Dash question.......new, restore, or cap it?
 

I am restoring the interior of my ’81 SC Targa and I completed everything except for the dash. I have several cracks on the dash; furthermore, the color does not match my interior anymore. The dash cap sounds more affordable but I’m not sure on the appearance. I’m also aware of the removal of the windshield if I decide to install a new one or refurbish the old. Does anyone have any suggestions on what is the best and affordable way to go? Your comments are greatly appreciated.

John
’81 SC Targa

The best way is to remove the windshield, replace the dash with a new one, and install the windshield with a new seal.

The most affordable is to just live with your cracked dash. Other relatively affordable options are a dash cover or dash cap.

Only you can make the cost/benefit analysis for you.

I just recently removed and vinyl painted my dash. I also epoxyed some cracks together. The end result was not great, but it was cheap. You can also get a dash professionally repaired and painted. That might still be cheaper than a new dash. I'm going to cover it all up with a product called a "dash hugger", a cloth dash cover.

In any case, pulling out a dash is not the easiest thing to do, but I can give you some detailed tips of whats involved if you are interested.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

Here's my approach, since I was in the same boat as you. Get the dash cap, and then keep an eye out for a great deal on a dash. The cap looks fine (I'll post a picture), and you never have to worry about it getting too much sun, or a female passenger putting her feet up on it.

As you know, a new dash means the glass goes out, which means a new seal and $75 in labor (YMMV). My thinking is to wait for that fantastic deal on a mint leather dash from an old turbo. Until then, my interior still looks fine.

http://members.rennlist.com/jackolsen/BA-PassDashS.jpg

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 11-20-2000).]

My glass was coming out anyway for replacement, otherwise I would have done what Jack did.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

What is a dash cap?

It's a semi-rigid cover made of textured ABS plastic that is molded to fit over a Porsche dash. You use adhesive to literally 're-skin' your dash.

IMHO buy a new one and just forget about it. Eat the cost and go on with life. The problem with the das is you have to remove the windshield to change it so you might as well put in a good one.

Randy Jones
1971 911

If you going to redo your interior, do it right. You can replace the dash, or you can get a cover for it - not a cap. My interior is leather, and when I did the restoration, I found out that the dash under the leather was just an ordinary dash with a leather cover over it. I believe you should be able to buy a naugahyde cover for it and it should make it look great.

Steve