Posted also on 6mt.net...

OK. So I got the 2005 G35 Coupe Manual on CD this past weekend. BTW, bought it off Ebay for $19.99.

There are definately changes to the 2005 instrument panel and will affect dash disassembly from studying the diagrams from the Service Manual.

Here is the legend: (this is purely speculative from my interpretation from the manual and not actual experience from working with a 2005 model)

1. Driver side middle AC vent is now a separate piece. For the '03-'04 models, this vent was attached to the big dash console piece that was removed when you pulled out the entire HVAC unit. Now, it seems like you unscrew one screw and out it comes. You probably don't have to remove it when doing doubleDIN conversion. Official name: (LH) Center ventilator grill

2. These seem to be the side panels where the 12v cigarette lighter plugs were on the '03-'04 models. You will have to remove this to get at 2005 HVAC unit looks like. Seemlingly held in by one screw and 3 clips, these 2 pieces should be easy to remove. Official name: Instrument side panels

3. Upper glove box. In the '03-'04 models, the passenger side AC middle AC vent was attached to the whole HVAC unit and dash console piece. For those of us who performed the dash disassembly, we all know how difficult this stupid vent was to remove it and to put it back in the AC duct slot. It seems that you won't need to remove this upper glovebox to get at HVAC unit. Great! Official name: Center Box assembly.

4. Official name: Cluster Lid C Side Finisher. These are probably titanium-painted plastic pieces that border the 2005 HVAC unit. These will need to be removed to remove HVAC unit. Seemlingly attached by 3 clips and 1 screw, these pieces should be easy to remove.

5. Official name: Cluster Lid C assembly. AKA HVAC unit. With all these little pieces in #3 and 4, the HVAC seems much smaller, lighter and should be easier to work with since you won't have to deal with the AC vents and a larger doubleDIN console piece. The only problem will be that the doubleDIN faceplate area will be brushed aluminum and will not be easy to modify, shave, cut or fabricate. Held in by the anchor screw near the Infinity clock and the 2 screw under the HVAC unit, removal of the HVAC unit should be much easier than the '03-'04 models.

6. Shifter for both AT and MT should be easier and similar to the older models. The center armrest piece shouldn't have to be removed to remove HVAC unit. The 2005 model Center console assembly is different from the earlier coupe models since the heat warmer switches and cup holder is in slightly different locations.

Bottomline, removal of HVAC unit in 2005 models should be easier. BUT, in order to do doubleDIN conversion in 2003-04 models using 2005 parts will require many more parts.

Let me try a preliminary list of parts.
(LH) Center Ventilator grille
(LH) Instrument side panel
(LH) Cluster Lid C Side Finisher
Cluster Lid C Assembly (doubleDIN)
Center console assembly
Console Finisher
(RH) Cluster Lid C Side finisher
(RH) Instrument Side Panel
Center Box Assembly

AND......

v35 JDM AC Controller!!!

Is brushed aluminum worth this much work and cost?!?!?!? Not for me...lol

doc

 

what about the sedan, is there any way to convert a 2003-04 to an 05 dash?

 

should be the same as coupe....

doc

 

Well, thanks for trying. I guess I'll just wait for the GT-R :P

 

so you could convert an 04 to an 05 interior?

 

That would be assuming that all the screw holes and clips are in the same positions in the 03-04 and 05 models. Interesting question though....if the clips and the screw holes are in different locations in the 2005, converting to a 2005 dash would not be possible. For example for the driver side "center ventilator grille"....the 2003-04 models "grille" is not screwed in but rather, included in the heavy HVAC unit and clips into the dash console piece so that part might be incompatable between the 03-04 and 05 models.

If they were, though, whats good is that the only thing you would have to order from Japan would be the doubleDIN dash piece and the v35 controller. All the cluster lid finishers and side panels could be purchased from US Infiniti Service/Parts Dept.

To know for sure, I would have to take apart a 2005 dash and compare all the screw holes and clip fasteners locatations to a 2003-04 model and see if they match up.


doc

 

yea, i think it would be cool to convert an 03-04 to an 05, someone should do it

 

The real question I have, since my 05 6MT Coupe is almost here, is whether doing the double din conversion to an 05 is possible, how difficult it is compared to the 05's, and do you still need more or less the same parts, especially the required soldering of the v35 JDM A/C controller?

Dave

 

Anyone have any idea on my above question?

Dave

 

all you'll need for DD conversion *IF* you have a 2005 already will be the doubleDIN center dash piece and the *2005* v35 AC controller from Japan. The rest of the parts you already have.....its only for those who want to do 03-04 to 05 need the all the other 2005 parts and we dont know even if the 05 parts will snap into the 03-04 dash.

doc

 

Cool, thanks for the answer!

Also, I just noticed you are in Hawaii. Wonder if you have any good recommendations for both audio shops and performance shops. I used to have a 300ZXTT that I modded the heck out of, including a $5000 plus sound system, all of which I did my own work on, but I am considering avoiding the hassle of doing my own mods this time, and letting someone else do the work for me.

Dave

 

I just bought the panosonic DVD in dash for my 05....what parts do I need to install this?

 

We need to bring this thread back to life. I'm doing the conversion from 03 to 07. Anyone that can help out would be greatly appreciated. In the process of acquiring parts needed. I really want the titanium finish.