I have a slightly warped dashboard (by the upper windshield vents) that I would like to try and put back into its original condition. Are there any "home remedies" that I could use to smooth these out or am I wasting my time?

Thanks!

 

You didn't specify if the dash is vinyl or leather over vinyl. You also didn't mention a specific model year. Although this information would be most helpful in locating a replacement, it would also allow me the opportunity to discuss the particular dash in question in greater detail.
Basically they are all the same dashboard from the assembly line, except:
After 74, they have no center speaker grill.
Prior to 74 they have no center A/C vents, after they may, or may not have the A/C vent.
After 85 they have a single defrost vent across the width of the dash instead of the 2 smaller vents on previous models.
They are all held in place by 6-7 threaded studs along the 'face' of the dash and 5-7 plastic 'plugs' along the top surface. Prior to 85 they are also held down with 6 small screws through the most forward edge of the dash. These are hidden by the windshield gasket, thus for proper removal of the dash, the glass must come out. This is not necessary on 85 & later models.

All dashes are made from the factory with a tough, rather hard vinyl covering (generally black, but there are a host of other possible colors) that is essentially 'shrink-wrapped" onto the dash form.
Some are then covered in leather at the factory. This means a lot of glue and a ton of staples.
If your dash is leather covered, then the problem is that the leather has shrunk over the years and has pulled the vinyl out of shape. There is little that can be done to 'fix' this other than to conditin the heck out of the leather to prevent it from getting worse (maybe). Or pull the dash and recover(maybe) or replace it.
If the dash is vinyl, there is basically only one option and it involves removal.
I have seen and even talked to the guys at a place in Van Nuys, CA called 'Just Dashes' (www.justdashes.com)
they can repair the vinyl dash to as new condition. Exactly how they do it is beyond me, but their work is above reproach. Sadly, their prices generally match the quality.
I recently saw a redone dash on ebay go for $875.
if yours is leather (or you want it to be) and it is not so warped that it is unusable, then I know a guy that recovers them. I have one in my 84 that I just finished installing in the past few weeks.
Scroll down to see a post called 'headliner is in'. There is a link to a few interior pics of my project. I'll snap a few close-ups of the dash and post them as well.

Lots of dribble here, but the bottom line is that it all depends on what you consider as a DIY project.
I pulled my own glass, old dash, guages, headliner, sunroof, and I'm redoing it all in my driveway/garage.
I'm fairly ambitious and I have a moderately tolerant wife though, so your mileage may vary.

I'll post the dash pics ASAP. If you are interested in the contact information for the guy, just let me know.
The least expensive, least invasive, and possibly the 2nd least desirable is a custom cut dash mat made of fabric/material similar to carpet or velour.
The #1 least favorite dash repair method is the glue-on plastic dash cover sold on eBay for ~$80 (YUCK!).
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Thanks Dan. My car is an 82 Coupe with a leather covered dash and the leather itself is in v. good condition; use Leatherique oil on it. I'm interested in fixing the 2 minor warps on it and dying it black from its current brown color. I'm going to take out all the glass and replace the headliner in black; I'm going to change the interior from brown/tan to all black (RS door panels, recover the rear seats in black, get Recaros) since I do use the car for DEs, etc. Eventually I'll do the fiberglass bumpers but this year's project is the interior. Any list of parts sources would be greatly appreciated. I do have the 101 project book and will use that as my guide;key to all this is PATIENCE (and $$$!!!!)...

 

This palce offers fiberglass and carbon fiber replacement dashes. I have not fully investigated them, nor have I had the opportunity to discuss their parts with anyone.
It is just a link that I saved long before beginning my parts hunt.
It took me 6 months to gather all of the parts necessary for my project, & I'm still finding little things that I should have considered from the beginning.
A good example are the 2-tone sunvisors, new seatbelt clips, door switch pin covers, wiper caps, etc. etc.
http://www.gt-racing.com/catalog/default.htm
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I'd be very reluctant to have a fiberglass or CF dashboard. In the event of an accident, the shards coming off the dash could cause serious injuries to driver and passenger.