Molded dash cover?

[rollwaveroll]

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

[DesktopDave]

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...

[monty23psk]

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.

[rollwaveroll]

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.

[DesktopDave]

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.

[92BMW318is]

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

[e30boarder]

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...

[a930rocket]

What about one of those carpeted covers?

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

[monty23psk]

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.

[a930rocket]

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.

[lbreevesii]

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!