i need good dashboard?help!
10-29-2002, 01:10 AM
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i need good dashboard?help!
Hey guys, heres the thing, I have a 944 from 1984. The dash is cracked as usual, and everyone tells me that all of them are already cracked in every 944 from 83' to 85'. Is that true? I need a new one or one in really good condition. And I also hear that the 86'-89' won't even fit in my model. But those years have a much sicker dash than the original, plus they dont crack. Do any of you guys have suggestions for me? Please. But, NO CUSTOM THOUGHTS. I wont even think of custom. Thanx
10-29-2002, 02:58 AM
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Hey, Speed. I have an 88' 924S with the same problems as you, cracked dash near the vents. I think our dashes are the same. Anyways, I ordered a dashcover made of some plastic polymer today from dashtops.com to cover the dash. I think it should look pretty close to the original. I know its not a replacement but from what I've heard replacing/refinishing the leather dash seems to be more of a pain then what it's worth. I'm not gonna get it for at least a week but I could post pics of it after I've got it installed. Hope this helps. If your not absolutely stuck on replacement this could be a good alternative.
10-29-2002, 04:33 AM
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[quote]Originally posted by blk924s:
<strong>Hey, Speed. I have an 88' 924S with the same problems as you, cracked dash near the vents. I think our dashes are the same. Anyways, I ordered a dashcover made of some plastic polymer today from dashtops.com to cover the dash. I think it should look pretty close to the original. I know its not a replacement but from what I've heard replacing/refinishing the leather dash seems to be more of a pain then what it's worth. I'm not gonna get it for at least a week but I could post pics of it after I've got it installed. Hope this helps. If your not absolutely stuck on replacement this could be a good alternative.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Can you email me the pics when u get this done?? thanks! My dads 944 84 is cracked aswell by the vents. email is black5gen@hotmail.com or bkschenk@telus.net
<strong>Hey, Speed. I have an 88' 924S with the same problems as you, cracked dash near the vents. I think our dashes are the same. Anyways, I ordered a dashcover made of some plastic polymer today from dashtops.com to cover the dash. I think it should look pretty close to the original. I know its not a replacement but from what I've heard replacing/refinishing the leather dash seems to be more of a pain then what it's worth. I'm not gonna get it for at least a week but I could post pics of it after I've got it installed. Hope this helps. If your not absolutely stuck on replacement this could be a good alternative.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Can you email me the pics when u get this done?? thanks! My dads 944 84 is cracked aswell by the vents. email is black5gen@hotmail.com or bkschenk@telus.net
10-29-2002, 02:50 PM
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Uh, the '85.5 and later dashes crack like crazy so you're no better off with one of them even if it would fit which it won't.
You're best off covering your shame with something. I myself have been toying with black felt a la WRC cars.
Bryan
You're best off covering your shame with something. I myself have been toying with black felt a la WRC cars.
Bryan
10-29-2002, 09:07 PM
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Your most cost-effective option is a dash cover. Get one made by "Coverlay." They come with a guarantee not to crack or replaced at no charge -BTDT.
They make them in both black and brown, but brown may cost a few dollars more. I paid about $80 for mine and it made a huge improvement in how my interior looks. Most aftermarket suppliers carry them.
At first you're thrown off by the "grained" texture which is different from the current dash material, but if you look closely, it's made to match other interior trim items such as the center console frame, inner door latches, etc.
Installation is very simple, but be sure not to apply too much adhesive. Apply the silicone in large beads and let the cover "sit" on the adhesive rather than attach like a glove. When it dries, it affixes solidly to the existing dash holding a nice gloss.
Check it out.
They make them in both black and brown, but brown may cost a few dollars more. I paid about $80 for mine and it made a huge improvement in how my interior looks. Most aftermarket suppliers carry them.
At first you're thrown off by the "grained" texture which is different from the current dash material, but if you look closely, it's made to match other interior trim items such as the center console frame, inner door latches, etc.
Installation is very simple, but be sure not to apply too much adhesive. Apply the silicone in large beads and let the cover "sit" on the adhesive rather than attach like a glove. When it dries, it affixes solidly to the existing dash holding a nice gloss.
Check it out.
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10-29-2002, 11:02 PM
#8
The cracked dash has long been the bane of the 944 owners' experience. Many (if not most) of us deal with this problem.
I have done enough research to qualify for a PhD in the Philosophy of Porsche Dash Cracks, yet have not found any one ideal solution to the problem.
Yes, a plastic dash cover like Coverlay is your best cost effective solution, but if you are exceedingly **** about your car, it won;t work for the long term. No matter what they say, those dash covers do bubble & warp over time when exposed to the sun.
I am tinkering around with some new solutions... like a custom sewn leather dash cover. If and when I get these completed, I will post the results here.
I have done enough research to qualify for a PhD in the Philosophy of Porsche Dash Cracks, yet have not found any one ideal solution to the problem.
Yes, a plastic dash cover like Coverlay is your best cost effective solution, but if you are exceedingly **** about your car, it won;t work for the long term. No matter what they say, those dash covers do bubble & warp over time when exposed to the sun.
I am tinkering around with some new solutions... like a custom sewn leather dash cover. If and when I get these completed, I will post the results here.
10-30-2002, 02:25 AM
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Like Sean, I don't think the dash cover is anything to get excited about (had one on my car at purchase and ripped it out while the prior owner was signing over the title). It was buckling in 2 spots and I thought it looked Awefull when compaired to the rest of the interior.
I'm also looking into options and as soon as I get off my *** to remove a seat (need a leather/vinyl color sample), I'll probably be a month away from posting pictures of my 'fix'. Under $100, but a fair bit of labor (no dash removal or anything though).
FWIW - the dash is the ONLY cosmetic flaw with my car - so I'm being VERY picky.
I'm also looking into options and as soon as I get off my *** to remove a seat (need a leather/vinyl color sample), I'll probably be a month away from posting pictures of my 'fix'. Under $100, but a fair bit of labor (no dash removal or anything though).
FWIW - the dash is the ONLY cosmetic flaw with my car - so I'm being VERY picky.
10-30-2002, 08:00 AM
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[quote]Originally posted by Brian McCoy:
<strong>I don't think the dash cover is anything to get excited about (had one on my car at purchase and ripped it out while the prior owner was signing over the title). It was buckling in 2 spots and I thought it looked Awefull when compaired to the rest of the interior.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I wouldn't recommend a dash cover for a post 85.5 car like yours, either, but they are actually quite satisfactory in the early "924 style" dash version, which apparently you're not familiar with.
In my experience, post 85.5 car dashes don't crack nearly as badly as the early ones. Both my '90 S2 and '91 951S's are flawless.
<strong>I don't think the dash cover is anything to get excited about (had one on my car at purchase and ripped it out while the prior owner was signing over the title). It was buckling in 2 spots and I thought it looked Awefull when compaired to the rest of the interior.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I wouldn't recommend a dash cover for a post 85.5 car like yours, either, but they are actually quite satisfactory in the early "924 style" dash version, which apparently you're not familiar with.
In my experience, post 85.5 car dashes don't crack nearly as badly as the early ones. Both my '90 S2 and '91 951S's are flawless.
10-30-2002, 08:05 AM
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[quote]Originally posted by Luis de Prat:
<strong>I wouldn't recommend a dash cover for a post 85.5 car like yours, either, but they are actually quite satisfactory in the early "924 style" dash version, which apparently you're not familiar with.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The only pre 85.5 interiors I've seen have been pictures online. Shoot, the dash of my car looked good in pictures with the coverlay so I know that pictures just don't convey what it actually looks like in person. If they do fit/match better for those cars, I'm Very Jealous. I wish I had an easy fix - but NoooOOoo... I have to spend dozens of hours researching other options, dozens of hours gathering materials, and probably dozens of hours applying the repair (3~4 distinct steps).
<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> Not looking forward to this project, though I'm sure I'll like the results.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
<strong>I wouldn't recommend a dash cover for a post 85.5 car like yours, either, but they are actually quite satisfactory in the early "924 style" dash version, which apparently you're not familiar with.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The only pre 85.5 interiors I've seen have been pictures online. Shoot, the dash of my car looked good in pictures with the coverlay so I know that pictures just don't convey what it actually looks like in person. If they do fit/match better for those cars, I'm Very Jealous. I wish I had an easy fix - but NoooOOoo... I have to spend dozens of hours researching other options, dozens of hours gathering materials, and probably dozens of hours applying the repair (3~4 distinct steps).<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> Not looking forward to this project, though I'm sure I'll like the results.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
10-30-2002, 11:06 AM
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Brian,
Check the ads in Panorama and Excellence for something called a "dash glove" or a similar name. It's a flexible and more expensive product but is supposed to work better than the Coverlays on late dashes.
Check the ads in Panorama and Excellence for something called a "dash glove" or a similar name. It's a flexible and more expensive product but is supposed to work better than the Coverlays on late dashes.
10-30-2002, 11:39 AM
#13
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[quote]Originally posted by Bryan:
<strong>Uh, the '85.5 and later dashes crack like crazy so you're no better off with one of them even if it would fit which it won't.
You're best off covering your shame with something. I myself have been toying with black felt a la WRC cars.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I was toying with that for my race car, but technically they could probably ding me for that so I can't risk it.
What you want is not felt, but flocking. Flocking is the little mouse fur you find inside jewelry boxes and such. Some of the mail order woodworking supply houses offer flocking kits. Basically you lay down an adhesive and spray on the flocking. I like the fact that flocking would not only hide the cracks, but would be completely functional since it would eliminate reflections and glare off the dash.
<strong>Uh, the '85.5 and later dashes crack like crazy so you're no better off with one of them even if it would fit which it won't.
You're best off covering your shame with something. I myself have been toying with black felt a la WRC cars.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I was toying with that for my race car, but technically they could probably ding me for that so I can't risk it.
What you want is not felt, but flocking. Flocking is the little mouse fur you find inside jewelry boxes and such. Some of the mail order woodworking supply houses offer flocking kits. Basically you lay down an adhesive and spray on the flocking. I like the fact that flocking would not only hide the cracks, but would be completely functional since it would eliminate reflections and glare off the dash.
10-30-2002, 05:36 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by Luis de Prat:
<strong>Check the ads in Panorama and Excellence for something called a "dash glove" or a similar name. It's a flexible and more expensive product but is supposed to work better than the Coverlays on late dashes.</strong><hr></blockquote>
On another thread, Sean mentioned that he'd called a company dealing the Dashglove and they said it was NOT very high quality and they stoped carring it. I'd initially looked into that as an option too. But really, I don't want a cover - I want my interior to look as it did from the factory.
Thanks for the idea though.
<strong>Check the ads in Panorama and Excellence for something called a "dash glove" or a similar name. It's a flexible and more expensive product but is supposed to work better than the Coverlays on late dashes.</strong><hr></blockquote>
On another thread, Sean mentioned that he'd called a company dealing the Dashglove and they said it was NOT very high quality and they stoped carring it. I'd initially looked into that as an option too. But really, I don't want a cover - I want my interior to look as it did from the factory.
Thanks for the idea though.