2003 Dashboard Replace/Cover?

gotacamaro · Apr 22, 2014

What is the cheapest/most effective way of fixing a cracked dash?

Both upper parts of the dash are completely cracked and in need of replacement. I see online some companies offer are plastic 'cover' for the top and bottom, wondering if that looks good or cheesy?

Dash pad would be the cheapest, but probably look the worst?

Replacing the actual upper 2 dash pieces looks like it may be around $600 from dealer?

Thanks!

Redtruck-VA · Apr 22, 2014

Don't know, but if you take on the job it would be great to take a lot of pictures.
Thanks,

hotkarl · Apr 22, 2014

The plastic custom fit dash covers are great. You can't even tell. It is a thin yet durable plastic cover that adheres to your existing dash (or whatever is left of it) usually with silicone.

gotacamaro · Apr 23, 2014

Thanks guys, i ordered a plastic dash cover. Seems very good reviews on these things

HemiLonestar · Apr 23, 2014

I have a spare dash piece (the one closest to the windshield) that's in good shape. I found a replacement dash panel on car-part.com for a couple hundred bucks.

jerry1847 · Aug 19, 2014

Anyone try the dashmat untimat off amazon? Ordered one the other day and waiting for it to show up.

Hisgirl777 · Sep 7, 2014

We have a 2003 2500 Diesel Ram and the dashboard was cracking just like so many others.

The quote from the dealer was over $2K.

My husband ordered a dash cover from Dash Covers Plus Depot for about $101.99 plus $18.50 to have it painted plus $42 upcharge for shipping due to size then $15.85 for shipping = $178.34.

It came in a very large and tall package but was surprisingly very light.

The tools needed are: a couple of rags, some acetone, and a flat head screwdriver, and two inch wide painter's tape. The silicone glue comes with it. He also placed some handweights on the dash while it cured, just as his own step, although it was not required.

The time for the project was only two hours start to finish. The dry time was about four hours curing time.

He watched a youtube video and also the video on the dash cover's website.
The instructions that come with it say to put the tube of silicone in a jar of warm water to soften it up and THIS IS A NECESSITY to get the silicone to flow!

The only thing he would do over, is to push on the front to make sure it set back as far as it could. Maybe tighten the corners on the bottom down with tape. Overall, it went exactly as he expected and would recommend others trying their hand at the dash cover.

I will say, I'm amazed at how great it looks. Now, instead of seeing cracks, we have a beautiful new dash! And it sure was a lot cheaper than the 2 grand the dealer wanted to replace the dash!

Redtruck-VA · Sep 7, 2014

Well done!

hotkarl · Sep 7, 2014

I need to replace my evaporator core. When I do this I'm replacing EVERYTHING under the dash, plus the entire dash. Mines cracking but it's not horrible yet, just a few splits but I know what will happen to it eventually.

Armyman14 · Sep 13, 2014

For those of you who want after pictures here are mine. Ordered and installed in March

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1410644262.890745.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1410644274.035572.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1410644283.742318.jpg

Redtruck-VA · Sep 13, 2014

Looks great..

2003 Dashboard Replace/Cover?

gotacamaro

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Redtruck-VA

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hotkarl

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gotacamaro

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HemiLonestar

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jerry1847

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Hisgirl777

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Redtruck-VA

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hotkarl

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Armyman14

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Redtruck-VA

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