash

only a thought though

Dave

[Guest rflowers]

the dash is a hell of a lot smaller. i would have thought you would have needed to change the whole dash

On my S4s, the 6 gauges all reside within the circumference of the factory steering wheel. I think the steering wheel is a smaller diameter than the new dash.

The 5 or 6 switches (total) on the ends would need relocated but the major issue is the 2 vents would need relocated elsewhere.

[Guest esprit geoff]

You will certainly have to re-trim all the leather under the old dash, as where the old one sits will be marked from the dash. The wiring will all have to be sorted - which unless you know your stuff will be difficult. But at the end of the day, the new dash may not even suit the old style interior.

Geoff.

[Splashout]

I would think for the amount of work it would be you could be better off to go down the route of making a custom one to your own requirements for not alot more effort

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

It's a gargantuan job of mamoth proportions and even Lotus didn't want to do it when my friend approached them to do it to his SE!

[Splashout]

It's a gargantuan job of mamoth proportions and even Lotus didn't want to do it when my friend approached them to do it to his SE!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

aghhh not that bad then wheres me tool box lol

[Jonathan]

I would think for the amount of work it would be you could be better off to go down the route of making a custom one to your own requirements for not alot more effort

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally agree - if I HAD to do this job I'd make a custom fit, make a model and get someone to prefabricate it out of fibreglass or something. I have briefly looked at the idea as I prefer the late dash but it's not worth the hassle were the conclusions I came to.

[karmavore]

The 'new' dash looks more modern, but is it 'better?' Seems not to be to me.

[Guest teigan]

i want to make a replacement binnacle in spruce wood. i have a tan interior. so it won't be too contrasting. the instrument panels would be done in burlwood, so there would be a nice transition. and for anyone scoffing these ideas, there is already plenty of woodwork in your esprit just below the surface.

[Guest esprit geoff]

and for anyone scoffing these ideas, there is already plenty of woodwork in your esprit just below the surface.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I have discovered much woodwork - if that's the right term for it!!!

Geoff.

[Paul C]

The 'new' dash looks more modern, but is it 'better?'

[Rob]

Paul - its interesting you compare the 98 dash binnacle with a corsa.. as the instrument cowl IS actually a corsa part, but from the model prior to the pic you posted..

[Paul C]

Paul - its interesting you compare the 98 dash binnacle with a corsa.. as the instrument cowl IS actually a corsa part, but from the model prior to the pic you posted.. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No way! And i thought i'd get slated for making the comparison!

Thats worse than having marina door handles, surely?

[slade]

honestly the first thing that REALLY blew me away when I first looked at the early esprit was the dash

Everyone else hates it. I think it looks cool. Way better than... anything. Best looking dash ever

slade

[EspritMiltonKeynes]

Yep... I agree too. I've heard people sunb the walnut and bur elm dashes as being tacky and false looking. But at least they're individual! Lotus Esprit... with a hint of Rolls Royce! I'd rather have my tacky fake wood than some aluminium any day...

[Guest teigan]

mine came with a wooden shift knob [insert your own joke here ] , so i'm guessing this motif was thrown around when the interior was designed. i'll definitely do up the heater control backing and instrument gauge backing in a similar colour woodgrain. don't think i'll be installing wooden sidepanels on the outside though; might be fun for arriving at ascot. or safeway.

[Paul C]

I'd rather have my tacky fake wood than some aluminium any day... 

Mate, it's REAL wood.

Lotus just manage to whack a laquer on it that makes it look

like genuine Rover 200 plastiwood, but it is real, and the cracking is

the thick laquer, which makes the whole thing look like plastic.

[Guest esprit geoff]

Mate, it's REAL wood.

Lotus just manage to whack a laquer on it that makes it look

like genuine Rover 200 plastiwood, but it is real, and the cracking is

the thick laquer, which makes the whole thing look like plastic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Paul - as an expert in removing the stuff!!! It's actually a "resin"coating.

Geoff.