The dreaded Dash Cracks

[AntB]

Ok - so one of the only imperfections on my 1989 944 2.7 lux is that the dash top has some heat cracks...

So - I guess I have the option of replacing the whole dash surround.... Mine is the Blue Pin Strip interior and the blue oval dash seems quite rare? Also, how easy are they to replace, is it basically take the whole dash out!!! - dont fancy that much.

so, do I have any other options....?
yes - could leave as is as it really doesnt bother me, but wondered if there are any actual fixes out there like dash refurbs or the likes??

Anyone any experience of such a thing?

Cheers A

 

[lawsi]

Can't offer any help but have exactly the same problem on exactly the same interior - new dash just doesn't seem to be an achievable/affordable option - so I just ignore it[]

 

[poprock]

A new dash is the best solution, I think. There are such things as vinyl or leather overlays to glue on top of your cracked dash, but have read lots of poor reports on the finished effect. Uncracked dashes are available from breakers or via eBay from time to time, and can be as cheap as thirty quid if you're really lucky (I got hold of a black one for that price a year or so ago).

 

[DavidL]

There are 2 good descriptions of dash out instructions. One is our own James G in the stickies at the top for changing the heater matrix - obviously you can stop when the dash is out!
The other is on Clarks garage. I haven't done it but I gather as long as you take your time and photograph everything it is relatively straightforward and you learn alot about the structure for future reference.

 

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: AntB

the blue oval dash seems quite rare? Also, how easy are they to replace, is it basically take the whole dash out!!! - dont fancy that much.

I replaced my blue dash back in '04 for exactly the same reason.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=63942&mpage=1&key=squeaks&#63995

It's not a hard job, but seems very daunting. I used the guide on Clarks Garage and it is simply a case of methodically unscrewing parts, bagging and labelling them carefully and then screwing it all back together. It took me a few hours to dismantle in the morning and a further few putting it back together.

Unfortunately the replacement blue dash has now cracked as well, so I shall be doing it again this summer [&o] It can take a while to find a blue dash as they are less common than the black ones

 

[idwoodvale]

...sell a kidney and maybe a lung and cover it in Alcantara.

Sorry not heplful I know. But it would look great in blue.

 

[944 man]

This is niggling me, because Im sure that Ive seen a blue dash somewhere. If I remember then I'll post it here. Id say that a good clean dash with a fit glovebox lid is worth about £20, because I bought one last Autumn for £15: that was black though. Black and linen should cost similar and I cant see red being worth any more: black and grey beige is going to be worth less because its old and unattractive, but blue and Classic Grey are rarer and from cars which are still worth something...

 

[James_G]

ORIGINAL: AntB

Ok - so one of the only imperfections on my 1989 944 2.7 lux is that the dash top has some heat cracks...

So - I guess I have the option of replacing the whole dash surround.... Mine is the Blue Pin Strip interior and the blue oval dash seems quite rare? Also, how easy are they to replace, is it basically take the whole dash out!!! - dont fancy that much.

so, do I have any other options....?
yes - could leave as is as it really doesnt bother me, but wondered if there are any actual fixes out there like dash refurbs or the likes??

Anyone any experience of such a thing?

Cheers A

Anthony

If you can find an uncracked blue dash for a keen price then you shouldn't think twice about replacing your cracked one. As has been mentioned, I wrote the FAQ on replacing the heater matrix, which requires the removal of the dashboard. As I suggested in that post, it really isn't difficult, just requiring the self-discipline to take some photos and keep things well ordered. It will also give you chance to tidy up any dodgy wiring that may be present and replace some dashboard bulbs. Like you I was fairly fearful of how big a job it was, but with no other option available to me, I had to just get stuck in.

Happily I got a great sense of satisfaction from doing it, not least because of all the £££ I saved, but everyone is different of course. But I'd say, go for it and if your get in to any kind of difficulty there's enough people who've done it here to point you in the right direction.

Cheers

James