Dash - re-cover or replace?

[fordkenstein]

LMC has an adhesive dash cover for about $100 and a replacement dash pad for about $400. When is a dash pad too far gone to re-cover? Any opinions on which way to go? Money IS an object, but it would be a waste of $100 to attempt to re-cover an un-re-cover-able dash.

[basketcase0302]

I believe that "cover" they sell is just that. A cover that simply sits on top of your original dash-not an actual piece similar to recovering a seat. Maybe someone else here can chime in that knows a little more about it.

[fordkenstein]

Dash Board.JPG

Dash Cover.JPG

[Bob]

One thing I can tell you about the new replacement dash pad is the defrost vents slots are not the same as factory. You'll need to cut a piece of rod to lay in the center slot so the windshield defrosts out to the sides. Otherwise all you air blows straight up. The center hole is too big and the bulk of the air heads out it.

They look good and bolt up fine though. All fifty thousand nuts...

I considered going with the cover but thought it'd probably look... like a cover... instead of original dash.

[basketcase0302]

These covers are made from molded heat resistant plastic...

Most the covers I've seen were poor fitting, they simply lay over the top of the original dash pad.
Maybe someone here that has one can chime in. I'd love to get a new one for my truck!

[crewdcab]

Never used on on a bump, but did try one on a 84 Chebby. It was not good. Defroster vents didn't fit, didn't sit tight on old dash, Adheasive held for about a month. Ended up buying a new one. IMO, save your money.

[killakobra]

you could always go without a pad. all you have to do with the vents is take the grates out of your old pad and screw them in. it's how they were done on the big trucks.

[Calfdemon]

I have the molded plastic dash cover on my truck and it looks good. At first look, it looks exactly like the dash pad. Depending on how you glue it on the existing dash pad, it can look like mine or even better. I just did it quick and didn't take my time and I have a couple of slight "bumps" near the heater vents as a result. But again, the dash cover is well worth it for the savings in cost compared to a new dash pad.

Pictures of mine are in this previous thread: http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopi ... 046c4b04ba

[oldmopars]

I got one with my truck and it looks good. Be sure to spend the time to prep the dash. Sand down any high spots, clean the heck out of it, then glue it and use rolls of paper towels wedged against the window and other means to force it to stay down till dry.
No, it will not be as perfect as the original, but does look very good.

[fordkenstein]

I think it looks pretty good without the pad too. Am I crazy?

[70 ranger]

I got one of those plastic covers for my truck and yes it does not fit perfect. the defrost holes are slightly off (1/4"). But for the 70$ I think it looks great. No one has ever noticed that it is a cover. My truck is far from a show truck but I want it to look pretty good for cheap, so this fit the bill.

[Maximus71]

I like it without the pad too. I'll be removing mine when I get around to working on the interior of the beast.

[couchcuts]

Until I saw your thread I was not sure , but I definately have the dash cover.

The previous owner of the truck put one in and I think it looks good.

Just like 70 ranger I do not need the truck to be a show truck, I just want it to look nice and clean inside and the dash cover seems to do the trick.


....the no dash is a nice look as well that is for sure....



these are the best photos of the dash cover that I have with me, I hope it helps...

[sargentrs]

I recently bought one from a member that had been actually recovered with vinyl by gluing. Except for couple of places where the glue has come loose, on the back and end, it looks just like brand new. I'll reglue it down when I get ready for it.

[1971fordcustom]

Just RePlace it! I bought a NEW one from JCW a few years back!

I have like two post on it!

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =6&t=30314 There is a Photo!