Opinions on Dash Caps

[ddezso]

My Z has a pretty haggard dashboard. 2 major fissures, covered with the remnants of glue that held the dash carpet on. I have since scraped off most of the glue and gotten a new carpet as an interim measure, but I want this beauty to be like new.

I see all sorts of partial and full dash caps for sale. Prices arent too bad compared to finding an original one in perfect condition.

The question is - - do dash caps look totally obvious? Is there a big seam at the bottom or on the sides? Would any of you consider one for a restoration project?

Thanks!

[Fun_in_my_z]

I have a full cap on my car, But you cant really call mine a "restoration"

You can see a seem on the sides of the dash and barily around the gauges. I like it but would rather have a uncracked dash.

A half cap is just fugly, they leave a big gap all the was across the dash

I have a half cap if you want one

[ddezso]

Thanks but I'll pass on the fugly - - - pondering a full cap.

Does anyone have pix in their gallery showing a full cap and the seams?

[Alfadog]

I would never buy a dash cap. Keep the mat on for the time being, and save up to restore the original (I would be hesitant on buying an original in any condition unless you know it will see very little sunlight). If your restoration is more of a "refresh" then I guess covering up blemishes instead of fixing them might suffice.

[hls30.com]

Here is a full cap-looks good to me!

[Virto]

I've been wondering about caps too. MSAs full caps are only like 80 bucks, and the dash carpets are 35...I'm planning to pick up a carpet, but if a cap looks like it'll work maybe it's a good deal too.

[ddezso]

I'm not sure I can get clearance to pony up for a restore of the original or a replacement original. Maybe the more appropriate question for someone doing a 'refresh' is: what's better carpet or full dash cap? Better being defined as either what looks better or will either help/hurt collectible value?

[Fun_in_my_z]

full dash is better. Unless you are shagging it!

[kenz240z]

I put a full dashcap on my dash. You can see the seams along the side of the dash when the doors are open. But, it sure looks a lot better than the original dash, which had several large cracks! Not what you'd want on a show car, but fine for a nicely "refreshed" weekend driver!

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=9937&size=big&cat=500&page=9

I have a few other photos in my gallery.

[26th-Z]

Derek,

The archives on this site are full of conversations about dash caps and restorations. A cap is easily the cheapest way to go and depending on how well you install it, will look just fine for a regular driver. A new correct dash for your car is unobtanium and if you are lucky enough to find a good used one, it is going to put the bash on a grand. Your dash can be restored with new foam and vinyl and I recommend "Dashboard Restorations". The texture in the vinyl is not exactly correct, but I doubt anyone is ever going to spot it out. Restoration runs around $800 with the shipping and everything.

Chris

[MarkDixon]

I am lucky enough to have an original dash with no cracks, but if I had to I would go with a full dash cap.

The carpet looks a bit too redneck and the 1/2 cap looks too cheap.

For less than $100.00 you can get a full cap and that will be one of the cheapest things you can do to your car to make the most impact on looks.

[ddezso]

Do the full caps install easily? Is it just a matter of glue and placement?

Thanks guys!