axiom dash swap

[vxfocus]

hey all,
well since i have had my vx i have hated the dash and center console.
i think one member said it best that the vx looks so awesome on the outside it seems like the dash ect was an after thought.
so i finally pulled the trigger and bought an entire axiom dash/center console assy.
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1331947197.jpg
and mounts,brackets ect.
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1331947199.jpg
today after work i started tearin the vx dash out..wasnt to bad at all..had it out in a little over an hour
looks worse than it is.the center support is still in there in this pic but had to come out as they are different
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1331947201.jpg
i had to take the two hinge pillar supports for the center support off and cut them and since the axiom support is different weld them in the proper location.
so tomorrow alot of test fitting and cutting....keep ya posted

[Osteomata]

Awesome. Following along.

[Ldub]

:drool:

[H3_VX]

I'll be tuning in.

[rwolf15241]

I installed a 1989 Trans AM GTA Digital dash in my Elcamino, it was plug & play. some one made the mounting bracket for the Z28, but I went a step further !! Good Luck, PS I had to trim the ends

I looked up pics of the dash, and saved them. I also located one for sale. What where they asking for the dash your purchased??? did you get everything with it???

[jdm monkey]

This is awesome! I might be doing this too in the future. How much did the whole package cost you if you don't mind me asking. Thanks!

[vxfocus]

paid 500. for everything.
here is the right side mount with bracket cut off
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332017939.jpg
here is the left one with bracket cut off and welded in place
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332017941.jpg
also had to cut the dash on the windshield side to fit
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332017937.jpg

[GIANLUCA]

Great!!! I'm dying to see this axiom dash/center console on a Vehicross!!!
PICS PLEASE! ;-)
THANX

[GIANLUCA]

For rwolf15241:
Do you have a digital dash in your Vehicross??? Really???
Can you post some pictures?
Thanx

[rwolf15241]

I Installed it in My Elcamino, did you read the post /??, LOL

[VXorado]

Great idea.

I'll be interested in your progress for sure. I saw an Axiom at the local junkyard last month... makes me think of following your lead if I find another one.

[GIANLUCA]

For rwolf15241:
Yes man.... ;-) This is the reason i asked you some pictures...i'm really excited to see a Vehicross with a digital dash!!!
Thanx+have a nice day!

[eternal21]

Have you worked out the 2H/4L input selector as of yet? And did you pull the outside temp sensor for the digital display, as well?

Looking forward to seeing this one complete!

[vxfocus]

ok so after alot of time wasted trying to fit the axiom dash i decided to measure it..(should have done that first..my dumb ***)and the axiom dash is almost 3 inches wider that the vx dash...
after alot and i mean alot of swearing i figured out an alternative that unfortunaly will require alot more work.
i will cut the middle section out of the axiom dash the part that conects to the console and plastic weld onto the vx dash...not what i wanted to get into but i am comitted to the project at this point.
here is the cut YIKES!
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332256522.jpg

[vt_maverick]

Plastic welding is going to be a real pain. I experimented with this idea a few years ago by buying just the Axiom curved center "stack" from a yard and setting it onto the VX dash. The curvature of the Axiom piece is going to make it VERY difficult to graft onto the VX dash. I'm not very talented with plastic weld so I called it a day - hopefully you'll get it figured out.

[vxfocus]

it will give up before i do!

[vxfocus]

ok got an update and some pics.
i started the plastic welding last night
started taping the drivers side and middle axiom part together
then started with some mesh
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866449.jpg

[vxfocus]

then i took some stainless steel butter knives and heated it up cherry red and melt the mesh into the two parts of the dash(underneath)joining them together
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866450.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866451.jpg

[vxfocus]

after i got a few mesh pieces melted in the dash halves,i took some dash material
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866442.jpg
placed it in the crack between the two pieces
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866441.jpg
melt it into the crack to fill in the crack
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866448.jpg

[vxfocus]

after doing the bottom side i flipped it over and filled in the crack on the top side
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866445.jpg
and here it is two pieces welded together
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866446.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866443.jpg

[vxfocus]

to make sure i have all three pieces lined up before i go any further i screwed the front support onto all three pieces and "tacked the glove box side in place.
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1332866453.jpg
thats as far as i got last night.
not sure if i am gonna wrap the dash or paint it at this point

[Ldub]

Massive skillz my friend...:yesgray:

Two a deez 4 U...:thumbup:.:thumbup:

[LiquidVX]

coming along nicely. i look forward to more updates.

[vxfocus]

got back at it last night.
had to put the metal supports for the glove box on to help line everything up then test fit
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126617.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126621.jpg

[vxfocus]

had to scab in the vx glove box side because the axiom one was different
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126620.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126619.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126618.jpg

[vxfocus]

back on the bench and more welding once o got it line up and the contour of the axiom by the glove box required some attention.
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126615.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126611.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126614.jpg

[vxfocus]

then all together...coming along pretty smooth so far..time consuming though
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333126613.jpg

[rwolf15241]

I didn't know you lived so close, I'm in 15317

[vxfocus]

i never really checked to see if any members were close to me or not.
i do see an ironman running around my neck of the woods once in a while though

[rwolf15241]

I saw a White VX in Peters Twp 15317
Silver VX Lawrenceville 15201
Red VX LA Fitness Bethel Park 15102

[CoastieCosta567]

Thats looks great Mae, can't wait to see the finish product.

[Ldub]

Thats looks great Mae

Who's Mae...:confused:

Just mess'n Coastie...:smilewink

[CoastieCosta567]

Who's Mae...:confused:

Just mess'n Coastie...:smilewink

lol, I forget that most people don't know about that word. Just in case for those that don't know, it mean like bro, man, dude, ect... in Costa Rica we use that word in like every sentence. Also the word Pura Vida, we use that like in response and to wish a good day, like Hawaiians use Aloha. We say Pura Vida Mae religiously, :bgwo:

[vxfocus]

ok more updates..
i had to cut the dash bezel and plastic weld and fiberglass part of the axiom dash bezel to it
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333676138.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333676140.jpg

[vxfocus]

and cut part of the axiom lower dash...under the steering column
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333676143.jpg
then plastic weld and fiberglass that to the vx lower dash
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333676142.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333676146.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1333676147.jpg
now some body filler and sanding
cheers

[vxfocus]

ok guys more pics after some body work and primer
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335883272.jpg
gauge bezel
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335883270.jpg
and dash after some filler work
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335883269.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335883268.jpg

[evillecutter]

was the old dash really that bad... or did you just get bored? :)

[vxfocus]

that is 2/3 of the vx dash with the middle of the axiom dash.
my vx dash was covered in black vinyl and it was coming unglued and wrinkled,looked pretty crappy.
and i think the vx dash as a lot to be desired..kinda ugly to begin with.
but if i knew i was gonna get into all this(instead of just a swap)i wouldnt have done it

[evillecutter]

looks like you're doing a damn fine job i really want to see what its gonna look like finished

[89Vette]

if i knew i was gonna get into all this(instead of just a swap)i wouldnt have done it

How does someone who knows how to adapt and fab not consider the basic difference in dimensions before starting on a project like this?

This probably sounds condescending, but I'm so curious I have to ask. For people with fab skills... it seems so obvious that different model cars aren't likely to have similar mounts, configuration, and dimension. (Just look at cell phone charging plugs to see the lack of standardization in the world! LOL)

I'm impressed by your fortitude...or the degree of hate you must have had before you began. I'm interested to see the result for sure!

:thumbup:

[vxfocus]

the answer is simple...im a dumb a**.
i am makin this up as i go learning from you tube videos and what ever info i can find on line and tips from member of this site,so the "fab skills"are not something i used before i screwed up by not thinking the dash may be different.with the rodeo and vx sharing the same dash i was hoping that isuzu was lazy and used the same basic demensions to make the axiom dash...like i said im a dumb a**

[vxfocus]

painted the center bezel a brighter silver
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335959602.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335959601.jpg
and taking some advice from maxprime(thank you).i sprayed some 3m rocker panel spray for texture
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335959604.jpg
and then sand down the high spots to get the texture close to stock.(painted to see how it was looking
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1335959605.jpg

[TheGanzman]

Well, you may be a dumb-***, but you've got "the chops", and you've got the wherewithall and resourcefulness to pull this off! A tip o' the hat from the old guy to ya'! I ain't bettin' against you!:bwgy:

[vxfocus]

thanx ganzman,
but it was pretty stupid of me to attempt this with out checking the width of the axiom dash first....oh well live and learn.
i will still get the same result...just alittle more os a pain in the a**

[eternal21]

That is coming along *quite* nicely :)

[tomdietrying]

Wow! I just saw this thread. I am impressed!
Peace.
Tom
p.s.
Do you have a timeline on when you think you will be finished?

[vxfocus]

gonna try to have the dash in next week

[vxfocus]

painted the dash,here are some pics.
my body work skills are not great so i was pleased that it turned out so good...looks like it was made that way!!
ill try to get better picks tomorrow
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336093185.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336093187.jpg
had to order a longer heater cable to move the heater /ac up under the vents

[eternal21]

Can't wait to see it in your VX!

[tomdietrying]

Man, that is NICE!
Peace.
Tom

[89Vette]

Looks great! Did you use spray dye or paint? What kind?

My biggest concern (for you) is that the seams/welds will hold. If they separate, you could have an annoyingly squeaky dash.

Hard to see from the pics...Can you even see your seams?

[vxfocus]

i welded the seams the way it would be done to fix a bumper so not too worried about them not holding up,i used body filler for bumpers also it has flex to it.once it is in there and bolted up it isnt going anywhere.you cant see the seams at all.
i painted it with sem brand interior paint made for dashes,door panels,ever seats.it also has flex to it

[89Vette]

i welded the seams the way it would be done to fix a bumper so not too worried about them not holding up,i used body filler for bumpers also it has flex to it.once it is in there and bolted up it isnt going anywhere.you cant see the seams at all.
i painted it with sem brand interior paint made for dashes,door panels,ever seats.it also has flex to it

PERFECT! You learn well! I expect you to have a superior result and be very proud of your work. You should be!

:_steering


Did you use SEM laudau black? I heard plastic welder's were very expensive. Did you have to buy one for this project?

[vxfocus]

i did use landau black.i use a method of plastic welding that involves a torch,stainless mesh and scrap plastic to fill in the cracks

[FlyingV77]

that looks great! ill give you $20 and my vx dash for it when its done ;)

[vxfocus]

now thats funny

[vt_maverick]

Very impressive considering some of the in-process pics were mighty scary! Staying tuned for the finished install pics...

:thumbup:

[vxfocus]

maverick.i was thinking the same thing...pretty scary...sweatin bullits there for a while

[vxfocus]

got the gauge bezel painted....finally
now its time to put it in.
gotta reroute the heater/ac duct for the center two vents then should be good to go
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336529580.jpg

[rwolf15241]

I got to see this in person !!

[matthewblake]

Im stoked to see the finished product! I wish i could do things like this! great work

[vxfocus]

a few pics of the dash with parts on to show fitment of the axiom center part
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697242.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697240.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697243.jpg

[vxfocus]

heater control mounted
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697245.jpg
with bezel over it..tryin to figure out how to cut it
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697237.jpg

[vxfocus]

then i remembered i still had the gauge bezel that i cut off the vx and used the part around the heater control as a rough shape guide
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697244.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697247.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697248.jpg
then set the center axiom bezel on and scabbed it in..a little fiberglass and filler and some paint and it will be ready to go
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1336697239.jpg

[rwolf15241]

Can I see it, LOL, I will be in your area next WEEK

[vxfocus]

i am 1 mile from the madison post office(its between irwin and new stanton).
what day are you out this way

[rwolf15241]

I Thursday or Friday

[rwolf15241]

If your around this Sat, I will be buying parts in your area

[vt_maverick]

Are you planning to repaint the HVAC bezel to match the silver from the Axiom? Also, are you sure you don't want to try and put them in the lower section of the dash? I realize you can fit a larger screen in the lower section, but the manual HVAC controls (IMO) look kind of funny up that high. Also, I believe the 99 controls were mechanical so you may have issues extending them that high.

Like everyone else watching this thread, can't wait to see it installed!!! :thumbup:

[vxfocus]

i think i will paint it,i took the stupid "stainless steel"trim decal off.
as far as moving them..i have to i sold my flip up and got a double din touch screen so i am already too far into it to put it low.
i ordered longer heater control cables to accommodate the higher position

[vxfocus]

ok here is the glass
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337295196.jpg
and the filler
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337295197.jpg

[vxfocus]

had to cut the heater duct for the original center vents off because it was in the way of the hvac control which will be mounted right in front of it
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337295199.jpg
and then plug the big opening it left with plastic and wire mess melted in then some silicone to seal it up
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337295200.jpg

[vt_maverick]

So are you losing the center vents completely, or are you moving them lower?

[vxfocus]

they will be where they are in the axiom center piece above the hvac controls

[vxfocus]

had to do some brain stormmin to try to figure out how to make ducts for the center vents in the higher location..
came up with this
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337634703.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337634704.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337634706.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337634708.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337634709.jpg
looks ugly but it will never be seen
just hope it works

[yellowgizmo99]

brilliant

[89Vette]

I am definitely impressed by how you think outside the box!

[vxfocus]

ok got the bezel repainted
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1337980089.jpg

[vxfocus]

gotta figure out something different for the ducts.the flex gutters are gonna be too high...maybe shop vac hose????gotta do a little more thinkin on this one

[rwolf15241]

Looking good, I will be back in your area in the next few weeks, let me know when you will be around !!

Thanks RW

[Gizmo42]

Wouldnt have thought the Axiom dash would have been that different since the Axiom is based on a Rodeo. A 2nd gen Rodeo dash may have fit. I believe the firewall and dash in the VX is from a 1st gen (or gen 1.5) Rodeo. I know someone on the Planet did a 2nd gen drive train and interior swap into his 1st gen Amigo and didnt really have much of an issue fitting the dash.

The frankendash is looking awesome though. I wouldnt have had the stones to start chopping them up.

[vxfocus]

so i went with the shop vac hose and used connecting bolts to connect the duct to the hose
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325833.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325835.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325836.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325837.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325840.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325839.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325841.jpg
and some foil tape to seal it up
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338325843.jpg
the hose bends to a sharp 90 easily

[vxfocus]

AND IT IS IN!!!!
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338923144.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338923142.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338923141.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1338923139.jpg
NOW ON TO THE CENTER CONSOLE

[Knigh7s]

Project is coming along great!!! Looking real good! Cant wait to see the final build...

[pbkid]

Wow great work, and an incredible amount of patience... Nice job!!

[tomdietrying]

Nice Job! I'm rooting for you!
Peace.
Tom

p.s.
About how much longer do you think?

[Dmitrikr]

Respect!

[vxfocus]

had to Frankenstein the shifter opening and the switch opening for the winter/power switch and the power mirror switch cuz the axiom console doesnt have them
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1339548011.jpg
then some filler
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1339548013.jpg
and fresh paint after putting some texture on it
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1339548014.jpg

[vt_maverick]

Where does the 4WD shifter go?

[vxfocus]

Cut out the front cup holder for the 4wd shifter

[vt_maverick]

That's what I figured but thought maybe you had something else in mind since you painted the console before cutting it out.

[vxfocus]

I cut it out before paint.check the pix

[vt_maverick]

If this is the "after" pic it looks like all you did was remove the cupholder itself? Is that going to accommodate the full shifter throw?

http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1339548014.jpg

[vxfocus]

no man,after you take the rubber cup holder out there is still a cavity that holds the cup holder so i had to cut that out.im not sure if it will accommodate the shifter throw or not,i was going to unhook the shifter linkage and remove it all together to keep the cup holder but the shifter goes right into the top of the transfer case.i have had the vx for about two years and never once used the 4wd shifter for anything other that a place to hang my sunglasses.it never goes off road

[vt_maverick]

I wonder if you could just extend the cup holder opening backward to accommodate the throw by cutting out the little change area there? You never know when you might find yourself wishing you could shift into 4WD even if you don't need it every day.

[vxfocus]

good point and i did think of that but when i did the test fit it seemed i would need the room to move the shifter forward not back where it normally is.

[vt_maverick]

That's a good point. Guess you'll have to just test fit to see! :luck:

[vxfocus]

ok,got the console in and im glad its over but i am pleased with the out come.waiting for the shift knobs
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1340055773.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1340055770.jpg

[vt_maverick]

Outstanding! :thumbup:

[vxfocus]

got the shift knob today
it is an obx tomcat
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1340233867.jpg
now on to the seat reupholster and seat heaters while im at it

[Knigh7s]

http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp139/kenhalford/1340055770.jpg

VXFocus - How did you get your ebrake on the other side?!

Clean install, its amazing!

[vxfocus]

e-brake handle came with all the axiom stuff.it is the exact opposite of the vx e-brake.just bolts right up

[ZeroSix]

ooh! that OBX is nice I have the white one! Was it difficult to put in?

[vxfocus]

no,it was pretty simply,no overdrive to mess with but it would be cool to use the overdrive button on obx to turn something else on and off

[vt_maverick]

no,it was pretty simply,no overdrive to mess with but it would be cool to use the overdrive button on obx to turn something else on and off

Perhaps to control something like these? ;)

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/isuzu2010e/DSCF7888a.JPG

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/isuzu2010e/DSCF7951a.JPG

http://vehi.world.coocan.jp/isuzu2010e/DSCF7882a.JPG

[vxfocus]

L.m.a.o.are those jdm???

[PK]

They are not standard JDM - one of the many options available in Japan.:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo:;)

PK

[89Vette]

Your inspiration?

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/32vx2a.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3488)

[evillecutter]

looks like they solved the square cupholder problem with the vx-4

[vxfocus]

I think the vx4 dash was the insperation for the axiom dash but yes it was what I wanted for my vx.it is nice to have a cupholder