Cracked and broken dash

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RennieH

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The dash on my 2001 Ram 1500 pick up is suffering in 20+ years of facing west and living in a high desert. The heater core has sprung a leak so I want to take advantage of that. It needs replacement. Where is the best place to find a replacement dash?

IMG_3915.jpegIMG_3914.jpeg
 

jws123

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basically your only option is to get the shell that fits over your old dash you glue it to whats left as far as i know no one makes a actual replacement that fits in place of the old one.

 
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RennieH

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I was afraid that might be the case. I will need to look for only the top section as the face of the dashboard is in fine shape.
 

jws123

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I was afraid that might be the case. I will need to look for only the top section as the face of the dashboard is in fine shape.
they usually just sell it as a pair because when you pull the face off it usually shatters
 

rojoknit

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They make both OEM and glue downs. Replacing the OEM looks to be a nightmare although my step son runs a diesel shop in KC and says it's a piece of cake. I would go with the GLUE dow for a hundred buck of so what's to risk.
 

Magfan2

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After a warrantee issue, not the fan I was in the past, but LMC Truck is worth a try.
 

Daw14

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Alldodgetruck.com. Has something that may work , but they made it from gold, I believe.
I have a couple other places, but need to search for them. Will post if I find.
 

sparkyg

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I’m new to this forum, so bear with me. My husband owns a 2001 dodge diesel truck. He loves that truck! For good reason; it’s the most reliable, toughest truck that I know of. The down side to this truck is the dash; it basically just crumbled, dash cover and all. While my husband was out of town for a few days I made the call, I ordered a dashskin with the gauge cover plate off Amazon. It’s sold as a kit for $179.99 and it arrived very quickly. I’m fairly good at doing stuff of this nature, but the YouTube video I watched didn’t quite prepare me for reality. So here are my helpful tips for those that decide to take this route. 1. When the cracks begin to developed, don’t wait till you begin getting gaping holes. 2. Only buy dashskin; I researched for months, and they are by far the closest to the OEM. 3. Have an extra set of hands to help with the placement; it helps with alignment. Have extra silicone on hand; I received two tubes with my order and had barely enough, and as a side note, those tubes suck! 4. Follow the instructions that come with the kit. 5. Have all your tools ready and then some; extra weights, dish towels to place between the back lip and windshield, paper towels, clamps if your replacing the gauge cover and long handle brooms, mops, swifters, etc..the goal it to clamp it down as tight as possible or your gonna have noise. Give it allot of curing time. To be frank, I was scared when I was ready to install. I questioned if I had bitten off more than I could chew. My truck is an extreme case, I had to fill the void where my dash used to be, and I was successful. I’m so glad I did it. It really does fit really well, and looks like a new OEM dash. Sorry for the long writings, I’m posting before and after pictures. My husband was super surprised and happy with the installation. Let me know if you have any questions!
 

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RennieH

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The site below claims to have OEM replacement panels in agate, gray and tan. I spent over a thousand for my OEM panel years ago, so these are a better deal if they really are factory panels. Scroll down the page a bit and you'll see them.

Thanks for this. Been debating if the cost, twice the cost of a cover, is worth it for my 26 year old, quarter million mile, truck. I've been driving with the cracked dash for about 6 or 7 years. The only reason I am considering replacing it is that the heater core is being replaced and it has to come out anyway.
 

James T Collins

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I don't know about actual dash replacements, but CoverKing makes really nice custom dash covers. Mine was cracked and showing it's age. The moulded cover is a perfect fit and not only looks good , but protects what is left.

The plastic on the doors was also beginning to fade from sun damage. I made a couple of shades which work quite well. Three velcro tabs - quick and easy.
 

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RennieH

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I don't know about actual dash replacements, but CoverKing makes really nice custom dash covers. Mine was cracked and showing it's age. The moulded cover is a perfect fit and not only looks good , but protects what is left.

The plastic on the doors was also beginning to fade from sun damage. I made a couple of shades which work quite well. Three velcro tabs - quick and easy.
Thanks - nice solution, look good. May not work for me - see the photos in first post - as part of my dash is already gone - nothing to hold up the cover. Additionally, I'm having a leaky heater core replaced and I can almost guarantee the rest of the dash will break and crumble as it is removed to make the repairs.
 

DodgeLady

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The dash on my 2001 Ram 1500 pick up is suffering in 20+ years of facing west and living in a high desert. The heater core has sprung a leak so I want to take advantage of that. It needs replacement. Where is the best place to find a replacement dash?

View attachment 583561View attachment 583562
Try LMC Truck. They may have the top dash replacement or a “plastic” cover. I got a ‘97 dash from them several years ago.
 

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DodgeLady

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Thanks - nice solution, look good. May not work for me - see the photos in first post - as part of my dash is already gone - nothing to hold up the cover. Additionally, I'm having a leaky heater core replaced and I can almost guarantee the rest of the dash will break and crumble as it is removed to make the repairs.
My “under dash” was gone, too. I found one on eBay. It was expensive (5 years ago) but it saved my truck.IMG_2076.jpeg
 

DodgeLady

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This was the under dash i found on eBay. Cost was $900. To me, it was worth it. My truck has 378,000 miles and still going strong. Replaced this about 6 years ago! IMG_1873.jpeg
 

DodgeLady

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I’m new to this forum, so bear with me. My husband owns a 2001 dodge diesel truck. He loves that truck! For good reason; it’s the most reliable, toughest truck that I know of. The down side to this truck is the dash; it basically just crumbled, dash cover and all. While my husband was out of town for a few days I made the call, I ordered a dashskin with the gauge cover plate off Amazon. It’s sold as a kit for $179.99 and it arrived very quickly. I’m fairly good at doing stuff of this nature, but the YouTube video I watched didn’t quite prepare me for reality. So here are my helpful tips for those that decide to take this route. 1. When the cracks begin to developed, don’t wait till you begin getting gaping holes. 2. Only buy dashskin; I researched for months, and they are by far the closest to the OEM. 3. Have an extra set of hands to help with the placement; it helps with alignment. Have extra silicone on hand; I received two tubes with my order and had barely enough, and as a side note, those tubes suck! 4. Follow the instructions that come with the kit. 5. Have all your tools ready and then some; extra weights, dish towels to place between the back lip and windshield, paper towels, clamps if your replacing the gauge cover and long handle brooms, mops, swifters, etc..the goal it to clamp it down as tight as possible or your gonna have noise. Give it allot of curing time. To be frank, I was scared when I was ready to install. I questioned if I had bitten off more than I could chew. My truck is an extreme case, I had to fill the void where my dash used to be, and I was successful. I’m so glad I did it. It really does fit really well, and looks like a new OEM dash. Sorry for the long writings, I’m posting before and after pictures. My husband was super surprised and happy with the installation. Let me know if you have any questions!
Wow! You did a great job in that! Kudos to you!
 
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