Dash Cap

[Threehz]

So I did a bit of searching and found quite a lot of good information, and quite a few unanswered questions.

The background story - I did the classic self dash repair process and it turned out great! Then my dad knocked my finished dash off a table, it fell on its face, and sustained some real heartbreaking damage. Nothing horrible, and no cracks re-opened, but the front has some slight crushed in parts.

So I want to get a full dash cap rather then repeating the entire repair process over, I figure the cost + my time is about equal to the cost of a cap. I do however have some questions about the caps. Specifically the MSA full dash cap, unless there is a better alternative?

How thick is the dash cap material?

Is it super-soft and flexible? Semi-flexible? Or hard and well shaped?

It is said that the Tach & Speedo cannot be removed with a dash cap installed. I have also heard that the glove box door can become troublesome to open. Are there solutions to either of these issues?

The dash is still out of the vehicle and I plan on installed the cap with it out. In my opinion this gives me the opportunity to perform a quality job and make sure it is as fitted and original as possible.

Any answers to these questions or comments about dash caps in general are much appreciated, thank you!

[psdenno]

Is it super-soft and flexible? Semi-flexible? Or hard and well shaped?

Hard, but slightly flexible, can soften a bit in the sun.

Dennis

[dltalfa]

I have installed several of these over the years. They are hard formed,..but flexible enough to manouver around while installing. If installed correctly, they will not be a hinder for the glove box door nor the speedo and tach.

You can quickly slap it on or you can take your time and massage it around and get a good fit.

While very simple and self explanitory,...you still need to follow the directions.

[Threehz]

Well that is good to know. Is there any special way to install the cap so that the glovebox/tach/speedo are not hindered or is it pretty common sense?

[dltalfa]

Well that is good to know. Is there any special way to install the cap so that the glovebox/tach/speedo are not hindered or is it pretty common sense?

To me it is just common sense. If you install it and get a buckle or a bulge over the glove box, it could hindder opening. However, if you install it without any contortion you will be fine.

It comes with glue that holds it down. I suggest test fitting it a couple of times. It's best to do it out in the sun, or at least in a heated garage. You will need something heavy to place on the dash to hold it flat until the glue dries.

Again,...just take your time and follow the directions and you will be fine. Most of it is common sense.

[TomoHawk]

I have the full cap and I need to remove it t get the speedo or tach out to change the light bulbs. I haven't glued it yet, so I can still remove it easily. The glove box door opens easily when it and the latch plate are properly aligned.

The instructions I got with my item said the you should use a number of (wood) sticks to press from the seats to the cap, to press it into the old dash until the adhesive cures. I suppose that if you know where to press, the cap should come out straight and smooth.

The problem with the un-attached cap is that there are gaps between it and the center gauges, which looks a little odd. Also, the forward edge doesn't go under the defroster finisher, and you can see it through the windscreen from the outside. So if you can paint it with an non-reflective paint, it should work out well.

Edited May 21, 2012 by TomoHawk