87 911 dash replacement

[Dkennel]

I have seen confusing info on this:

Do I need to remove the windshield to replace the dash cover?
I have two cracks and it somehow seems a little warped over the instrument cluster.
Also wonder if I should go leather (928 leather) or "just dashes" restoration.
Was leather ever an option? OEM?

Thanks!

[3.2 CAB]

As far as I know, the windshield does need to be removed to get to the fasteners that hold the dash top in place. Yes, leather was an option, I have it in mine, no vinyl dash, or other panels, that could be either vinyl or leather. I actually think the leather is better for this application, that the synthetic materials that are available. Mine still looks great. If you keep it properly cleaned and treated, it should last as long as any other leather products. It almost sounds like you could possibly get one of the composite dash covers, and have pretty damn good luck with it, because you say the area above the instruments is warped, just putting fresh leather on that would just make it a newly, leather dash, still with the warped damage, where it was to begin with. The composite covers have enough rigidity to be able to make that area look a lot better. Good luck!!

[group911@aol.co]

On an 87, you don't need to remove the windshield to remove the dash. The long vent is all that hold the front of the dash down.
Leather shrinks and pulls the dash with it. I think the only thing you can do it try to keep them out of the sun or cover them with a mat or something to protect them when they are in the sun.

[3.2 CAB]

That is good to know, because I was not really sure when the change was made where the dash top could be removed without removing the windshield. Great info!

[dw1]

My '87 dash is currently with 928leather for recovering. I'll let you know how it turns out.

My dash pad also had several cracks above the instruments - this certainly appears common. In talking to Bob Budd, the proprietor of 928Leather, he said he had 2 other recently received 911 dash pads on the bench with mine.

No, the windshield didn't have to be removed, but the 2 nuts securing the dash on the right side are not easy to get at. I removed a trunk strut, the antenna amplifier, and one other electronics box/relay to get to these screws with a 10mm deep socket and long extension.

Removal of the dash itself is also not an easy "lift off" because of the horizontal and vertical stud screws that secure the dash pad to the area around the instruments.

Removal of the dash pad is not the most difficult of tasks, but one needing patience. It also would have been easier with smaller hands and better coordinated fingers than mine.

[DEAN911]

I have a recovered dash I bought some time ago and never used. It looks really good and is covered in matching vinyl. Includes the vent as well. I was going to post it but just never got around to it. Hope I am not breaking any rules here. Interested?

Greg

[dw1]

Greg -

Oh where were you a few weeks ago before I sent mine out?

Seriously, what color is it?

I doubt you're breaking any rules, because this type of posting is how I got my replacement steering wheel. Well, technically there is a "parts" section of this BBS.

[DEAN911]

Sorry. I guess it's all about timing. It is black and when it was recovered they used some small piping at the joint between the front of the dash and the flat.

PM me and we can go into this further.

Thanks, Greg

[petrolblue83911]

dw-

928leather did mine a few months back and it came back extremely nice. I'm sure you will be happy with it.

-Adam