Dash - repair, or replace?

[Va_Powerman]

So, I have a new-to-me '85, with some cosmetic issues. One that particularly bugs me is the dash (or dash cap, not sure of the correct name). Evidently this car was allowed to sit in the sun, which caused the vinyl to pull off of the dash just below the windshield on the drivers side. The PO tried to halt the damage by stapling the vinyl, but in short, it just looks like crap.

I have a chance to purchase a used dash - described as very good condition - at an asking price of $400.

Question - should I purchase the used dash, or is there a way to repair my existing dash? I'm on a bit of a budget...

[tobluforu]

Post a pic.

[NewfieMZ3]

I vote replace. many good used dashes available, particuarly in Black. $400 is a decent price if in good condition. Your dash may also be warped beyond repair, if this is the case you will have to replace anyway. If you have a colored dash may have to recover, if dash itself is in good condition, not too many colored dashes I seen out there. Mine was blue leather, so my only real option was to have recovered. Google Classic9 Leatherworks........they do phenominal work on Porsche dashes.

[jonmont]

Have had this dilemma too. Classic9 will probably charge only slightly more than that anyway, and it will be perfect.

[Kemo]

400 for a used one or have it repaired at Classic 9...sounds like a no brainer. have it repaired.

[dhg1337]

Either one is a good price, $400 recovered in leather sounds too good. Last place it checked they wanted $700.

[RSWiser]

I think my dash is original and it is Blue. So can I assume it is leather? I would like dye it black.

Does the dash come out easily for should I dye it in place?

[dhg1337]

Not easy to remove. Need to remove the front windshield to get to the retaining screws.

[craigyirush]

Originally Posted by NewfieMZ3

I vote replace. many good used dashes available, particuarly in Black. $400 is a decent price if in good condition. Your dash may also be warped beyond repair, if this is the case you will have to replace anyway. If you have a colored dash may have to recover, if dash itself is in good condition, not too many colored dashes I seen out there. Mine was blue leather, so my only real option was to have recovered. Google Classic9 Leatherworks........they do phenominal work on Porsche dashes.

Is there stitching on the dash?

I would assume if it's warped it's likely leather.

What steering wheel is that in the photo above? A Momo?

[Jerome74911S]

Originally Posted by craigyirush

What steering wheel is that in the photo above? A Momo?

If you squint, it says "Prototipo"on it. Momo.

[Mitch Leland]

If you're thinking cheap, then the plastic topper is a good solution. If they are painted up right with a matching "SEM" paint and installed correctly they don't look too bad. I ran one for a couple of years until I installed a re-covered leather dash. I waited to install the new leather dash until I needed to R&R the windshield. Removing and replacing the dash isn't too bad...