Lakewell Dashboard Issues

[Industrialando]

Anyone else having trouble with a Lakewell dashboard not fitting properly?

I just bought one and while the overall esthetic quality looks good it seems the molding is not quite right. Pictures below show a large gap around the right side gauge cluster which is being pushed out due to material on the lower part of the dash (between clock position and dash vent). After looking at this section carefully I thought about using a Dremel to grind down the extra material so it would sit back but honestly I would have to take out so much material it would likely ruin it.





Also, another issue I found is the left side of the gauge wrap around isn’t formed correctly, the lower edge sits off and just does not follow the curvature.




I reached out to Lakewell about 2 weeks ago and after several days they responded with a dismissive tone saying the pictures do not show where the issue is, I sent them 9 pictures of all angles and it’s been a week with no response. I've checked each stud and each one is clear of obstructions.

Any recommendations from the group? Should I take a shot at modifying the dashboard to fit which will likely be heavy foam removal with a Dremel? My old dashboard fits just fine, I'm using this one as I wanted the AC vent feature.

[nospiners]

Thank you for sharing, definitely an unacceptable fit.. I guess I'm looking elsewhere but Lakewell for my dash

[almostordinary]

Wow!

I'm currently in limbo with a shipment error from a dash purchased back in September... still no resolution. Same issue with weeks in between responses.

Now seeing this I think I've been waiting in vain.

F***

I ordered their carpetkit and numerous other interior parts to complete my roller project and while the parts came quick (to California) their customer response has always been lacking or nothing at all when I had install questions.

I'm sure there are others out there with similar experiences that don't have an outlet like this forum to discuss.

Might be a warning for anyone that may be looking to them for goods in the US.

shame.

Hope they help you out..

I can attest that this will be my last purchase from them personally.

-Ian

[EC900]

The trouble with purchasing overseas is the shipping and lack of customer service.

Don’t alter the product!
Lakewell is claims to have a satisfaction guarantee also when it comes to defects. This is stated in their Return Policy. I’d opt for a return before trying to fix, problem could be return shipping cost.
That last picture for the left side,…it looks like it was cut off?

Lastly if returning is not an option and before cutting;
These foam-type components have a tendency to warp and a little heat might be needed to shape and fit them properly.

[Industrialando]

Sorry to hear that Ian, may be time to call off the shipment.

Agreed on not altering the dash, I think there is too much material to remove in order to make it fit so I'm worried about breaking through the vinyl. For the gauge curve issue I have no idea how that could be fixed.

[john walker's workshop]

I hope my Lakewell 69 dash and sport seat covers are a good fit. Still in the boxes, crikey!

[PeteKz]

On John's recommendation, I ordered the interior door pockets for my 1973 from them a few days ago. Hoping for the best now...

[Mike Andrew]

Their response time is not great. With the time difference, one expects a day or two delay, at least I do. Not my experience with them.
Product (visors) were top notch but not the color that I ordered. Rather than returning them with all the shipping, customs headaches, I sold them to another Pelican. Took a slight loss but they are gone and must have fit well as I have not seen a post here indicating otherwise. Project whiteboard has visors listed but am not sure if I will reorder from them or look elsewhere.

[Glenfield]

Sold me a dash for a 80SC that was about 1/2”+ too small. Did best I could but have an ugly gap on B pillar. “These are hand built cars” was their reason for the gap. Guess too many hammer strikes on my B pillar that day in 1980

[AGCGM]

Factory Porsche dash is the only way to go. IMHO

[davekillen]

I have an original dash that I re-covered for sale right now if anyone is interested: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/1151196-fs-lwb-factory-replacement-dashboard-recovered.html

[almostordinary]

I had to get AMEX involved.

I shared my numerous emails to them asking about the dash that was grossly past due.

Weeks of no response.

AMEX immediately refunded me.

I will not be doing any more business with LakeWell.

[Industrialando]

Well I requested a refund Monday and as of today no response. Good to hear AMEX will step up and process a refund, glad I used AMEX. I'd be happy to return this dash but if they don't respond there isn't much for me to do but get a refund via AMEX.

[almostordinary]

When you submit the claim you can immediately upload images.

I uploaded all of my correspondence with the date/time stamps in my emails.

In your case, I would upload both the screenshots of the emails and the photos you shared here.

[speedster911]

Several years ago I purchased a dash from them with an imperfection ( big ugly lump of stuff) molded in the finish. After several weeks of them telling me how concours their products are and they didn't have another in stock, willing to give me $10 off. They mysteriously email one day, telling me they will give me my money back... and wanted me to ship it to someone in the US. I waited for them to credit the $$ and told them I would only ship it back to them. They were a bit upset with me... but I figured I saved someone from an ugly dash.

[Ian Comerford]

This is a shame as their seat covers seem to be good quality. The test of a business from a customer perspective is how it reacts when there is a problem, let’s see how this goes….

[Industrialando]

Still no response from Lakewell, I just submitted a dispute through AMEX. We'll see.

[nixtfy]

Earlier in the year I purchased sport seat covers with cloth centers. I visited 2 upholstery shops and neither could install the covers. The cloth centers were the only pieces that could be used.

They would not return my money and are now failing to respond.

[almostordinary]

I think the entire company has fallen into the scammers list. I got lucky when I ordered my carpet kit. Everything else they've failed on. I'll never order from them again.

Try to dispute the charge with whomever you made the purchase through.

[CBA]

Interesting as I just ordered a dash from Porsche "Gaudin Porsche" today which I'm assuming is as close to original as possible... is there a reason why people aren't order a dash from Porsche & ordering from Lakewell instead? The Porsche part is actually slightly less money too.