Recovering the dash pad

[dave73chally]

Saw this at a car show last year.  It actually looked better in person.

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That looks slick. I'm looking into a shop to do something like this as well. I figure I can patch up my cracked dash good enough where it won't be noticeable when covered in upholstery. If I can come out cheaper or same as a new dash, around 1k, i'd be happy to have something custom and one off...

[GreenFish]

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That looks slick. I'm looking into a shop to do something like this as well. I figure I can patch up my cracked dash good enough where it won't be noticeable when covered in upholstery. If I can come out cheaper or same as a new dash, around 1k, i'd be happy to have something custom and one off...

I agree I love this look and would like to see one in black with red double stitching. Would probably be about the same price as a new dash pad. If your existing pad isnt tooooooo bad. You just need to get the craters and bumps out of it and get it nice and smooth. Then take it to a upholstery shop and get it covered like this. I have NO idea what that costs, but a new dash pad is $500 for a fiber glass core and more for a steel core.

[70chall440]

Most of the pads I have seen are more than $500; I paid $750 for a Just Dashes pad and have seen others (as well as JD) going for close to $1000.

[ChallengerHK]

I think he was saying that the ABS-core pads are around $500, and I think we all pretty much agree that no one wants an ABS-core pad.

[70chall440]

Exactly the reason I am hanging onto a steel core, in case I happen into another E body and need a pad.

[GreenFish]

I think he was saying that the ABS-core pads are around $500, and I think we all pretty much agree that no one wants an ABS-core pad.

By the way what is the deal with ABS core pads?  are they bad?

[ChallengerHK]

By the way what is the deal with ABS core pads?  are they bad?

I have no direct experience with them, but I've been told by a few folks that they will warp if the car is left in the sun.

[anlauto]

By the way what is the deal with ABS core pads?  are they bad?

I've only installed one over the years from Ultimate Rides who I think since has discontinued them.

It was hard to get it to look straight around the vent area and just about every screw that screws into the pad for trim and speaker grill etc....stripped out with ease....

[filmsurgeon]

By the way what is the deal with ABS core pads?  are they bad?

Previous owner had an aftermarket ABS core dash pad installed. The fitment was not very good. That's why I replaced it with a steel core "restored" dash pad from "Just-Dashes". I know some on this forum feel that the Just-Dashes pads are too "puffy", but I disagree, and I'm very happy with the work they did, and think it looks GREAT!!

[filmsurgeon]

Here are some photos of what the ABS core dash pad looked like. It was nice "looking", but up close, forget it (regarding very bad fitment).

[GreenFish]

Whoh.. I had no idea the ABS pads had so many issues. I was real close to buying one from Ultimate Rides at Carlisle this year too.  Glad I didnt