Feedback on 944 dashboard caps

[Rocket944]

I am sure a string is already out there so please re-direct me as needed.

I have just picked up my first Porsche, a 1985 944. Generally in very good condition and my 2000 mile break-in cruise to get it home was a blast.

One of the first aesthetic issues needing attention is the dashboard...badly cracked and was covered with a hard plastic cap which looked cheap and rattled.

Leaning toward Dashtex cover, and would like to hear about others experience with this option...and other alternatives.

Thanks for your thoughts,

[9FF]

Hello and welcome, glad you’re enjoying the car, they are special machines for sure.

The plastic “exact fit” cover can look ok for a short time if you take your time to fit it. After a while they will warp from the heat and look terrible again, so they are not a permanent fix.

A cover like the Dashtex is obviously just a cover so it’s not meant to make the dash look like factory. Fit also isn’t as critical so they should look good for longer.

[v2rocket_aka944]

I think the plastic dash caps fit well and look good. After a while you forget it is there.
I had one warp after a year or 2, but replaced with another one that has held up since.

[OK-944]

I'm still on the fence about this...either go with a dash cap or pull out all the stops and do a no holds barred "jjeffries-style" dash reconstruction. But is there some middle ground here?

[Ernie944]

Originally Posted by Rocket944

I am sure a string is already out there so please re-direct me as needed.

I have just picked up my first Porsche, a 1985 944. Generally in very good condition and my 2000 mile break-in cruise to get it home was a blast.

One of the first aesthetic issues needing attention is the dashboard...badly cracked and was covered with a hard plastic cap which looked cheap and rattled.

Leaning toward Dashtex cover, and would like to hear about others experience with this option...and other alternatives.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Welcome to our home...Rocket944...Maybe you should google Vertex....auto,they give good service & are reilable,no affiliation with them,just a satisfy customer.

[jcommin]

Welcome to the forum.

There have been many, many, many posts on cracked dashboards. Which one/method is best?
The answer is: it depends.

A cap or cover is the simplest, least expensive option. There are pros/cons
Try to find a used one in excellent condition - like chasing a goony bird.
Rebuild it - a few members on the board have done that
Recover it yourself -
Have someone else recover it

Clark's Garage has a detailed write up on dash removal. It's not hard but not for the faint of heart either. Your are dealing with aging plastic and wires so the key is patience, bag your fasteners, tag and label everything. Pictures help too.

It largely depend on how much time/money you want to invest. I would suggest you evaluate the condition of the entire interior of your car. Replacing/fixing one item will make everything else in the car look older and worse.

Good luck and think it thru.

[Rocket944]

Were my 944 something unique, the full replacement would be worth the time and effort. Since the cracks are aesthetic, covering and saving my time and money for more functional and performance related projects makes the most sense at this time. Given my experience with the cap that came with the car is not favorable, I will give one of the covers a shot.

Thanks, again...