Dashboard replacement options

[Stainless]

I have a typical crack in my dashboard from the glovebox up to the windshield that I want to repair. I'm sure many of you have replaced or repaired your dashboards, so I'm looking for some feedback.

For those that have done this, would you recommend buying a replacement from DMCH, or recovering the original at a local upholstery shop?

I am more concerned with quality than price, even though I'm not sure how much a local shop would even charge to recover in vinyl. Is the DMCH dashboard a quality product and a good fit? Can I get it done better by a local shop? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Dracula]

If you want quality, take it to an interior shop or hot rod builder/restoration place near you. The DMCH dash is a piece of cheap junk.

[Stainless]

If you want quality, take it to an interior shop or hot rod builder/restoration place near you. The DMCH dash is a piece of cheap junk.

Interesting. What makes it so junky? Poor fit? Cheap material? Weak? A combination of those? Thanks.

[stevedmc]

Interesting. What makes it so junky? Poor fit? Cheap material? Weak? A combination of those? Thanks.

All of the above. The studs break too when you fasten the thing down. I would return mine but I'm too lazy to remove it.

If you want low cost and don't mind poor quality go with the DMCH unit.

If you want something expensive, have your old one recovered. My dash was given to me when I purchased the car.

[Stainless]

All of the above. The studs break too when you fasten the thing down. I would return mine but I'm too lazy to remove it.

If you want low cost and don't mind poor quality go with the DMCH unit.

If you want something expensive, have your old one recovered. My dash was given to me when I purchased the car.

That's awful to hear. I was definitely enticed by the DMCH dash since it is on sale right now, but a local shop sounds like the way to go based on your info. How difficult is it to remove the original dash without damaging it further? Thanks!

[Dracula]

The originals are tough enough to remove with relative ease. The only one you have to worry about breaking is the new one from DMCH.

[stevedmc]

That's awful to hear. I was definitely enticed by the DMCH dash since it is on sale right now, but a local shop sounds like the way to go based on your info. How difficult is it to remove the original dash without damaging it further? Thanks!

http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/dashboard.html

It took me a weekend to do the job but that was with limited tools and no experience. I estimate I could remove/replace the thing in less than 4 hours if I had to do another.

I doubt you could damage the original dash while removing it.

[stevedmc]

The only one you have to worry about breaking is the new one from DMCH.

:thumbup:


On another note, can you believe that some people want to buy binnacles from DMCH even after experiencing the poor quality of dashes first hand?

[Stainless]

What is the new DMCH dashboard made of that makes it so weak? Plastic?

For that matter, what materials is the original dash made of?

[Dracula]

:thumbup:


On another note, can you believe that some people want to buy binnacles from DMCH even after experiencing the poor quality of dashes first hand?

And can you believe how long it's taken them to come out with then in the first place? If the dashes serve as an example, quality control testing has NOTHING to do with the development time.

The new ones are a cheap plastic that tends to rattle and squeak. Mine's not nearly snug enough, but any further tightening will risk snapping the mounting studs. The originals seem to be some sort of reinforced foam, though I'm not completely sure.

[chef4u]

I have problems with my binnacle and dash as well. My plan is to cover the cracks with resin and then sanding it. After that, I'm using Alcantara fablic to cover the entire piece.
I don't have the money to buy a new Dash.

[Stainless]

So I've started to shop around locally for someone to repair my dashboard. This is one reply that I've gotten so far:

"The dash can be repaired and depending on the angle of the windshield may be able to be repaired without removal. The bigger issue is durability. Although I have spent many years on different repair techniques, there is still no repair that can be guaranteed to last. Especially on older dashboards. The repairs turn out very well but may only last days or weeks depending on the flexibility left in the dash. The repair would be approximately $125 + tax but I would offer no warranty."

What gives? A repair that may last only a day? Does this sound strange to anyone else, or is it just me?

[Iznodmad]

So I've started to shop around locally for someone to repair my dashboard. This is one reply that I've gotten so far:

"The dash can be repaired and depending on the angle of the windshield may be able to be repaired without removal. The bigger issue is durability. Although I have spent many years on different repair techniques, there is still no repair that can be guaranteed to last. Especially on older dashboards. The repairs turn out very well but may only last days or weeks depending on the flexibility left in the dash. The repair would be approximately $125 + tax but I would offer no warranty."

What gives? A repair that may last only a day? Does this sound strange to anyone else, or is it just me?

No, he is telling you the truth. The "repair" method is usually some sort of epoxy that is applied to the crack and then painted to match. For some reason, this sort of repair does not tend to work well with the original DeLorean interior materials. Been there and done that many years ago. It was only a matter of time before it started to crack in the same areas as before. The only true repair is to recover them completely or buy a reproduction. Unless you get extremely lucky and find an original someone is willing to part with.

[TTait]

Agreed - if someone wants to fix it in place and just fill the crack - your going to get a crappy and temporary repair. Its going to have to come out and get recovered or replaced.

That said - you must take a lot of care when taking it out, there are studs in the bottom of the dash that will puncture the top of your center console vinyl when you are taking it out. At the very least you want to carefully cover the top of the console with heavy cardboard, or remove it if you have any other reason to do so (time for a re-dye?).

[outatym2001]

This seems like a good time to post pictures of the underside of the original dashboard (Parts Manual on page 8/7/0 Instrument Panel Fascia). Black interior 105443, grey 110440.
The original dashboard is a solid rigid foam. You can lie on your back under the passenger side dashboard and with a flash light you can see the bottom of the 3-1/2” speaker. The speaker is attached to threaded studs which are planted in the rigid foam. In my pictures I call it Dash Pad.
That solid rigid foam is also what makes up the A-Pillars which are covered in vinyl.

Oh, and the new manufactured dashboards are plastic and on the underside they look like a waffle grid pattern. Perhaps they will last longer in the direct sun light than the original rigid foam ones.

[WelmoedJ]

There's one thing nobody mentioned about the original dash.
That's that its interior is a metal plate covered in solid foam.

I bought my car with crack all over the dash, binnacle and top of the center console.
Took all of the vinyl off, filled the cracks with a soft glue and sanded it.
When finished I took everything, including my A post trims, to a car upholsterer and had it covered in black leather.
Costs? Some 800 USD, but well worth it!

Looks better than new and IMO is what JZD would have done before the beancounters told him it would cost too much.

[aludden]

I have a typical crack in my dashboard from the glovebox up to the windshield that I want to repair. I'm sure many of you have replaced or repaired your dashboards, so I'm looking for some feedback.
[...]


I know it's an old post, but what did you wind up doing with your dash?
I've got the binnacle out (has a crack) and wondering what to do about it and the dash.

[Stainless]

I know it's an old post, but what did you wind up doing with your dash?
I've got the binnacle out (has a crack) and wondering what to do about it and the dash.

I haven't done anything yet. Mine really isn't all that bad and I'm just going to live with it for now. I was very close to getting a replacement from DMCH when they were on sale, but I passed. I really would like to see one in person. I'd hate to go through all the work of replacing it, only to find out that I don't like it. This is what the crack in my dash looks like:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w57/jlattin21/DSCN0322.jpg

[WelmoedJ]

I haven't done anything yet. Mine really isn't all that bad and I'm just going to live with it for now. I was very close to getting a replacement from DMCH when they were on sale, but I passed. I really would like to see one in person. I'd hate to go through all the work of replacing it, only to find out that I don't like it.


If that's the only crack you have you don't have much to repair.
Most of the work - if you're considering renewing the vinyl - is taking the old stuff off and the work you need to do in advance (taking the console off).
I mentioned previously recovering in leather is an option that you could have done over the vinyl.

[stevedmc]

I removed my cracked dash about two years ago and repalced it with a cheap plastic DMCH dash that was given to me.

When I get around to it, I'm going to fill in my cracked dash wish some bondo, maybe put some fiberglass over the area, sand it some more, paint it, and put it back in my car.

The DMCH dash has several broke studs, and frandkly, I'm tired of the rattling noises it sometimes makes.

[aludden]

My dash looks very similar, and the binnacle has a similar crack. I don't mind fixing/filling the crack, but I have been calling a number of upholstery places and haven't found anybody that would re-cover them. I did find a place called justdashes.com, but they want $1500. It sounds like they do a great job (they totally redo the dash), but I don't want to spend that kind of money.

I also found a product:
http://www.amazon.com/Urethane-Supply-Padded-Dash-Filler/dp/B0002JKE6Y/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

And I think there is an SEM kit for painting the repair. But that would just be what your original quote was - with no guarantee that it will last (I got the same quote and language as you - it's a franchise).

How do I find a place that will re-cover them after I fix them?

Thanks!
Alex

[WelmoedJ]

I removed my cracked dash about two years ago and repalced it with a cheap plastic DMCH dash that was given to me.

When I get around to it, I'm going to fill in my cracked dash wish some bondo, maybe put some fiberglass over the area, sand it some more, paint it, and put it back in my car.

The original dash is metal covered with a hard but foamy material a bit like pur foam.
For filling the crack you better use the material they use to repair the foam behind plastic bumpers.
It's a kind of two-component plastic-like (though not as soft as the dash used to be).
After smoothing the surface you won't find the crack.
Then have it covered with vinyl or other material of your choice.

[aludden]

The original dash is metal covered with a hard but foamy material a bit like pur foam.
For filling the crack you better use the material they use to repair the foam behind plastic bumpers.
It's a kind of two-component plastic-like (though not as soft as the dash used to be).
After smoothing the surface you won't find the crack.
Then have it covered with vinyl or other material of your choice.

Thank you, I will look into that material. However, I am still not finding someone to cover it with vinyl afterwards...

[GS450-Junkie]

why doesn't DMCH chime in ?

[stevedmc]

why doesn't DMCH chime in ?

Because DMCH dashboards are of the highest quality.

[Delorean Industries]

Thank you, I will look into that material. However, I am still not finding someone to cover it with vinyl afterwards...

We can cover the unit but it will have a double stitched seam around the edges.

[aludden]

We can cover the unit but it will have a double stitched seam around the edges.

I would like to avoid the headache of shipping it...
If you can do it, why can't I find someone local? Hmmm... I'll have to keep calling.

Thanks!
Alex

[jawn101]

We can cover the unit but it will have a double stitched seam around the edges.

Hey Josh, do you have a picture of your work on these? I'd be really curious, never seen a re-covered or leather dash before. Binnacles, sure, but never a dash. My original one is flawless as of now but I understand I could just wake up one morning to it being cracked in half, and that'd really grind my gears :)

[Delorean Industries]

Hey Josh, do you have a picture of your work on these? I'd be really curious, never seen a re-covered or leather dash before. Binnacles, sure, but never a dash. My original one is flawless as of now but I understand I could just wake up one morning to it being cracked in half, and that'd really grind my gears :)

We just installed a gray one on Tuesday. I will take a few pictures and post when I"m back in the shop on Monday.

[jawn101]

We just installed a gray one on Tuesday. I will take a few pictures and post when I"m back in the shop on Monday.

Cool! Looking forward to it.

[dvonk]

+1. im curious to see what it look like.

[Stainless]

I flew into Houston this week to visit a client when I realized that DMC was just down the road from the airport. My client was kind enough to take me there. James was kind enough to show me the new dashboards. I'm sold. With careful installation, this is definitely my best option for replacement. I handled one and inspected one that had already been installed into a car. It looks great. Too bad it couldn't fit in my luggage.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w57/jlattin21/DSCN0348.jpg

[stevedmc]

James was kind enough to show me the new dashboards. I'm sold. With careful installation, this is definitely my best option for replacement.

Your opinion will probably change after you install one yourself.

[Nicholas R]

Why would installation be difficult? I re-vinyled my dash a few years ago and it was cake. Without the binnacle, console, and knee pads the thing goes right in/out. Even easier if you remove the steering wheel.

[Stainless]

Who said installation would be difficult? I said careful installation, meaning that you should take your time. James mentioned that if you over-tighten the bolts, it can negatively affect the dash, like when you bend plastic and it discolors. I can't find anyone to recover my dash locally either, so this is the best solution.

[stevedmc]

James mentioned that if you over-tighten the bolts, it can negatively affect the dash, like when you bend plastic and it discolors.

The DMCH bolts will snap out with ease. Simply tightening one of the bolts qualifys as overtightening them. The original dashes do not have this problem.

[aludden]

I re-vinyled my dash a few years ago and it was cake.
[...]


Did you re-vynil them yourself, or did you have someone do it? What type of shop did it? I have been calling auto upholstery places around here but everyone tells me it can't be done.

Thanks!
Alex

[jawn101]

We can cover the unit but it will have a double stitched seam around the edges.

Hey Josh - don't forget to post some pics of this! I know I can't wait to see them.

[Chris Mays]

Does anyone have any advice on how I can clean my dash area. I have the original dash and over the years it's starting to look a little brown in areas from the sun. Over all the dash is not cracked or torn at all. The binnacle has been replaced but the slight Brown areas on the dash and glove box aggravate me. Is there a good cleaner to use? Is the dash easily removed? What cost would I be looking st to get it recovered? I appreciate any help you can give me.

[jawn101]

Does anyone have any advice on how I can clean my dash area. I have the original dash and over the years it's starting to look a little brown in areas from the sun. Over all the dash is not cracked or torn at all. The binnacle has been replaced but the slight Brown areas on the dash and glove box aggravate me. Is there a good cleaner to use? Is the dash easily removed? What cost would I be looking st to get it recovered? I appreciate any help you can give me.

Brown spots are usually sun damage, so there's nothing to clean. You can remove and re-dye though, that will make a huge difference.

[Dracula]

Brown spots are usually sun damage, so there's nothing to clean. You can remove and re-dye though, that will make a huge difference.

That's the best advice I can think of. If you don't trust your abilities, take it to a shop that specializes in interior work.

[Chris Mays]

That's the best advice I can think of. If you don't trust your abilities, take it to a shop that specializes in interior work.

Thanks guys. I think I'll take it to the local shop and get it dyed. I will feel much better about the car once I get that completed. I'm wanting to get new carpet for the trunk area anyway. Hopefully it won't cost to much to get it done. @chad.. I lived in Brookfield WI prior to moving to Springfield MO 20 months ago. I lived in Brookfield for 4 1/2 years