Dashboard replacement options/opinion

[pistolpete]

I am going to replace my dashboard on my 1985 911- I have read many threads on this on earlier cars but not on the later ones. I am wondering if anyone has any recent experience with the porsche classic or the Lakewell? Quality, Fit, etc? Or is there another option that you would recommend.

[PeteKz]

See my other comments about Lakewell's crappy quality on interior parts. They are in the Netherlands, so if you have a problem, shipping will make it uneconomical to return. I ate $1100 because of this.

Stick to OE Porsche and pay the tax. Others frequently do not fit as well or look as original. It's such a PITA to replace (including removing the windshield and probably reinstalling it with a new gasket), that you should not try to shave a few bucks on this job.

[Glenfield]

Purchased a dash from lakewell. Fitment was very poor where it butts up against door panel. Basically, too small which means you have to endure large gaps by both A and B pillar or snug it properly on one and live with the large gap on the other. I went later route and it annoys me most drives.

Lakewell were pleasant enough but their position is that the mold is true and that it’s cars that have been bent out of shape over time. They’d have probably accepted a return but practically not an easy option.

Find a dash out of a car and have it repaired and reupholstered.

[wildthing]

I took mine to a local shop that reupholstered the existing dash (Finish Line Interiors in Mountain View). Color is reasonably close, there's stitching around the part that goes over the gauges (like the newer cars), and looks really well done. But then again I don't care about originality or looking stock.

G50 dashes were unavailable at that time, and if they were, they came in black and needed to be dyed anyway.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmHqJI5PCEi/

[walt]

Recover the dash if at all possible. I used Classic 9 in Michigan a number of years ago and it turned out quite well.

[pistolpete]

I should have mentioned that mine is vinyl.
Also anyone have any experience with the Porsche Classic on the later cars?

[isby]

When I replaced the dash on my '84, I went with the genuine Porsche part. Although it was expensive, I am happy with it. The fit was good and it looks original. FYI - it's a windshield out job on the '84 but I believe that may have changed for later models.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by isby

When I replaced the dash on my '84, I went with the genuine Porsche part. Although it was expensive, I am happy with it. The fit was good and it looks original. FYI - it's a windshield out job on the '84 but I believe that may have changed for later models.

I removed my 1986 coupe dash without having to remove windshield. My 1986 targa I did have to remove the windshield.

Just passing on my experience, in case it comes to that.



Erik

[Rosco_NZ]

I replaced the dash in my '72 with Porsche original .. took quite some massaging to get it to fit and sit right.

[creaturecat]

professionally recovered gets my vote.

[Marko888]

I ordered a brand new black vinyl G50 dash from our Porsche dealer a month ago. It came from Germany in about 2 weeks. $1700 cdn.