Dash Repair • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Stephen** » 17 Nov 2001 5:31

This is the first time i've used a message board, so i'm not sure if i'm doing it right. Oh well. I was just wondering if anyone could give me an estimate on how much it would cost me to get a cracked dash fixed. It would be better to replace it, but i want all the numbes to match. I have a '73. I think i'm doing good. I'm ony 17 and I already own the car of my dreams. Well, e-mail me please if you can help. Thanks.

by **dave-r** » 17 Nov 2001 12:36

First of all welcome to the mesage board.

You were not quite doing it right but I have put it right for you!

When you are starting a new topic you need to first go to the right area ie 'Technical' then 'Interior'. Then click 'Start new conversation' and call your subject something like 'Dash Repair'. That way if someone in the future wants to see if this question has already been asked they can easily find it.

I have done all the above for you. Hopefully someone will be able to answer your question (I can't!).

by **dave-r** » 17 Nov 2001 16:15

Another thing you can do is perform a keyword search from the link on the left. Do one for the word 'dash' and see what comes up. A company called Just Dashes seems to pop up often. I don't know if they offer a crack repair kit as well as complete dash pads. I do know their 1971-74 versions are cheaper than the 1970.

I remember someone selling a repair kit that was some kind of foam that goes hard and then the whole thing is primed and painted to match the original color? Does this ring any bells with anyone?

by **Jack T** » 17 Nov 2001 22:44

Just Dashes is here in the Los Angeles area, Van Nuys to be exact, and their web address is www.justdashes.com. They state that they do not sell any inferior quick-fix products in their catalogue, so I imagine you have to buy the whole pad from them.

by **Joe** » 16 Dec 2001 17:09

Has anyone orderd parts from just dashes. If so how is the quality and priceing for dashes and interior pannels. Thanks

by **Von** » 17 Dec 2001 15:53

they recovered my dash. It is excellent!period. it cost $650 us dollars. thats high but its perfect.

by **Alan Lotarski (Sean)** » 13 Mar 2002 16:06

You're right Von. I had Just Dashes do mine too and it is great. They do NOT repair cracks. It is an all or nothing. I had one small crack about an inch long I had to have the whole thing done.YO has dash pads now which look excellent and no core charge fo the 70 Challenger but they are pricey

by **Douglas Little (Dlittle)** » 10 Dec 2002 14:15

I replace my dash with a dash cap. Not high dollar ($125) but it turned out OK. It was not easy to install to look good but the extra work is worth it. Baring very close inspection it would pass.

by **Dave-R (Roppa440)** » 10 Dec 2002 14:47

Hey! That looks really good. Trevor is thinking of getting one of these as well.

by **Hans (72challenger)** » 10 Dec 2002 19:21

I have a new one laying around too which I still have to install some day. Did it gave you any 'problems' around the VIN# and Challenger name plate on the passenger side Douglas?

by **Trevor (Trev)** » 10 Dec 2002 20:47

yes dave, it does look good doesn't it that sort of repair would do me fine, i wonder if you can fit them without having to pull the whole dash?

by **Douglas Little (Dlittle)** » 10 Dec 2002 20:53

I had removed the vin in a previous repair so I had a bit of liberty with it. The Challenger logo I removed and shaved the back side and put it in its place. The places that gave the most trouble where around the speaker and the ac vents. My dash was in very bad shape to start with which I think made the installation more difficult. I can see how one could be installed in the car but it must be easier if the dash was out. I will admit that removing the dash is no fun but I had to in order to replace some stuff. When you decide to go for it I would get extra silicon sealer (the tube that came with the form was only half enough). Also have plenty of clamps, cloths pins etc. on hand to hold it till it sets. Take your time fitting it up and you should have no problem Hans.

by **Jay Gilmore (Mickey_mouse** » 12 Dec 2002 2:17

HI all, l fitted a dash cap from legendary dashs a couple of years back, grain quality and dash its self spot on and it had the cut outs for vin tag and Challenger badge, being a ex Alabama car dash cracked on top. It helps if you smooth out the cracks,or what l did V the cracks repair with plastis bumper repair paste,then degrease top then apply the silicon to dash pad and fit with original dash in place, masking tape and weights to hold down front by screen and tape on the rest.l did a trial fit first though to see if any trimming needed but all spot on. Left it for 24 hours and removed wights and tape and good as new. Cost me more to air freight it to England than buy the pad $95.. freight customs vat etc etc $150.Have even repaired small cracks in panels by using Plastic bumper repair paste and find a piece of mutton clothe or dish clothe,wet with thinners and dab over repair area and you can match up grain this way. then paint with plastic primer and paint. This will cover all the hard plastic interior panels inside of car,as l had to rebuild the ends of the rear side interior panels on to back shelve as heat etc had degraded edges of panels. Did this 2 years ago and still as good as new...

by **Trevor (Trev)** » 12 Dec 2002 13:36

yep! definetly conviced that a dash cap is the way forward for me, plenty of good advice off you guys who have been there allready have won me over, i will probably send the order in this week end bye for now trev.

by **Hans (72challenger)** » 12 Dec 2002 18:40

Is it a 'hard' dashcap you have Douglas? Cause it looks like some vinyl placed perfectly around the old dash. I got mine from the Paddock which is a 'hard' one which should be simple placed over the old one. It covers the old dash from the air vent to the glovebox.

by **Douglas Little (Dlittle)** » 13 Dec 2002 12:41

The dash cap is a hard one made by accu-form? and purchased through JC Whitney ($118+freight). It will fit over the old dash if raised defects are removed. Fitting dry is very important for a good installation especailly around the defrost vents, ac vents, speaker and vin. It in no way is flexable and it seems you have the same kind I used Hans.

by **Hans (72challenger)** » 13 Dec 2002 19:09

Yeah, it sounds exactly the same Douglas! Thx for your info.

by **Randy (Randys72)** » 07 Feb 2003 22:30

i order a dash pad for ultimate rides out out texas it was much lower in price than just dashes 475.00 wiuth a pvc core and it looks great-this company sell them to year one but year one wanted 50.00 more-if your going through the trouble of taking apart your car do it right and once dont bother capping it because down the road you will want to get a new pad and the money you saved with cap will be wasted in having to take apart the whole project agian-im very happy with this dash i also was going to cap it but im not into redoing it twice-just something to think about

by **Graham Shortreed (Transma** » 08 Feb 2003 0:43

If you're really picky or doing that numbers matching, 10+ restoration, then go for the high dollar Just Dashes pad. I've seen the lower cost ones, and installed properly they look fine.

by **Sf (Sf)** » 15 Feb 2003 16:32

If someone wants a core to send to Just Dashes, I have one that I will sell. Out of a '70. It's in pretty bad shape as far as the pad is concerned, but everything else is find. I did not want to wait the 8 weeks and have my car torn apart for that long. Give me a offer I can't refuse plus shipping.