My dashpad was near perfect but the sun took its toll on it. I got a crack running down the center of it... i've been thinking of a way to fix it and after doing a search i've decided against vinyl repair stuff and wanna try fiberglass resin.

I've used this stuff in college making models and I know its some tough stuff. My game plan was to just brush it on the entire dashpad and after a few layers sand it till it is smooth and then paint it. A friend at work told me he tried it on one of his firebirds before and said it didnt work. he's not really much of a fabricator or the type to follow directions so his results could of been that he didnt mix it right or something. I might add a thin layer of matte cloth just to give it more rigidness. I might try something different for speaker grills while im at it. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

Nothing and I repeat nothing is the same as a non cracked dash pad. Go ahead and bite the bullet and pay the $150.00 for the new one. We all have had to do it and might have to do it again.

 

If the only other option is buying a new one you may as well have a go with the fiberglass...

 

I've read in the 4th gen forums of guys doing this to their 4th gen dashes, it can be done. They cover the entire dash with a layer of fiberglass.

 

Is there no aftermarket replacement made? Fiberglass or "soft" like OEM? Mine was perfect...until I pulled it off the get to to the speakers. I barely moved it back, didn't even pull it all the way off. Now I have 3 cracks!

 

I have a hard time convincing myself to pay 150 for something that is just gonna break again (Like you mentioned). Unless I could get some kind of UV resistant coating for it. I think glassing it would have a real nice look to it.

 

Nah...They won't be $150...By the time your new one cracks, they will be $400, for an original, unless somebody steps up and repros them.

 

Classic Industries already sells'em for $350. F-Body Motorsports sell a ABS plastic cover for $140 but id be afraid it would look like cheap (yet expensive) fix.

 

Where can you get them for 150.00, Im in. Took mine 14 years to break so ill be happy if another lasts 10 years

 

He already said where...fbodymotorsports.com

 

I glassed my last dash to repair the cracks as well as install a nice 5 1/4 component set in place of the 4X6 smokers brought the paint job ibto the car it looked and worked great! Just be sure to put one good layer of glass matt over the entire dash and grind down the area were the crack is since it'll be somewhat raised. Also br carefull not to outgrow the wedge area on the front. It may not be worth the time it will take if you don't plan to do a speaker mod but thats your call good luck!

 

He said they sell the ABS COVER for 140, not the entire thing. I want the real thing

 

Since you posted the low price, it looks you are interested in the ABS one. If you want an OEM one, for $150, you're SOL, unless you find one person-to-person locally.

 

Havent priced them, ever so didnt know. Anyway sounded to good to be true anyway. Lets see those pics of the glass Ive been throwing it around too.

 

I asked about them on the Product Review board, to see if anybody has one, and likes them. Nothing so far.

I was thinking...Cover the stock one a in faux leather or soft vinyl. Just hafta trim it to fit around the speaker covers. I've got a spare dash pad (it's HORRIBLE!), and have thought of experimenting with the idea. I certainly can't make it any worse trying.

 

VFN sells Camaro & Firebird style, 2 piece 'glass dashes.

http://www.vfnfiberglass.com/8292firebird.htm

http://www.vfnfiberglass.com/8292camaro.htm

 

Contact Iron Duke on this site. He has been selling dash pads for $150 /200 as of last week. So has LFN AT U.