Original vs Reproduction Dash Pad

[Matt68]

Which would you guys choose and why? does anyone have experience with the repro ones? I can only find one remake through Year One Parts. I've read the new ones are a plastic core, which makes me think they might be more fragile, but what could be more fragile than 50 year old Vinyl and Foam? I can get either one as I've found a very nice original.
TIA

 

[Xcudame]

I believe Year One sales both plastic and steel core dash pads. In the original is in really mint condition, I'd go that route if it was me. But a steel core from Year One would be a great choice too.

 

[NixDad]

the grain/texture of the repros is different, so an original is noticeable but are very hard to find in good shape...plus 55 year old vinyl is getting more brittle by the day

 

[heminut]

I would stay away from the plastic core dash pads if you can, they have been known to warp over time. Also, I would go with these guys rather than Year One for a dash pad;
ABC Moparts

 

[MOPARMITCH]

I have heard that the plastic backed ones will warp over time. My dashpad was in horrible condition. I did some research and found a few vendors that will restore your dash pad with your core and metal backing. Just Dashes was a name that came up pretty often. I took pictures of my dash pad which will also post here. When I called Just Dashes I think I got their number one idiot on the phone. The guy was rude and discourteous and quoted me a price that was way out of whack I thought. Did some research on ABC Moparts and found that Bob does a pretty good job for a reasonable price. I sent him my dash pad in October. He told me it would only be 3 months. I was out of the country anyhow for 6 months. He finished my dash pad and it is on the way to me now. I will share my opinion of it when I receive it tomorrow.

 

[Matt68]

I would stay away from the plastic core dash pads if you can, they have been known to warp over time. Also, I would go with these guys rather than Year One for a dash pad;
ABC Moparts

Sold out

 

[heminut]

Sold out

If you have an original dash pad frame you can send it to them and they will redo it for a much better price than Year One. The frames are all the same, A/C, non A/C, one speaker or three speaker.

 

[Matt68]

If you have an original dash pad frame you can send it to them and they will redo it for a much better price than Year One. The frames are all the same, A/C, non A/C, one speaker or three speaker.

Unfortunately much more expensive than Year One. I’ve already taken a huge loss on this, so it’s not an option for me.

 

[heminut]

Unfortunately much more expensive than Year One. I’ve already taken a huge loss on this, so it’s not an option for me.

Did you call them and do you have a frame? Everyone on here that has priced them from both places (having their frame recovered, not buying a new one) has said that ABC was much cheaper than Year One and the customer service was much better.

 

[Steve Brooks]

Very good experince with ABC.

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

Just got back from just dashes in December. No trouble what so ever with them. It did take about 6 months though.

 

[Matt68]

Did you call them and do you have a frame? Everyone on here that has priced them from both places (having their frame recovered, not buying a new one) has said that ABC was much cheaper than Year One and the customer service was much better.

The only frame I have is the damaged one still complete. I'm assuming they work with bare frames and that stripping it down would be extra? Year One is $799. ABC is $1700 plus my core.

 

[Matt68]

Just got back from just dashes in December. No trouble what so ever with them. It did take about 6 months though.

View attachment 154068

Nice work, but 6 months; there goes my entire Summer/Fall of cruising.

 

[pschlosser]

Let us talk numbers, people. How much is this running, the service to redo the dash pad over existing frames? $2000? $3000?

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

Nice work, but 6 months; there goes my entire Summer/Fall of cruising.

Sorry man. Just giving you my experience this was an original metal dash pad I sent in to have reworked.

 

[Matt68]

Sorry man. Just giving you my experience this was an original metal dash pad I sent in to have reworked.

No, I do appreciate you showing it. Gorgeous dash!

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

Let us talk numbers, people. How much is this running, the service to redo the dash pad over existing frames? $2000? $3000?

I paid 2466.00 to Just Dashes, plus it cost me around 225.00 to ship it from Ohio to California.

 

[Xcudame]

If you got the original dash and treated it with some good vinyl protectant (303 Aerospace, STP, etc), it might be your best bet. Wouldn't have to wait to have one made and you'll make your car show date.

 

[pschlosser]

I know a guy who acquired a nearly perfect dash pad in the 1980s. it had small cracks. He thought to coat it in a thick coat of Vaseline, and cover with green garbage bags. Fast forward 40 years later, it is still goopy with Vaseline and still shows cracked surfaces.

 

[Copilot]

I have a yearone dash pad with steel core. It fits nice on the dash frame no issues. I have not seen one from Just Dashes to compare.