Could some of this redesign be due to some of the "safety upgrades"
happening in this time period? I'm curious, never seen a 1500 but, someone
described it as having a "metal" dash. Alot of these type (hard, sharp edge
designs) were being redone due to new crash tests just being started at this
time. It's my understanding that's why gauges where redesigned to be easier
to read, side marker lights were added, better "larger" lights or more of
them, new bumper designs, etc...
Just a thought...
KC Brager lbwll@visi.com
CRA (Central Roadracing Assoc.) WebMaster www.cra-mn.org
A bend in the road, is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make
the turn. - unknown
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>From: "Arlo J. Levisen" <alevisen@gdhscats.org>
>To: Datsun Roadster List <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Dashes and Consoles
>Date: Tue, Sep 7, 1999, 8:18 AM
>
>I will also add my comments, as the owner of a pair of 1500s. We
>recently had a chance to see and study our first 1600 (still have never
>seen a 2000) and both the owner of the 1600 and I remarked on how much
>nicer a dash design the 1500 has when compared side by side. Both of my
>dashes are still in perfect condition and the area covered by the
>console in the 1600 is simply bare carpet in the 1500. Very functional
>and still nice looking.
>
>I would also add that when you stand and view the 1500 dash from the
>rear, they built in a "dual-cowl" look that is really neat and they
>should have carried that forward. We also have a nice little
>"hand-grab" on the rider's side.
>
>Further, the dash gauges on the 1500 are simple, stark and say "sports
>car". On the 1600 they say Buick or Cadillac or something like that -
>certainly not "sports car".
>
>I now feel, sorry to say, that in their attempt to upgrade, they lost
>some neat styling cues that were spent on a very low production car.
>
>Later,
>
>Arlo Levisen
>Revillo, South Dakota
>
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