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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Dash

Posted by: Maine914 Feb 7 2003, 10:00 PM

I'm restoring a 1972 914 with a 2.0 1974 engine. Most of my time so far as been spent on the mechanicals. I'm starting to focus on the interior. The dash on this car, as in many of these cars, is in sorry shape. Any thoughts on full replacement vs. one of those dash covers?
Thanks

Posted by: Bleyseng Feb 7 2003, 10:28 PM

IMHO the dash covers look lame, post in the classified for a used one if the new ones are too much $$$. I just sold the one I had LAST WEEK for cheap to move it.
Geoff

Posted by: boxstr Feb 7 2003, 11:55 PM

Definetly look better if you replace. I saw one on ebay $400 buy it now, I sold one new in box never used $500. Insurance job. They can be recovered, cost probably $150-200. If I were to recover one I would delete the ashtray. The other option would be the covers that are made of a carpet material.
Craig

Posted by: campbellcj Feb 8 2003, 10:06 AM

Just Dashes can supposedly recover them nicely, but it isn't cheap.

I agree that the plastic covers look kinda lame. The problem is the only cover the front portion, not the whole dash, and are just a bit to noticable. If I didn't want to fork over the big bucks for a new OE pad, I'd rather slap one of those velour covers on top to hide the problem.

Posted by: BS Chairman Feb 8 2003, 04:05 PM

Is this what you want to do or something different?Just remember where the wires go!

Posted by: MarkV Feb 9 2003, 11:19 AM

I had a local upholstery shop re-cover mine. Used the same material to replace the baket weave on the face of the dash.

Posted by: boxstr Feb 9 2003, 11:55 AM

Mark that looks great, could you shoot the top side ?? Also how much did they charge??
Thanks
Craig

Posted by: MarkV Feb 9 2003, 02:59 PM

Hard to get a good picture of the top.

The trick to this is to use a material that is very flexible. I used the same material that I used on the seats, back pad, door panels, & console. My material was not very flexible and it took the upholstery guy a couple of tries.

If I remember correctly the labor was $150.

Posted by: MarkV Feb 9 2003, 03:11 PM

Here is one from drivers side.

My origiinal dash could not be re-covered. The top of the instument cluster had several spider web cracks in it.

I bought this dash on Ebay for $20. It was in good shape other than the normal cracks on the passenger side. The cracks have to be cut flush, filled w/ bondo & sanded smooth.

Mark

73 2.0

Posted by: seanery Feb 9 2003, 08:06 PM

That dash looks nice.

Anyone try to do leather?

I've seen pics of it on one car only.

I wonder what this would cost?

Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Mar 8 2003, 08:01 AM

When you had your dash recovered, did they cover the front of the ashtray as well?

thanks,
Rusty

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 8 2003, 05:44 PM

I thought that only the 916 had leather knee and dash pads. I think i will call up some local upholstery shops when i got some dough. looks really nice. you wanna spill the beans on what fabrics are good and what ones arent? also, did you recover the kneepad. My current dash also has many cracks in it. should i attempt the fill it and sand it smooth approach?

any info is appreciated TIA

Posted by: MarkV Mar 8 2003, 06:44 PM

I did have the ashtray face recovered. I also had the rollbar pad recovered.

Mark

73 2.0

Posted by: anthony Mar 8 2003, 10:36 PM

On a restored car I vote for a new dash. If your car is a keeper, garaged and well cared for you only have to buy a new dash every 30 years or so.