cracked dash...options?

Shuie · 08-25-2003, 08:14 AM

My dash is old, cracked, and pretty crusty in general. My windshield is getting ready to come out of the car, so I want to make sure I take care of the dash while its out. I know replacement dash pads are expensive and tough to find.

I saw Chuck Moreland's post a while back where he had a hand sewn new leather cover made for his RS car. Great solution, but I cant sew. Ive been thinking about buying an ABS plastic dash cover, but Ive never seen one in person or read about them here.

Does anyone have a pics or advice about the ABS plastic contoured dash covers that fit over the existing dash? Do they look OK, or do they look like a piece of plastic that has been slapped on the dash? Does pelican sell these or an alternative?

If the plastic dash covers are asthetically unacceptable, can anyone recommend a source for a replacement pad?

Any help is appreciated.

Schrup · Schrup's Garage

What color is your dash? Is it leather or vinyl? What's the most your willing to spend? $500 wil Get you a OEM vinyl pad here.
http://sunset.porschedealer.com/parts/index.html

JohnH · JohnH's Garage

Shuie,
Replacing your dash pad by any means - new, used, or restored - is an expensive proposition. You might want to investigate these folks: http://www.justdashes.com/index_home.htm#Step1. ABS covers look ok, but you can tell that it's a cover and you KNOW what's underneath. Good luck,
John

pwd72s · 08-25-2003, 08:55 AM

We used "just dashes" for Evren's car. Delivery time was slower than promised, but it came out beautifully! The dash is still here in Oregon, trying to figure out how to get it to Istanbul. But gosh, if Sunset Porsche will sell you a new one with the proper '73 speaker insert for $500? That sounds tempting, because it's not much more than "just dashes" charged Evren for the re-do. I sure would ask Sunset if it's the one piece replacement dash or the exact replacement with the speaker insert tho... You're right, when the windshied is out is the time to replace a dash.

DonDavis · DonDavis's Garage

Didn't Jack Olsen use a 964 leather dash in his 73? What does that involve? How close of a fit is that anyway? I meant to ask that a long time ago but just never got a round tuit.
Maybe you could find a sweet deal on a newer dash from a used parts supplier.

dotorg · 08-25-2003, 10:03 AM

My plan with mine (which is in relatively good shape, with one small tear) is to eventually pull it out, and cover it with a lightweight black ultrasuede, which is relatively stretchy... looking at how the dash is put together, it appears like I can likely attach it to the existing vinyl with spray adhesive and stretch to fit almost the entire dash, with only a couple areas I'd need to cut and stitch.

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

I would contact an upholstery shop. Mine has been recovered in black Vinyl (with stitching) and adhesive. I don't think it would be too much.
But, if you go that route, make sure you prep the dash first. The PO had it done in my car, but he didn't "fill in" or "shave" the crack, so you can see them as bumps through the new vinyl. It's not bad, but in the right light it creates a shadow and doesn't look good.

Shuie · 08-25-2003, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the help, guys!

Ive been leaning towards a new pad, but I just have been unable to find one any cheaper than what tweeks is selling them for. I missed one on the for sale board here a few weeks ago.

Quote:

Originally posted by DonDavis
Maybe you could find a sweet deal on a newer dash from a used parts supplier.

Excellent call on the newer dash. I'll take whichever I can find the cheapest and provides a clean install. Period correctness is not a concern.

73911guy · 08-25-2003, 02:01 PM

I noticed MA Shaw has a carbon fiber dash cover- anyone have any experience putting one in?

Jim
'73 911T

jyl · jyl's Garage

Call dismantlers - Parts Heaven once quoted me $250 for a good-condition dash pad removed from a wreck, that's not a bad price if you indeed get a good one.

Or see about having JustDashes or a similar place rebuild you original dash. If you need an uncommon color, this is probably your best option. IMO, "uncommon color" pretty much means anything but black - my interior is navy blue but I gave up and installed a black pad - wasn't ever going to find a navy one.

Avoid the plastic covers - you can tell the difference, I have one on my beater Benz, plus they eventually crack.

I guess if I had to choose between brand new OEM $500, used $250, and rebuilt $400, I'd choose new OEM. I think this is something worth fixing "right" since you may not have another chance with the windshield out, and a future purchaser will notice the condition.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

My '74 is still perfect save for one crack in the usual location, the right side of the driver's side where the slope starts. It's only 2 or 3 inches long and doesn't really merit full replacement in my opinion. Has anyone evr heard of a 'Dr. Vinyl'? I've heard we have a mobile one here in Arkansas (wonders never cease) that will come to you and make minor vinyl repairs. Any experience with this approach for a really minor fix?
Ryan

jyl · jyl's Garage

JustDashes quoted me:

Here's their reply: "1989 911 Dash Pad Restoration in black $500, in color $550. Core and color sample needed. Turn around time is 8 weeks."

So for those of us with non-black interiors, there is hope! Only problem is, turnaround time is 8 weeks. www.justdashes.com No relationship, not even a customer.

LeRoux Strydom · 08-26-2003, 12:15 AM

Shuie

see this thread for a description of the replacement of the dash in my SC. It is a worthwhile and viable DIY activity and will spruce up your car's interior. You're halfway there if you are going to pull your windshield anyway.

Of course, if yours is not black, you may have to go the refurbishment route, since I believe that the only OEM dashpads available now are all black.

LeRoux

jstobo · 08-26-2003, 09:02 AM

The dashes for 74 and up cars are different from the 69-73 dashes. The OEM 69-73 dashes with the speaker grill cost alot more than $500 new. For the SC you can get dashes for less than $400 at many parts places. Besides Tweeks check out Pelican and Stoddard Imports(Porsche Dealer with mail order parts dept.) The last price I saw from Stoddard was $851. I bought a new one for my 69 restoration because I know one day they are going to be NLA. The covers do not look too bad if installed correctly but I have seen the adhesive release over time, then you get a bulge in places that are always hard to reglue. It never seems to happen where the regluing would be easy.

TerryBPP · 08-26-2003, 10:54 AM

If your looking for a race look. I recall a person on this board installing a carbon fiber dash with minimal trouble. Search the archives for "carbon fiber".

jmz · jmz's Garage

quote: "The dashes for 74 and up cars are different from the 69-73 dashes"

That is not quite correct the '74 is the same as the 69-73. I am not sure when the cut off is but the later dashes are less expensive and easier to find either new or used.

john70t · 08-26-2003, 04:47 PM

Just a thought..... I did the door panels with "Sureflex" and they seemed to cover the original orange leather well.
The surface was a semi-gloss appearance, but I wonder how it holds up to bright sunlight on a properly prepped surface?
The cost of a half-pint would be miniscule to $500 or so for a new pad.

redducati750 · 08-26-2003, 07:01 PM

i wrestled throught grade school, high school, and my freshman year hear at carolina. Anyhow, there was a plastic like paint and a foam we used to repair wresting mats that were damaged. If the perp work was done right they came out as good as new. Ive wonderd if this product or something like it could be used to repair and rejuvinate a dashboard.