Solution to cracks in dashboard?

[robertinla]

I see too many 944s cover the almost inevitable cracks using a sort of carpet-like cover on the dash. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but it seems kinda tacky to me.

Does anybody know of other solutions? A new dashboard doesn't appear to be something you can go to a parts store and order. I heard from somebody before about some kind of product, a sort of "dashcap", that's made to go right over the dash elegantly. Any ideas on this or any other solutions?

Thanks.

[J1NX3D]

Do a search, this has been covered lots.

Here in NZ there is a dash restoration place that vaccum seals ur dash to look just like brand new. I got quoted $NZ500.00 (about $US220.00) all up.
Surely theres sum place in the states that does it too??

[scottmandue]

Originally posted by mAd924
Do a search, this has been covered lots.

Here in NZ there is a dash restoration place that vaccum seals ur dash to look just like brand new. I got quoted $NZ500.00 (about $US220.00) all up.
Surely theres sum place in the states that does it too??

That sounds way cool! I will start searching for someone who can do that, seems like $220 US is about what the dashcap runs I have not seen the plastic dash cover but I'm not sure I would like the look of it. I have seen NOS dashboards for around $1000 US...
and then you have to install it

[robertinla]

Thanks for the tip. I'll look it up.

I got a quote from Porsche for a new dash close to $1k like scott says. That's always an option, though a bit pricey. But that vacuum restoration process sounds good.

[T86951]

there is a dash cover that looks just like the dash material. It glues on and totally covers the dash. Most everyone carries them like automotion, performance products, Pelican, etc.

tell me if you find a place in usa taht does taht.. way cool

[rscupper]

Definitely do a search on Pelican re dashes. I recall most did not like the caps at all - initial install was not so great and the cap warps & waves in the sun.

Anybody know of any non-original possibilities? Maybe there's a relatively inexpensive racing-type, carbon graphite thing (I can live without some of the instruments, like the stupid fuel economy gauge ).

[lambic2000]

Dash Cap $95 Simple and decent looking for those on a limited income or tight budget.

Rebuilt Dash $550 www.justdashes.com Economical for those who have more money than option number 1 but cannot afford a brand new dash.

Brand New Dash $900 For those who have money to burn.

[Sean 944/986S]

Okay, careful research has revealed a zillion different methods of treating the infamous cracked 944 dashboard. A few of these methods are listed below, in descending order of price.
With solutions 1-3, there's also the significant labor involved in removing and replacing the dash, which will not be cheap or easy. You can DIY, but prepare to take a long time.

4-7 are a few less comprehensive solutions - maybe not as good as a new/refurbished dash, but are they almost as good?

1. NEW OEM FACTORY DASHBOARD - $6000 PLUS LABOR
The dealer quoted me a price of over $6000 for a new dash. ::insert laughtrack:: But the actual part has been discontinued, so even Bill Gates can't use this option.

2. NEW AFTERMARKET DASHBOARD - $1000 PLUS SHIPPING & LABOR
Performance Products has 944 dashboards for sale for about $1000. But do the colors match? Anyone seen these?

3. JUSTDASHES.COM OR SIMILAR REFURBISHING - $600 PLUS SHIPPING & LABOR
A company like justdashes.com will take the original dash and refurbish it as new. Cost is reputed to be around $600, and the process takes 6 weeks - during which time, you have a 944 with no dash.

4. A.BAUER DASHGLOVE - $229 PLUS SHIPPING LABOR
This is a LEATHER dashcover custom fit for 944. A very interesting alternative to plastic dashcovers. But will the colors match? Installs "in minutes." (yeah right)
NOTE: I recently called A. Bauer and they discontinued this option. So I guess you'd have to get the dashglove or a comparable leather cover elsewhere.

5. COVERLAY PLASTIC DASH COVER - $100 PLUS LABOR (LOCAL SHOP QUOTED ME $250 TOTAL)
These are the most popular. Supposedly they are vinyl dyed to match color. But some say they are too shiny & plasticy, or just look like dash covers. Others swear they look OEM!

6. FABRIC DASH COVER - $40
This is for those who want to take the simplest, easiest way out. A carpet or fabric cover that is cut to fit the 944.

7. DIY VINYL RESTORATION
Restore the vinyl yourself using a kit. This looks very promising IF you can figure out what to do. http://www.nb.net/~vinylpro/dashboard_repairs.htm

I am getting tired of staring at my Saddle Brown lunar landscape of a dashboard. If anyone has personal experience with any of these methods, or any other ideas, your input would be appreciated!

[robertinla]

Great stuff, everybody. I've just bookmarked this entire thread for my files for when I'm ready to go with a dash solution.

There are some alternatives here, and I just can't live with that fabric dash cover solution.

[RaF944]

I also know that Mexican944 had redone dashes for sale. I think they were $365? with your dash sent to him. They were redone in fine german leather

[AFJuvat]

I have the carpet cover for the dash. I like it - - it looks good and didn't cost a whole lot to fix.

AFJuvat

[PorscheG96]

{{{Thousands of Porsche owners, as well as myself, are interested in a product or process to restore the look of our vinyl dashes. Our cars [notably the 944 and 968 series] have problems with the dash cracking regardless of how often we treat them with cleaners, protectants, or keep them out of the sun. I'm very curious to know how much your process costs, and how easy it would be for many of the novices out there to try...are the results you normally get positive? Thanks in advance for any information you can add. -Trevor

HI Trevor,
It does depend where the crack is to give yourself a cosmetic repair in addition to a strong one. You can do the repair with our "the Millennium Mender for vinyl repair" and thwo extra products---Sem aerosol texture spray and Sem silver sure-coat paint. These can all be found at http://www.vinylpro.com
Thad
Vinyl-Pro of Western Pa.}}}
-----
Dunno if I'll order this stuff and try it yet, but I suppose it's worth a try. Big problem is that most cracks I've seen develop around the vents, that'll be difficult to repair. I have a soldering iron but I don't know if that's what they mean by a heat iron... -Trevor

[fty]

anyone ever just rip the dash out and replace it with a racing dash from gt-racing.com? I was going to attempt this summer since i have big plans to make this car a street legal race car....

[pc100porsche]

Any updates on this topic ?

[pfarah]

I think 924Werks restores them but funny you should ask...

It's too soon to tell but I just bought a restored dash from a firm up in Canada last week. I'll report on the restoration quality once it arrives later this week.

[drkshdw]

Updates from 16 years ago? Pretty unlikely any of these guys are still around. I did recover a dash out of a parts car about 10 years ago. Still holding up like new today. Not hard, just a time intensive process (IIRC, about 6 hours to prep and finish the dash, not including removal and reinstalling into the car). And it was less than $30 in supplies, including the vinyl.

[Alfasrule]

Great Dash repair for under $30.00!!! - Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board & Forums

Here's an option?

[v2rocket_aka944]

justdashes in California will make yours like factory-new for about $1500.
werk 924 in Germany i think makes NEW ones for about the same price.

[pdxfj]

Another option is Classic 9. I used their dash recover kit and it looks great.

I did the prep work myself and enlisted the help of an auto upholstery shop to install the cover.