Dash fix

[red_dog007]

Well, I ordered my catalog from Auto Dragon a few days ago. Once it gets here, I am going to be highlighting parts that I am going to purchase and get shipped out to California.

I was looking through their .pdf catalog and noticed that they had dash cover replacements. Now I have three cracks on my dash and I would like them fixed, though it isnt a must need. Though I am wondering if these glue on dash replacement things are any good.

Good quality, not noticeable after installation, does it make the dash look weird and all the dash componets look like they are going more into the car?

[hls30.com]

The covers look very good if you take the time to install them well.

here is a link to a thread holding my install instructions, and a pic of my installed cover. The web link in the thread has a closer view.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12725&page=2&pp=15&highlight=dash+cover

Will

[zeiss150]

Get the Full cover! the half dash looks like crap IMHO. I put the full dash on mine and If you do it right it will be hard for even the most picky Z enthusiast to tell its a dash cover. I would recomend taking your dash off in order to do it right. Its a pain in the butt, but its well worth the time and effort. When ever any one look in my z they always ask, "wow thats a nice dash, is it new?" then I tell them its a cap.

Matt-

[red_dog007]

Sweet, that is cool that things thing are actually very nice. Another $100 into the interior. [cool]

Now I have three cracks that are above the center guages. When I order and get the dash cover installed, should I fill in the cracks with some kind of crack filler? If so what should I use? Or should I just leave them the way that they are?

[MikeW]

The covers are hard plastic so I don't see why filling cracks would be required. If the vinyl next to the cracks is raised then perhaps trimming it down would help the cap attach better.

[zeiss150]

the only thing I could have done better wth my dash cover install, is to have had the glove box in when I put the dash on. Its a tight fit and it would be better if I had lined it up with the glove box door on. I wouldn't worry to much about the cracks.

Good luck!

[zbane]

The PO of my ZX installed a full cap, and it looks good-for the most part.

Mine has warped itself in the raised area of the instrument cluster. Not noticable while driving, but fairly visible from outside the car.

Why did this happen? My guess is that the PO didn't use enough glue, and the sun has caused the unsecured plastic to warp. Therefore the moral of the story, is:

Use enough glue to fully secure the dash in place. Take your time, read the relevant threads (one I remember mentioned leaving the cap outside in the sun to "loosen" it up-great idea IMO) and try to get a second set of hands.

I agree with the full cap purchase, half caps just don't seem right.

[BD240Z]

Years ago I bought a full dash cover for an older BMW I had at the time. I put it on with the intentions of letting it "settle" on the existing dash and then would apply the silicone after a few weeks. When the time came, it fit so well I never took it off to apply the silicone. It didn't move around while driving so I left it that way.

I have one for my 240Z that I haven't installed yet. I have the dash out and will "custom" fit this sucker so it looks as good as possible. I'm going to use the same "settling" technique for this one as well.

[rigez]

Any chance that catalog has a dash cap for the right hand drive Zs? I rather go the cheaper route than having to send mine out for repair.