Cracked Dashboard

[AustinRunner]

I've developed a crack in the dash on the passenge side. Is there an epoxy technique to mend or am I looking at a dashboard replacement? Any tips and hints on what's involved. Thanks.

 

[Regcabguy]

I don't have any answers for you,but I just went out a put that ugly dashmat back on. It appears to be the only surefire preventative measure for preventing cracks.

 

[raksasa]

I've seen this cover in the Geno's catalog:

DODGE RAM DASH COVER - BLACK ('03-'05)-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage

Here is the description:


Dodge Ram truck owners wanting an affordable, high-quality, rigid dash cover to hide those unsightly cracks that inevitably occur in extreme weather conditions do not need to look any further.
Our photo does not do justice to the six-foot long dash cover. Molded with the same texture as the factory dash, this dash top cover fits '03-'05 trucks.

Just a suggestion, I've never seen one in person. I have one of the carpet type covers and it seems to be protecting the dash OK. My gripe is the glare that comes off the dash onto the windshield (no armor-all or coatings).

Jon

 

[SHobbs]

Call 1-800-992-1997 and ask for Alice her extension is AM1207. The number is the Chrysler Care Hotline and she is the one I talked to about my dash. I was surprised that my truck being as old as it is they paid the for the labor involved in replacing my dash top all I had to pay was the $450 for the top piece. I know of an 03 that has no dash top it all fell in on itself. Give Alice a call and see what she can or will do for you, can't hurt. I had the carpet cover from Genos and it was ok but nothing like having a full dash, my interior looks alot nicer now with a new dash and no cover.

 

[AustinRunner]

Thanks raksasa and SHobbs. I'll check with Chrysler Care and see if their service is all it's 'cracked' up to be. Geno's might prove to be the cost effective solution though.

 

[Adventure Bob]

Took my highly cracked 03 to a stereo shop who does custom surrounds. For about $200 they pull the dash, epoxy some metal strips to the underside on the long flat areas to pull the cracks back flush, then fiberglass the whole top, sand it out then paint it the OEM color. The shop I talked to can even do texture so it's not smooth. It'll have the "elephant skin" texture when all done.

 

[KLauber]

Pics please!

Took my highly cracked 03 to a stereo shop who does custom surrounds. For about $200 they pull the dash, epoxy some metal strips to the underside on the long flat areas to pull the cracks back flush, then fiberglass the whole top, sand it out then paint it the OEM color. The shop I talked to can even do texture so it's not smooth. It'll have the "elephant skin" texture when all done.

Send pics when you get it done!



Ken

 

[Adventure Bob]

Update: Well, in the short amount of time since I spoke to the stereo shop and now, my dash has begun to completely collapse and crumble. The peice tht has that little circular screen dead center? Well that fell into the dash with a big chunk of the rest of it. Went and talked to the shop and he was like "dude, were good but this is getting pretty bad. " They offered to do a full fiberglass replacement and would mold in gauge pods if I'd like. I now have to make the decision of which seems like the better soln for the money: stock or custom.