I got the dash removed today. These cars are so close in so many ways I just can't believe it! Even the floor to bottom of windshield is the same. The dash has a crazy thick support bar that connects the A pillars together, as well as providing dash support, and lower mounting points. Replacing the complete firewall, and floor pan in one piece is looking very promising.
When I cut out speed firewall, as I get to lower bar mount, I plan on cutting outward into A pillars and cut out the lower dash mounts still attached to firewall. That will allow me to bolt up dash to speed firewall once welded into place on the protege, without aligning anything. It will provide all the pedal mounts, center console mounts, seat mounts, trailing arm mounts etc...
Tomorrow I plan to, remove Master, abs unit, pedals, and remaining wiring harness. Then finally start cutting it up into manageable, and useable pieces. Once cut up, the Protege will be disassembled for final measurements, and decide if it is a go, or not... I am 99% sure at this point I can make it all work. I will need to remove engine/trans, front subframe, center console, seats, and carpet out of the Protege. Once I am at that point, and plan on moving forward, I will make the "official" build thread.
Stay tuned! Please, if you see something maybe I am overlooking, or think you have a better way of doing something, I am open to all suggestions and comments.
