2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Cracked Dash

[MBenner]

Anyone having a problem with the Dash board cracking :{. Crack is on passenger side between vent and window corner. This is a 99 ram 3500 dually. I keep it clean and sun protected. Also looking for a 3rd party site to get a replacement. Always have better luck with non-dealer parts in this area.

 

[DBrickel]

MBenner, try this site; acmetruckparts.com. Also; stylinconcepts.com. they will send you a catalog. Lots of cool stuff. Don't know anything about their quality but maybe someone else here can help with that.

 

[BTowler]

No ideas on replacement parts, but my dash has three cracks now, all above the instrument panel.

 

[CMacKenzie]

Same problem on the passenger side. I tried to keep it protected, but now it seems some the the interior protectant sprays (armor-all, etc... ) can cause the the dash to crack.



Nu-Image has a fiberglass overlay for GM trucks and SUVs, and also for the Mustangs. It installs over the factory top dash. It is paintable, available in a smooth finish or a flamed finish. I sent a email to see if they will be making one for our trucks, but have not received a answer yet.



The top dash replacement from the dealer is around $200. 00-$250. 00 and is a PITA to install. The dash overlay is around the same price but an easier install.



Charlie

 

[roperteacher]

my o1 I just traded had a crack from the passenger window ( Streight in from the mirror and up to the wind shield. Cracked streight across. Was never in direct sunlight either. . go figure.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I use a carpeted "Dashmate" cover - looks better, and if there are any cracks in my dash, I'll sure never know it...

 

[CMacKenzie]

My brother is operations manager for a dealer who has several Chrysler and GMC lots. I talked to him about my problem and showed him pictures where I actually had pieces of the dash missing

He got hold of the area rep and they are going to replace my dash free and that includes labor.



He showed the rep the threads on the TDR and told him how many members and visitors that this site generates.



The Rep stated that Chrysler has started litigation with the manufacturer of the dash due to the fact it did not meet the specifications of the auto maker.



Yes, it helps to have somebody at the dealership go to bat for you, but my brother said it was also the posts on the TDR that sealed the deal and that the rep owed him some favors.



Be persistent and sometimes it will pay off.



I will still use my Ultimate to prevent this from happening again.



Charlie

 

[Wiredawg]

No cracked dashes in over 30 years

Never any cracked dashes in over 30 years. I use reflective windshield sunshield, vent visors so I can keep windows cracked in summer and very light on son of a gun protectant.



I keep a thermometer in the in the truck and temps can range from 120' to over 160'. Using all the sunshades and cracked windows keeps temps on the lower end. With temps as high as 115', everthing helps.



BTW, if dash ever did crack, I'd get a dash rug.



Good luck, Wiredawg

 

[nuv22]

i also use a sun shield, vent visor and tinted windows which i would not be without since i have leather seats. but about a week ago i started to see a crack forming at the heater vent on the passenger side now it has grown a bit and there is another one forming by the instrument cluster. the sun is brutal here in south Florida so sometimes (i think it made a difference) when i left work i would get in drive for about 2 minutes with the windows down to let the temperature drop slowly before i cranked the AC. but i guess all that only helped for a couple of years. i guess the dashes on the 99's just turn into peanut brittle after a while :-laf

 

[rblomquist]

I also use window shades, keep the windows cracked and have also never had a cracked dash in 20+ years (until this truck).



Last summer I armor-all'd the dash and 2 days later wham, big ole crack 3/4th the way up the dash from the windshield up toward the instrument cluster. About a month later I got a big one on the passenger side. That plastic is so thin it is unreal. What I ended up doing was using super glue and throwing a dash mat over the cracks. These are the kind of issues (body/interior stuff) that Dodge gets slammed for when you chat with others.

 

[Wiredawg]

The real story on protectants on dashes

You know protectant actually heats up more than untreated dash and can literally cook it it expands. As it cools, it contracts and voila, a crack. I spray a couple of squirts on a rag and wipe. Alamost doesn't go on. Never real shiney.



Wiredawg

 

[BTowler]

I worked in the detailing industry for two years and I don't use anything but pure silicone as a dash treatment, it is the best thing you can use for vinyl and rubber ( of course, nothing will keep our paper thin, vinyl-less, plastic dashes from cracking ). And stay away from Armor-All, one of the worst products ever invented, contains alcohol which will cause your dash to crack. You will never find a professional detailer using "Harmer-All".

 

[nuv22]

BTowler are you talking about a spray like the one 3M™ makes?

3M™ Interior Dressing "A ready-to-use silicone dressing for use on interior vinyls, plastic, and rubber surfaces. Produces a deep color, natural gloss appearance"

 

[BTowler]

That will work, haven't used that one personally though. I used Zelmot Z90 alot since I already had it for my scuba gear, also used Quicktime ( a co. in Corpus Christi, don't know if they are still in business or not ), they made a silicone-mink oil blend that was totally unreal. That stuff would make your tires bead water like they were waxed!!! Just keep it away from your steering wheel if you intend to turn! Any good 100% silicone or silicone-natural oil blend product will work, make sure there is no alcohol.

 

[Chipstien]

I personally would not use any form of "protectant" on my dash. Besides, then the sun deflects off of it and you can't see through the windshield.



Just plain water with a dabb of soap is all I use.

 

[StephenDelany]

My dash is TRASHED! I live in South Florida and 2/3 of it is cracked like an egg dropped on a sidewalk. The rest of the "Beast" is in fantastic condition and I am a little bit ****** about the wrecked dash. Any progress on this thread is very interesting to me.

Let me know about the D-C appeal process and the best way to get this thing replaced.

Thanks