Lakewell Dashboard Issues

[maninblack]

Originally Posted by CBA

Interesting as I just ordered a dash from Porsche "Gaudin Porsche" today which I'm assuming is as close to original as possible... is there a reason why people aren't order a dash from Porsche & ordering from Lakewell instead? The Porsche part is actually slightly less money too.

Depends on the car. The Porsche 1970-75 dashes are terrible looking things. I heard the new 77-86 dashes they're selling are pretty good but haven't ordered one yet. The 87-89 dash I ordered recently had a production date of 2001 and fit perfectly.

[almostordinary]

link? id like to try another vendor

[Industrialando]

Interesting, I found the cost for a direct from Porsche dash was nearly $3k where Lakewell cost me ~$1,100. CBA, what were you quoted from Gaudin Porsche? Also an update from AMEX they did credit my account and will chase down Lakewell (good luck), I submitted several attachments (emails, pictures) so hopefully this actually sticks.

[famoroso]

I don't have firsthand install experience, but everytime I've scrutinized Sierra Madre's ABS replacement dash display unit at the Lit show, it's looked pretty good / promising. You may want to research it as an option.

[almostordinary]

Hmmm, probably not a bad option.

I do have a couple of great upholstery guys in and around LA. I "repaired" some dash cracks in my stock unit and recovered myself... now it's the last cosmetic thing to replace on my build.

https://*********************.com/products/interior-dash-and-door-panel-set-911-964-993-87-98-p32651

Wish it didn't come with all the additional parts. But could be an excuse to go with something a bit different? Alcantara? And keep all the stock bits if I want to go back.

[dtwa]

Originally Posted by famoroso

I don't have firsthand install experience, but everytime I've scrutinized Sierra Madre's ABS replacement dash display unit at the Lit show, it's looked pretty good / promising. You may want to research it as an option.

The ABS dash cores are German made and the one I bought fit pretty well in my 85. There was a slight angle mismatch where it met up with the door garnish moldings. But overall a pretty good fit.

These things are unfinished and have to be covered with vinyl/leather. I had mine professionally done in leather by a well known shop (they had never seen an ABS core before). But over time (months) the leather detached from the core. Re-glued it and it failed again. I think the failure was due to excessive expansion of the core when hot, causing the glue to eventually fail.

Maybe there is a way to make this work (different glue?), but I decided to move on. Ended up going with the Genuine Porsche item (not leather) and have been very happy with it. Texture on the vinyl matches the original leather pretty well. Fit is excellent.

—Dave


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[KerryM]

Sorry to hear about all of the recent issues with Lakewell. I bought the sport seat restoration kit with hound's-tooth inserts from them about a year ago. They arrived quickly and both my installer and I were very pleased at the quality and fit.

[almostordinary]

Guess getting AMEX involved got them to get their a** in gear.

This literally just arrived. About 4mos later. Zero correspondence until I sent the dispute in.... still no email, just a package finally.



Their customer service is 0/10 let's see how this part fits.

If it's a no-go I will re-open the AMEX dispute.

-Ian

[PeteKz]

I bought the Porsche dash from our sponsor 4 years ago for my 1973. Price was around $1200 at that time. It has a metal base, then foam, then vinyl covering. Since a couple shops I checked with to recover the old core wanted close to $1000, I figured the new Porsche part was worth $200 more, especially since I would have to remove the windshield to replace it if it failed. It was hard to get in, but fits exactly and has not changed shape or delaminated in 4 years. Car usually stays in the garage, but I drive it enough and park it outside at stores and cars'n'coffee enough that it gets significant sun on it. No problems.

[Jeff Alton]

We ordered one from Porsche for a 74 restoration recently. Fits well, NO issues.....

Not sure what we will do with the 69 restoration, as the dash itself is in good condition, but the speaker grille is cracked and it is unique to a 69.


Cheers

[PeteKz]

Good news: My Lakewell order for a set of 4 door pockets arrived today. It was ordered on Dec 9th, so the delivery time was very good, considering it came from Belgium. On initial inspection they look like very high quality, I would even say better than factory because they are made from fiberglass instead of fiberboard, which will not distort if they get wet, or break down over time, like the originals did.

I'll post later on how well they fit.

[CBA]

Originally Posted by Industrialando

Interesting, I found the cost for a direct from Porsche dash was nearly $3k where Lakewell cost me ~$1,100. CBA, what were you quoted from Gaudin Porsche? Also an update from AMEX they did credit my account and will chase down Lakewell (good luck), I submitted several attachments (emails, pictures) so hopefully this actually sticks.

Go to their parts website and put the part # in. It was under $1,100. It’s for my ‘73, I bought the same dash from them 3 years ago for my ‘74 and it is “original” as can be. Fits like a glove and looks perfect. I’m assuming the quality hasn’t changed and the reason why I’m buying it directly from Porsche.

[Industrialando]

So the websites (Porsche official and local dealerships) are terrible, search functions for the part # I'm looking show there is no availability and the only dash showing a center vent gives me no method to actually make a purchase.

I called the parts folks at my local dealership and after 10 minutes of searching they found it, $1,275 and it will be here in a few days. Wish I had done this from the beginning.

[Industrialando]

Happy to report the dealership called yesterday and the dash arrived several days early. After a quick test fit the dash dropped right in and fit perfectly.

The parts manager said the dash came from their Atlanta store and they had several in stock in case anyone else is interested.

[maninblack]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Good news: My Lakewell order for a set of 4 door pockets arrived today. It was ordered on Dec 9th, so the delivery time was very good, considering it came from Belgium. On initial inspection they look like very high quality, I would even say better than factory because they are made from fiberglass instead of fiberboard, which will not distort if they get wet, or break down over time, like the originals did.

I'll post later on how well they fit.

FYI, much all of the Lakewell stuff is sourced from Carpoint. 10 years ago, the only good repro dash for 69-75 cars ever made (and since discontinued) became widely known as the "Lakewell dash" when in reality it was manufactured by Carpoint.

[maninblack]

Originally Posted by Industrialando

Happy to report the dealership called yesterday and the dash arrived several days early. After a quick test fit the dash dropped right in and fit perfectly.

The parts manager said the dash came from their Atlanta store and they had several in stock in case anyone else is interested.

I'm anxious to see these 77-86 dashes in person. After the disapointment of the Porsche Classic 69-75 dash, I didn't have high hopes, but I've heard the later dash is more correct. I'd love to see a close-up of the vinyl grain.

[Industrialando]

Here is a picture of the vinyl grain, not great shot since I put it back in the box until its ready for final install.

[maninblack]

Thanks. I'm glad the fit is good. But that grain is a huge disappointment. I just can't understand why is seems Porsche doesn't even try to get the grain correct on any of their new dashboards. Frustrating. I'm geting tires of payng for NOS dashes.

[Industrialando]

The saga continues, apparently Lakewell told AMEX they would accept a return and will refund once received (less EU costs of course) and they rebilled my account. Incredibly frustrating that Lakewell refuses to answer emails but somehow convinced AMEX they would refund me.

The issue now is shipping, DHL, FedEx and UPS are all over $800 to ship into Belgium, any recommendations for an international shipment, dimensions are 54"x12"x9"?

[almostordinary]

Ooof.

Honestly, there may be someone doing a restomod here on the forums that would take the dash at the $800 pricetag as it may be more in their build budget.

If you're transparent to the potential new buyer it may be the most win-win scenario on the table.

And agreed, LakeWell didn't skip a beat talking w Amex on my case, but never once got back to me.