2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Cracked Dashboard

[Devildog]

I just noticed That I have 5 cracks in my dashboard near the windshield vents. Anyone else have that problem? The truck is only 6 years old. Where do I get a new one and how hard is it to replace?

Thanks, Chas.

 

[TX DUCKHUNTER]

Have the same problem with my '99. Cracks started at the screws below the windshield and just spread from there. Now there's a group of cracks in the middle that threaten to cave-in every time you touch them.



Took it to the dealer this week to get a problem with the low beams fixed (wire had come un-attached from harness at steering wheeel) and asked for a quote to replace dash. Service advisor said "$425 for the dash, and 8 hours of labor..... probably around $1,000 total". Told him not to worry about replacing it - might just have to try to do it myself.

 

[DavidC]

http://www.genosgarage.com/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=1667&CATID=1



Have not used one, maybe someone here has.



Dave

 

[RDelissen]

just check it out at Geno's garage they've got new dash tops for about $140



BTW: mine is also cracked :-laf

 

[steague]

Devildog: Just replaced the dash in my '97 I see your in W Palm and I am in Orlando. I bought dashtop from Orlando Dodge and list price is $135. I got it cheaper than that on my business link. Dash comes standard grey and would need to be dyed to match your interior. It is no fun to install. They recommend for installation that you remove entire dash to get to screws that are under the front lip. There are also screws that hold the defroster vents in place that cannot be reach any other way. I was able to drop steering wheel into the drivers seat and undo the dash from its hinges and lay dash on top of steering wheel/shifters to install the new top.

 

[Grizzly]

A good reason to use dash mat from the get go.

 

[kglenn]

I had the same problem on our 01 so I ordered the DASHTOP (molded plastic dashtop replacement) from Geno's Garage. This the simplist and best answer I could find for this problem that Dodge should have taken care of. The fit is good and installation was pretty simple. I think it only comes in black so you might have to paint if you have a colored dash. It is in catalog 49 - page 27.

 

[DBentley]

I assume the reason these are cracking is because the way we all have to replace the ac evap cores and in turn stress the dash at the same time. Im expecting mine to crack since I did the ac evap last summer and had the dash 1/2 way in the back seat on bungy cords to get the dam heater box out.

 

[kglenn]

These dashboards crack for no reason other than they are cheap made trash. One day they are fine and the next you see cracks. I take care of my truck inside and out, but it still cracked. My friends truck looked like someone stepped on it. It will finally just about cave in. I love these trucks but it is kind of embarrasing to have a truck a few years old with a dash that looks like a road map.

 

[2Gen3Gen]

On this subject, I had the windshield replaced on my Corvette at a local glass shop. The bozos that did it dropped the windshield on my dash and cracked the dash. They had a company come out and actually fix the dash while it was in the car. It looks and feels like NEW! Had I not seen it, I would have thought it was replaced. I would check in your area to see if you can have it done as I assume it would be much cheaper than a new dash and you dont get your hands dirty. Just a thought As for my CTD, even though it is garaged daily, I have a dash pad on it as I have seen too many late model D/C cars with bad cracks. I also have one on my wifes new Chrysler convertible. Doubtful that I will own either one long enough to see a crack, but I would hate to have it happen when a $50 pad could have prevented it!

 

[JWaters]

Got my dash topper from ebay for 109. 00 and it bolts/glues to the top of old dash, looks factory and could not be easier to install!!! Ebay is full of them. Cheap to!

 

[Devildog]

Just went through Hurricane Wilma... . that ***** went directly over my house..... But, I'm Back.

My dash is "Camel" color (Not the double humper either) I wonder if there will be a recall on them? It's really tough to back a product when this crap happens. I kind of takes the wind out of your sails.....

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

A good reason to use dash mat from the get go.

. . . and a sunshade placed in the windshield every time the vehicle is parked outdoors. Something I do religiously, hate jumping into a 160 degree cab on a summer day!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

A good reason to use dash mat from the get go.

YUP - one of the FIRST things I always put on our vehicles...



Might scare me to death to actually see what's going on UNDER them after a few years!