Replacement dash cover

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focodave
Patron 2018
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Posts: 704
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:35 am
Your car is a: 1980 Spider 2000 F.I.
Location: Fort Collins, CO

Re: Replacement dash cover

Postby focodave » Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:36 pm

Hello:
I also have the hard black plastic one bought many years ago from IAP and it does look good except after a few years it developed a small sag. I had to go back and trim the glove box door to get it to close. Sag does not appear to have gotten any worse since then.


Huh.
I've had mine installed for about 4 years, now.
No warps, sags, bends, discoloration, and no change in appearance from when I first installed it.
My car sits in my attached, but unheated, garage and regularly sees seasonal temperature swings of about 30 degrees F to 110 degrees F.
1980 Spider 2000 F.I. (my hobby)
1970 MGB GT (my other hobby)
2008 Ford Expedition (daily driver)
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
2019 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster

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wetminkey
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Posts: 1199
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Replacement dash cover

Postby wetminkey » Sun Feb 04, 2018 11:53 pm

I've requested an estimate for a rebuild of my '79 Spider 2000 dash from justdashes.com. More when I get a response.
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe

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wetminkey
Patron 2018
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Posts: 1199
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Replacement dash cover

Postby wetminkey » Wed Feb 07, 2018 4:56 pm

OUTRAGEOUS is right!!! How about this estimate from Just Dashes:

"Our current lead time is approximately 10-12 weeks from the time we receive your parts.
Here is an approximate cost of your restoration:

$1,100 | Dash
Other Parts:
$500 | Console between seats
**Please lis shipping zip code for estimate**

$100-$200 Color Match Fee

*No extra charge for black
+ Shipping"

I sent them a nasty-gram back to shame them, and will be shopping fro a full, padded dash replacement.
I'll post more as things progress,...
This is NOT my first rodeo!! That price is insane!
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe

FiatJim
Patron 2023
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Posts: 187
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2009 7:29 pm
Your car is a: 1973 spider refurbished
Location: Greensboro, NC

Re: Replacement dash cover

Postby FiatJim » Tue Feb 13, 2018 8:17 pm

I had a black plastic dash cover installed by a vendor. Unfortunately, the installer did not do a complete job and the front middle edge buckled up in t 2 spots. So, my advice, try to get a few referrals from previous customers before you proceed.
I am using a dash "rug" to cover it up.

Jim

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NorthernOtter
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:28 pm
Your car is a: 1973 Fiat 124 Spider

Re: Replacement dash cover

Postby NorthernOtter » Thu Feb 15, 2018 1:10 pm

Spoke with a local upholsterer that has been doing work since 1975. He said that installation is a big factor in the durability of the caps, and that they should be installed with a bead of sealant around the edges, leaving the rest "floating". If it is glued down in all areas, there is no room for flex and cracks will develop.

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wetminkey
Patron 2018
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Posts: 1199
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Replacement dash cover

Postby wetminkey » Fri Feb 16, 2018 12:55 am

I've replaced multiple dashes in 'classic' cars with new, urethane, full dash replacements.
They excel in appearance, ease of installation, fit, and durability. The urethane is unaffected by UV or heat and does not change shape or warp. Colors do not fade.
Each of them has cost several hundred dollars, and shipping has not been cheap. I would say they have cost me about $300-$350 each,...but they are a permanent replacement.
I have put a lot of research into this subject and read a lot of opinions of folks that have opted for dashes and caps. I think the new urethane dashes are worth the cost. I hope this helps to make that painful dash replacement decision easier! Good luck!
Todd.
P.S. On request, I can provide pics of most of the dashes I've installed,...
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe


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