1995 Dashboard Questions

[surfbeetle]

On my 1995, the dash is blue and of course cracking. Recently the evaporator just started leaking and needs repair. I have read many times the woes of that job. I have seen on Geno's Garage as well as LMC Truck that replacement dashes as well as replacement plastic dash covers are available. LMC sells the cover in blue and the replacement dash in grey. Does anyone have experience with these? Has anyone just gotten the dash itself and somehow painted it blue? LMC had better prices and color selection than Geno's at this point. So combine my need for a dash as well as an evaporator, I am thinking that I'll end up destroying the old dash to get the evaporator replaced, what's your experience? Below I dropped in pics of the LMC stuff. Thanks

 

[Iron Duke II]

I don't have an answer for you, however to clarify what you are working on, does the attached youtube video seem relevant to the project?

 

[surfbeetle]

I don't have an answer for you, however to clarify what you are working on, does the attached youtube video seem relevant to the project?

I haven't started to take it apart yet. From what I watched, it looks relevant. I'm definitely not looking forward to this. I want to get my ducks in a row before I start in on it. Fortunately, the 95 is now one of our spare vehicles but driving it this week in 100 degree heat sucks. I have to do brakes on my Challenger so I've been driving the truck.

 

[BigPapa]

I haven’t heard of the ‘94-‘97 dashes cracking very much. You can paint it. It’s done all the time.

 

[Bromiley99]

I put one from LMC in my 99, almost immediately their paint started peeling. I thought when I ordered it the plastic would be impregnated with the color not simply painted.
Next time I’d just get the Mopar interior paint an do it myself.

 

[DavidC]

When I changed mine on the 99 from genos I used this before painting. I also used it on the brown replacement glove box before painting it Agate.
Amazon product ASIN B00B3HXM6I

 

[DavidC]

I should mention the sequence
1. Wipe down with wax and grease remover, let dry
2. Spray with Sem
3. Immediately spray with color
4. Let Dry for a day
My dash was done 15 + years ago and still good

 

[BigPapa]

I put a tan LMC dash in mine 10 years ago and it hasn’t peeled, flaked, or cracked.

 

[Iron Duke II]

I haven't started to take it apart yet. From what I watched, it looks relevant. I'm definitely not looking forward to this. I want to get my ducks in a row before I start in on it. Fortunately, the 95 is now one of our spare vehicles but driving it this week in 100 degree heat sucks. I have to do brakes on my Challenger so I've been driving the truck.

How did the dash project go?

Common theme, the cracked dash top in my '96 needs a replacement sooner than later. I knew it was likely going to be cracked under the dashmat cover, but just wanted to ignore it until my spouse decided to look underneath the mat recently. I'm planning on putting it off until cooler weather later this year.

I came across the following on the Utube.

 

[surfbeetle]

How did the dash project go?

Common theme, the cracked dash top in my '96 needs a replacement sooner than later. I knew it was likely going to be cracked under the dashmat cover, but just wanted to ignore it until my spouse decided to look underneath the mat recently. I'm planning on putting it off until cooler weather later this year.

I came across the following on the Utube.

It hasn't. With seven cars, a fifth wheel and a boat, sadly this truck has taken a back seat on the list. I did drive it to work today with no A/C but temps right now are in the low 70s. I'll get to it someday (hopefully).

 

[JDiehl]

I just finished a dash replacement on the 02. Printed off and followed the directions from Geno's garage. I used the LMC dash and it dropped right in without any modifications. I also needed an evaporator as it had a leak. Changed out heater core, blower motor, dryer, liquid line, heater hoses and the resistor while the HVAC box was out. The old dash came out in pieces breaking in my hands. It took me a couple long days. No more rattles and have AC again!

 

[Iron Duke II]

It hasn't. With seven cars, a fifth wheel and a boat, sadly this truck has taken a back seat on the list. I did drive it to work today with no A/C but temps right now are in the low 70s. I'll get to it someday (hopefully).

Completely understand.

 

[Iron Duke II]

I just finished a dash replacement on the 02. Printed off and followed the directions from Geno's garage. I used the LMC dash and it dropped right in without any modifications. I also needed an evaporator as it had a leak. Changed out heater core, blower motor, dryer, liquid line, heater hoses and the resistor while the HVAC box was out. The old dash came out in pieces breaking in my hands. It took me a couple long days. No more rattles and have AC again!

Is the LMC dash pad made from a better material?

 

[JDiehl]

I'm not sure about what compounds LMC uses in their plastic. The color and fit were good for my application. I also picked up a bezel and it fit great. I guess time will tell. I plan on keeping it covered with the dashmat but we all know how that worked out with the OEM dash.

 

[Iron Duke II]

The only official LMC Truck video out on the webs for a 2nd gen is for the 98-02 (). After viewing a majority of the other videos where DIYers are attempting the job on the 94-97 trucks, only two mention the screws over the glove compartment on the inside of the dash that are difficult to reach. Of the two videos, one states that he could not install the screws and "completed" the process without them (). The other speaks to using a flexible screwdriver extension, however does not provide more info (). The official LMC Truck video for the 98-02 models is fairly complete and shows a removal of the whole dash in order to place it on a workbench and better access the vent/defroster fasteners, though there are apparently enough differences between the early (94-97) and later 2nd gen models that it does not appear to be a good guide. I have read somewhere (not sure where at the moment) that there are step by step instructions for disassembling and reassembling the whole dash configuration.

 

[surfbeetle]

If I'm not mistaken, there's an old TDR issue that had a step by step write up. I think it's for the 94-98 dash but it's been so long, it could be the later dash.

 

[BigPapa]

I couldn't find a procedure on AllData.

 

[Iron Duke II]

If I'm not mistaken, there's an old TDR issue that had a step by step write up. I think it's for the 94-98 dash but it's been so long, it could be the later dash.

Thanks

 

[Matt42]

When I changed mine on the 99 from genos I used this before painting. I also used it on the brown replacement glove box before painting it Agate.
Amazon product ASIN B00B3HXM6I

Between your October, 2020 posting date and August 2021, your link just plain died. What were you linking to? SEM's adhesion promoter? If yes, what kind?

 

[Shelby Griggs]

If you need a windshield, it is a good time too, my understanding is the dash is a bit easier job without the windshield. No personal experience yet, everything HVAC wise seems to still be good, one crack in dash last time I looked under the dash mat. I do know my time is coming and I do need a new windshield, way pitted. I think this is number three windshield the others broke, but only one repaired rock chip in this one and it has a lot of miles now.