Dash cap thingy?

[derk]

Okay. I have a massively cracked dash. (Join the club, i know).

I can spend $500 and a boatload of time getting it out and having it refurbed.

What about these dash cap things for 80 bucks on eBay? Anyone used them and what did they look like?

appreciate the advice.

[Bambikiller240]

derk posted:

What about these dash cap things for 80 bucks on eBay? Anyone used them and what did they look like?

Though I have not used one, I know several people who have used them and I can say that if proper care is used to install the FULL FACE dash cap, they are a great alternative. Only real close inspection around the edges of the guages, or heater control panel, or the bottom edge of the dash will give a clue that they are not the real dash. Now the grain pattern embossed on the cap may not be an EXACT match to stock, it is very close. My friends needed to do a bit of custom trimming and several trial fits of the cap before it was installed permanently. If you go this route, take your time and "measure twice, cut once! Trial fit the cap until you are satisfied that you can't get it to fit any better, then glue down. Get some extra adhesive also, because you don't want to run out in mid-installation.

PS: My friends did not buy on eBay, they got theirs from MSA in Los Angeles.

Good Luck!

[GunnerRob]

Hi Derk,

I've had a dash cap on my 280Z for about 20 years now and it has held up very well. There's no warping or fading at all.

Unfortunately, my dad installed it when it was his car, and I "think" he bought it from Motorsport Auto. He bought the "partial" cover instead of the "full" style.

If you decide to buy and install one, be sure to place the leading (front) edge under the windshield trim piece. This wasn't done to mine when my dad had it installed. It hasn't lifted or shifted, it just looks kind of hokey.

Also, watch out for ebay prices. I've seen bids go beyond the price of the same item available directly from the sellers web site.

[mar2c]

i recently installed a full cap on my Z. bought the full cap from Victoria British.

installation was a snap.

i took some pics and posted them to my Z site

http://www.geocities.com/mar2c/dash.html

GOOD LUCK !!