M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Interior => Topic started by: rollwaveroll on July 07, 2011, 06:09:56 PM

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: rollwaveroll on July 07, 2011, 06:09:56 PM

I've got a lot of dashboard cracks in my newly acquired 1984 318i. Has anyone used or heard anything about the molded plastic dash covers I see available online? Or, if I choose to have the dash replaced, any estimates on about what that would cost all in? Thanks

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: DesktopDave on July 07, 2011, 06:19:55 PM

Those dashes tend toward $200 from what I've seen up here, but that Georgia sun is brutal.  Supply & demand keeps the prices up.  I'm not sure about the covers, I've seen a few online but not firsthand.

It's a shame you're not closer; I have one in great shape.  I'll have to update that "for sale" thread of mine...

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: monty23psk on July 07, 2011, 07:39:14 PM

I have seen a molded one but with heat it starts to curl up a little, like it is shrinking. So they work, but need to be taken car off and not a lot of heat or sun.

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: rollwaveroll on July 08, 2011, 11:19:42 AM

Thanks guys. The GA sun is pretty intense, but at the same time, mine will be garaged either at home or work over 90% of the time. I'll see if I can find a mechanic to quote me on dash replacement, and if it is too high maybe I'll try the dash cover approach.

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: DesktopDave on July 08, 2011, 07:19:40 PM

Hopefully your mechanic will know where the best salvage yards are.  OEM for a dash is impossibly expensive.  Try out R3v to see if anyone local has a useable part.

Make sure you update this thread with anything you discover about those covers.

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: 92BMW318is on July 11, 2011, 04:20:10 PM

I just bought a new dash for my car for 10 dollars, try places like pullapart

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: e30boarder on July 11, 2011, 04:37:20 PM

I had a plastic cover in my '84. I would advise against it. It doesnt look the greatest. Small gaps around the air vents, etc... Maybe mine was different but it didnt look better IMO. In fact, I would have been just as happy with the cracks in the dash. Thats just my 2 cents...

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: a930rocket on July 24, 2011, 08:19:30 PM

What about one of those carpeted covers?

My dash has no cracks and I was thinking of covering it with something to protect it..

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: monty23psk on July 24, 2011, 09:33:14 PM

I would recommend a UV windshield cover for when you park, always try to park in the shade and then protect it with vinyl cleaner that keeps it oiled and doesnt dry, like armor all. I use Meguiars #40 vinyl rubber cleaner and it works for last 8 years on my 2 bmw dashes. Thats my .02. The carpet will keep it clean but not sure on fitment.

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: a930rocket on July 27, 2011, 05:42:21 PM

I'm getting the UV film Friday.

There's a BMW hsop across the street that has an E30 for part and a molded carpet dash I might ask about. I will need some TLC to make it look good, but just might work.

Title: Molded dash cover?
Post by: lbreevesii on September 05, 2011, 02:53:10 PM

I highly recommend using 303 on your dash.  I did some testing(non scientific though it was).  

I picked a crack on my old dash and liberally treated one side with 303 and let it sit(note: this is not normal usage),  wiped it down later, then added more.  Repeated several times.  Afterwards I was able to easily crack the untreated side with minimal force.  The treated side I was pushing so hard i was afraid it would deform the whole area before it cracked.  

303 does not advertise to put the spring back in your vinyl,  but it does!