cracked dash

[foxy1305]

So as my search continues, I have come across a good potential car. Lots and lots of 'little things' to do to make it just right, but it looks basically sound, although not a great deal of history since 04 and 110k, but it only has 140k now with mots to support.Too many to list here but it does have one problem that I would like advice on. The dash top in the middle is beginning to crack. Is this repairable, or would it be new dash time?. Also the lower section has four holes (old mobile cradle fixing) I'm guessing this is probably easier to invisible repair or replace

 

[AntB]

Hi Mate, Dash cracks are very common - caused by Sun / Heat.. Mine has them too.. I had my bumper 'smart repaired' and they guy saw the cracks.. He said its definatley repairable BUT due to the restriction in space - the dash would have to come out (or the windscreen) to repair... So - I wouldnt worry too much, but maybe keep your eye out for a good 2nd hand one - or at least another dash anyway that you can buy and then get repaired whilst not having to leave your car in bits whilst its repaired. HTH A

 

[AntB]

...also pics of the potential car would be nice []

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Screwholes are easily repairable, dash cracks less so. If it's an early car then there are overlays available, oval-dash cars are only recently showing signs of cracking so it's not been so much of an issue. The trouble with a used dash is that it's only a matter of time before it goes as well. I like the idea of leather-covered or Alcantara dash myself. Still, if the rest of the car is good it's worth living with IMO.

 

[poprock]

I know people talk about there being such a thing as a 944 with an uncracked dash, but I’ve yet to see one in the flesh.

 

[944 man]

I have an uncracked dashboard in my garage: not for sale mind. Plenty of early cars will have had dashes from later 924Ss fitted; although I suppose that most of those will be cracked to some degree by now too.

 

[poprock]

I found an uncracked oval dash on eBay a while back, but when it arrived there was a gouge ripped out of the instrument pod area. Typical.

 

[944 man]

Most oval dashes should be crack-free still: and cheap too. I paid either £10 or £15 for one with all trim last year and Ive been offered a couple free too (too late, of course).

 

[AntB]

ORIGINAL: 944 man Most oval dashes should be crack-free still: and cheap too. I paid either £10 or £15 for one with all trim last year and Ive been offered a couple free too (too late, of course).

If ever you see a blue one Simon, Please let me know... Cheers Anthony

 

[Copperman05]

TBO a cracked dash is one of the lesser things to worry about with these cars. What about belts, clutch, rust, etc? Issues here could be more of a deciding consideration. Edd

 

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: AntB If ever you see a blue one Simon, Please let me know... Cheers Anthony

I thought it would be a blue one (my own personal theory is that blue ones crack more often [&:]) I have had two blue dashes crack on me, and I have a 3rd one in the shed waiting to be fitted when the weather is warmer. Lots of spare black dashes around, not so many blue ones

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Early dashes crack. Perfect ones are out there (anyone see the car at the 2009 Autosport show on display as "bought for under a grand?) but they are incredibly rare. Oval dashes are now cracking in exactly the same way. In a few years we'll all be asking for an oval dash with no cracks. Stockpile them now, it's safer than a pension. [8|]

 

[Alpine]

does the oval dash always crack in the same place, if so, where?

 

[pauljmcnulty]

does the oval dash always crack in the same place, if so, where?

Same as the 924 and early 944. The thin bits between the screen vents crack, these can then extend right across the dash from front to back.

 

[944 man]

Using plasticisers can help. If I do come across a blue dash then rest-assured that I will keep hold of it.

 

[944cop]

I was lucky to get an uncracked blue dash a while ago off ebay but I had spent about 6 months emailing anyone selling blue interior parts seperately to see if they had one and then travelled 150 miles to collect it so they are out there but you probably need to do a bit more digging unless of course you drop lucky. I intend to attempt a repair job on my old one when i take it out or see how much it will be to get it refurbed at one of these scratch and dent places as they said they would be able to do it quite easy once it had been removed. Anyone know whats the best way to maintain the dash I was just going to keep a suncover on (Newspaper) and use Autoglyms vinyl and leather care liberally.

 

[evoboy69]

Has anyone ever seen or heard of a Trimmer covering one with leather. I think it would look smart!

 

[zcacogp]

Yes, and I think it was an option when the car was new. "Full leather interior", which cost a bomb and meant that just about everything inside the car was covered in leather ... I've seen photos of one, and seen photos of such work done aftermarket and it does look good. I think there is a US company that specialises in it for 944's. Oli.

 

[944 man]

Ive seen a coupe and they do look smart (928 too), but theres a LOT of work involved. Seeing that many trimmers struggle with normal 944 seats, let alone sports seats: Id be surprised if they were up to the job.

 

[GTH9]

These are available, i will probably put one on my new (old) uncracked dash i am about to fit. [link=http://www.jageng.com/garage9/product_info.php?cPath=49_55&products_id=443&osCsid=9cccb924ce25d35f6a371d713eec2400]http://www.jageng.com/garage9/product_info.php?cPath=49_55&products_id=443&osCsid=9cccb924ce25d35f6a371d713eec2400[/link]