2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Dash replacement reccomendations

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

Hey there my 94's dash is gone. I mean literally more than half of the dash is gone. And the other bit of it left is hanging on by a thread. Any recommendations where to get one? lmc truck wants somewhere around 400$ but that's pretty steep. Wondering about other peoples experience with different dashes- fit, quality, etc. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome to TDR.

There are MANY threads on dash replacement. I will admit yours is one of just a few I've heard of on a pre-'98. Most are '98-'02.

LMC has the dash tops, Geno's MAY have one. The "skins" and covers work for some. I replaced my '98 with a top from LMC. Very satisfied.

 

[GAmes]

I replaced my dash top several years ago with an OEM. However, at that time a '97 was too old to get one in the original color, all they sold were gray ones that had to be painted. Dodge may not sell them at all now, but if they do I recommend them. Perfect fit and more durable than the originals. Mine looks like new to this day. Which ever you choose, prepping and painting is important. A good automotive paint store will have the correct stuff.

 

[phantomusa]

I did my old 95 3500 I used a geno's dash worked great
I believe the 94-02 are all the same dash ????

 

[JMcCoy]

94-97 dashes are different than 98-02. I need to do mine as well. Unfortunately I also need to replace the dash support frame (I believe it is also called a dashboard carrier). Unfortunately I have not been able to find one. I purchased a fitted carpet cover from Gino's, that is super nice, as a temporary fix.

 

[DavidC]

I used Geno's as it is a company I trust and they will help in anyway possible to make sure the customer is satisfied.

Dave

 

[Bob4x4]

I did my old 95 3500 I used a geno's dash worked great
I believe the 94-02 are all the same dash ????

There are many variations,even the bezels and air outlets vary.A good reason dealers have gone to requesting a vin before ordering parts

 

[Bob4x4]

My 94 dash had no cracks when I sold it 2 years ago,however a few of the tabs that mounted bezels etc were starting to give up.The new owner was able to find a nib oem unit.They are out there if you dig deep enough

 

[hcole]

Dodge1994, I highly recommend the dash cover from Geno's. It's not expensive, and it is of high quality and very easy to install. I put one on my truck last year and I'm VERY pleased. It takes all of 15 minutes to install if you glue it. Seen here https://www.genosgarage.com/product/dashtop-998/dashtops

 

[Bob4x4]

If you decide to use a glue on dash cover be sure the vin plate shows through and the front row of attatching screws are still accesable

 

[GAmes]

On the same note, if you decide to replace it don't forget to remove the VIN tag and install it on the new top.

 

[Road Dog]

If it's like here you can't move the VIN plate to the new dash. There's a legal process to move the plate (or get a new VIN). Same with the door post that has the VIN. It's common to take a plate from a salvage vehicle and move it to a stolen vehicle. Easy money.

 

[GAmes]

There is probably a government reg about how to clean yourself after your morning constitutional. Removing a door sticker and reinstalling it would be next to impossible. Drilling a rivet and installing new rivets is pretty easy. I didn't have any rivets so I used two small bolts and smashed them, the heads now look like rivets. I see no problem if both the dash and the door sticker match. I have also heard there are hidden VINs. The '54 Ford I'm restoring has one on the frame that can only be read if you remove the body.

 

[Road Dog]

More importantly, there's an entire department of government employees to deal with it. They'll spend more time and money doing the paperwork than you installing the dash.

Why is a B.C. Assigned VIN needed when a dashboard is replaced?
It’s an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act to remove, alter or obliterate any VINs on a vehicle. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, the vehicle operator is presumed to be in possession of a stolen vehicle if the VIN is removed, altered or obliterated. The vehicle may be seized immediately and the operator charged under the Criminal Code.

The dash VIN is the most visible and often-used VIN to identify a vehicle. Law enforcement offiers will recognize the B.C. Assigned VIN as the current and correct VIN, even when other VINs are found on the vehicle.

 

[BigPapa]

I wouldn't worry about moving the tag from one dash to another. It's the correct VIN for that truck. What they're talking about is swapping a used dash from another truck with a different VIN. When you move the existing tag from the broken dash to the new dash you are doing nothing wrong.

For what it's worth, mines in the glove box.

 

[GAmes]

Exactly. The VIN tag isn't being removed from the vehicle, it is just being reinstalled. Otherwise, removing the dash assy to service the HVAC would be illegal.

 

[JMcCoy]

To get technical, it is actually illegal to own or be in possession of vin tag rivets, though they sometimes pop up over the Internet. That being said, since all the other numbers will line up, I wouldn't think anyone will give you a hard time.

 

[GAmes]

There's something special about VIN tag rivets? They sure drill out the same.

 

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

As it turns out, I live 15 minutes from Geno's. Pretty lucky eh? Walk ins get a 5% discount. )))))))
Looks like I'm stopping by tomorrow.
Thanks for every thing guys!

 

[JMcCoy]

There's something special about VIN tag rivets? They sure drill out the same.

Lol! I bet they do.