I recently inherited a '77 1/2 ton that is in mostly great shape; however, the dash is in rough condition. Anyone replaced one of these, or used a dash cap. If so, who did you go through and how did it look in the end. The truck is a beauty all I really need is a dash solution to make it complete.


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I wonder how much it would cost to take it to an upholstery shop and have them re-wrap it. Doubt you'll be finding any of those without any cracks though. The one I had was cracked and a lot I've seen are the same.

 

Why not a dash mat? I've had my dash covered up with a dash cover for almost 30 years. Get the velour and it will be cut to the exact dimension of your dash.

 

The shape really works in your favor. You could recover it yourself easier than you may think. What I would do is get some great stuff expanding foam. Fill the cracks. You can cut that foam with a butter knife when it's dry. Sand it with 180 to get the shape flat. Now get some 3M Super 77 or Super 90 glue and follow the directions to glue down new vinyl. Cut your patch a few inches too large. When its glue down take some electrical tape and LIGHTLY wrap it end to end. It'll hold while the 3M dries. Don't over tape it or you will leave warp marks. When its all done, reinstall it and you're good to go

Or if you find one that's the wrong color but not cracked, you can use Krylon Fusion paint. It's meant to bond to plastics without adhesion promoter. I swapped mine. It's easy but be careful not to ruin the new one. The clips are fragile in the foam.

 

That's an awesome idea! Why didn't I ever think of that for my 81?!?!

 

That is a terrific idea. Thanks! At worst, I still have my original options open and at best I have a newly covered dash. I think this may be the way to go.

 

I'd consider a cap, but a freshly wrapped dash is certainly a better looking (and more costly) option.

Or, create an entirely new dash with steel sheet and/or fiberglass. No more cracking problems. Only requires money.

 

I think so too. The variety of vinyl available these days is great. There are some thinner ones that work great for this kind of thing. The corners will be the worst part to handle. Joann Fabrics has, or used to have, a line called Whisper Vinyl. $15/yd. I have 3 yards of black for my interior as I finish building the parts. Like console and door panels and stuff. Check out my build. You might find some good ideas for styling upgrades. I'm big on subtle little brushes alloy touches. Like corolla/corona window cranks, 79-83 sr5 heater sliders, ect.

 

72-78 Toyota Truck, Standard Cab Dash Cover 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

 

I am having my bench re-opholstered next week.
My dash pad is cracked too, so if I have enough material left, I might consider this: Click

 

Cool video. Skimmed it. Seems like he has the right idea. Take your pad out to do it tho. His car you can't easily.

 

how hard is it to take out the pad? how many bolts or clips and where at?

 

That turned out better than I could have imagined, and he did it with his dash still in. I think I have a project for the 4th of July weekend.

 

Great! Brave man. I will wait until you are done.
Be sure to do a little write up with pics so we have some pointers on how to do it.

 

The metal panel above the pad is all that holds it in. Pull those five or six screws out and them pop the pad off. It has a few clips facing forward. Few butter knifes works well. Should come off pretty easy. Just be gentle.

 

I got my dash pad back form the upholsterer and he didn't want to do it. He suggested I contact a company that specializes in dash repairs.

So I googled Fibrenew and sent them some pictures and asked for a quote:

Here is their response:

I don't think so. Two cracks, no warranty and at least $ 400 (+13% tax)

 

Try and contact this shop. They have done 3 of interiors and all are great. I deal with Dave Corn.
Interiors | Hudson's Rod and Custom

 

So this is what my truck was suppose to look like off the lot...

 

thats how i did mine but i used bondo insted