77 280z Why is it newer cars are imune to dash cracks yet every car I've owned older than 1980 suffered from dash cracks, is it that the vynil quality is better or that we are using better preservation. If I were to order a new dash from Nissan or MSA will I eventually crack. or what if I have the dash redone. I currently have a half cap, though it's not cracked it does have waves and distortions. I began removing this half cap and it is extemely brittle and is also doing more damage to the original dash (Is there something I can do to prevent any more damage to original dash). It was mentioned to me that if I do a full Dash cap to make sure all that guages are 100%, for I won't be able to remove them without replacing the cap, True or False?
Clock. It seems most Z enthusiasts live w/ broken clocks is there a company that makes replacement Guts (say with swiss movement)?
Thanx
Darylick

Will AutoX for food

 

Can someone answer this question, I'm also curious, but i know sometimes questions get lost... thanks

Zstone

To deny our Z impulses is to deny the very thing that makes us human...

 

I think you can still replace your gauges after a dash cap. I would go with the full dash cap. I have one on mine and it looks great. My car is always garaged so I dont know if the cap will crack. Click my username and ck my car in the rides section. When mine was installed my dash was out of the car to install the Autometer gauges.

Rick
Old School Imports 4lyfe

20424-Dsc02228.jpg

 

This is what I've learned so far..... early Vinyl lacked in UV protection (actually in the vinyl). here are a couple of links for dash restoration:
http://www.dashrestorations.com (located in australia) Dash needs to be removed and sent to Vancouver Wa to www.autoupholsterykits.com/ they quoted me $525 and 6 week turn around (this quote includes everything but shipping to Vancouver.
The other-
www.justdashes.com they quoted $800 plus shipping to west coast.This would be an 8 week turn around
Dash restoration in australia asured me they use Bridgestone Materials W/ UV Protectant.
Would still like to hear from others on experience w/ these companys and other viable options.
Darylick
Will AutoX for food

 

this may sound dumb..but are you doing the little things (ie..armor all, sunshades...)? i have an 83' 280zxt, i wipe down all the vinyl at least once a week and (knock on wood), i haven't had a problem yet...

 

Thnx speedricer05
I purchased the car 4 mo ago much of it in parts, so I wasn't able to do any prevention. On my internet search I came across some information from a guy who does detailing, he stated quite a bit on the UV protection, and say armour all doesn't have this and to search for products that do. I would refer you to this web sight if I could only remember where was.
Thnx for responding.
Darylick
Will AutoX for food

 

ok, well I'm still wondering what about new dashes, I like the idea of sending the dash out and having it recovered, and sending it too Vancouver, WA is cheaper than motorsports new dash's, but will the dash's sold by Motorsports be UV protected better than the original ones?

thanks,

Zstone

To deny our Z impulses is to deny the very thing that makes us human...