Who makes the best dash pad replacement?

[440panther]

Well, winter is here and its time to tear apart the dash and get rid of that longgg dash crack. What are your opinions on who makes the nicest fitting, most stock looking dash pad for a 71 Challenger, AC w/ 3 speaker.
I have heard that finding a nice used one is the best way to go, but haven't had much luck.
Thanks.

[Cuda_Kid]

Does the guy that told you to look for a nice used dash pad have designs on your wife?  He obviously wants you to stay busy for a while.....
 
Why not just look for a Hemi Convertible 'Cuda while your at it.

I used a recovered dash pad from Ultimate Rides and am pretty happy.  It did need some triming at the A/C vents & dash light bar.    

[GreenFish]

i dont know about you , but i dont have 500 bucks to spend on a dash pad. What i am going to do is buy a dash pad cap. It looks just like a stock dash, It goes over top the existing dash pad. the only way to tell its there is to feel it. Its a harder plastic than the soft pad. and it's under 100 bucks.  year one sells them and there is a guy on ebay that sells them also. check it out

[Pistol Gripper]

This may not be the Parts for Sale catagory, but, I have a black dash cap that I think fits a 71-74.  It has the opennings for A/C,  not sure how many speakers.  It's still sealed in the plastic bag, but if anyone is interested, I'll open it up for a closer look.

P.G.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

  I've been on both sides of the street here. My car had a dashcap on it when I bought it. It looked good. In fact, touching it was the only way I knew it wasn't the real dash. I don't believe they come in the 3 speaker type though. I eventually saved up and paid the piper for one of those Ultimate Dashes. As was already said, you do have to do some trimming, but nothing major. If you ever find a nice used 3 speaker, AC dash, you may be the luckiest man alive.

  Mike

[Cuda_Kid]

Welcome 440panther,
I didn't realize you were new when I posted the above.
I bought my dash pad at Carisle so that I could inspect it prior to purchase.  
I have noticed inconsistent quality in several of the vendors.  
Also, if you need specific info concerning the triming I mentioned just ask.....
Once again, welcome aboard.
CK  

[MoparMan]

 I also used a UltimateRides dashpad. Like Cuda_Kid was saying, it needs a little trimming but it looks great !
I'm very happy with mine. I don't have A/C but I upgraded to the 3-speaker dash since I was paying for a brand-new pad.

MoparMan

[BIG MIKE]

Ultimate Dashes has an ad in the new mopar muscle mag. and they now have  NO CORE charge. i think they came out with a fiberglass frame setup, not sure how they look.

[360 'CUDA]

I have the ultimate rides dash
I did a little trimming but it looks good

[Chryco Psycho]

Stay away from Just Dashes

[1973challenger360]

Newer heard about them before but saw a few at a phoenix car show, didn't look at them very hard, but they looked good. anyone used them ?

www.vehicle-interior-parts.com

602-397-5979

[360 'CUDA]

I checked those out at the Phoenix show
If you are not looking closely they are O.K.

they seem to have a funny grain pattern look to them
that reminds me of a ford interior, sort of bumpy looking

[ragtopdodge]

Doens't Ultimate Rides make TWO VERSIONS?

One w/a fiberglass core and one w/the original metal core?

I've heard the latter is the one to get.  Heck, lots of cruddy cores around.

[440panther]

Thanks for all your opinions.Sounds like I need to check out Ultimate Rides.
Cuda Kid, thanks for the welcome and yes I would like to take you up on the offer for some dash trimming advice. Are you referring to some excess material around openings like AC vents and speakers?
Thanks Again

[Cuda_Kid]

I had to trim small square areas where the screw holes are located on side of the A/C vent openings & at the point the dash light bar attaches.  
I had to trim excess material so I could slide on the (U shaped) speed nuts.  Don't trim the A/C vent openings.  (don't make the same mistake I made)  If you have specific questions, post pics & ask questions first.  Cut later.......CK