Accuform Dash Cap install

[rocky61201]

Don't know if anybody is interested in going the cheap route, but I did and ordered the dash cap, the kind that goes over the existing worn out dash.

I'll be honest an say I got what I paid for, it fits perfect and does the job, but it is hard plastic. Very similar to say "the feel and texture of a 05+ Mustang. No regrets and I'm not bashing the product, it's works for me and my budget/time-line. I can always upgrade later, but right now I've got bigger problems to spend my money on.

Today I mocked it up for installation and it has a bit of overhang on top the speaker cover. So much so that I have to trim it a little or install the dash cap after the dash and speaker cover have been re-installed in the car. I chose the later because I didn't feel like trimming it.

I might be able to squeeze the speaker cover on and under the new dash cap overhang if the windshield was removed, but mine is still on the car and scratching the fresh paint I just laid down on the dash wasn't worth risking it.

[Nacho-RT74]

after two buddies what made it... I don't like them... of course just thinking on a temporally is not a bad idea fix but never to a definitive job. They did it like a definitelly job.

what they got hard to fit is the woodgrain insert on passenger side... rest wasn't that hard since you can trimmed out and will be unnoticeable, but trim the insert area is noticeable

[Deleted]

Jun 2, 2009 1:14:51 GMT -5 rocky61201 said:

Don't know if anybody is interested in going the cheap route, but I did and ordered the dash cap, the kind that goes over the existing worn out dash.

I'll be honest an say I got what I paid for, it fits perfect and does the job, but it is hard plastic. Very similar to say "the feel and texture of a 05+ Mustang. No regrets and I'm not bashing the product, it's works for me and my budget/time-line. I can always upgrade later, but right now I've got bigger problems to spend my money on.

Today I mocked it up for installation and it has a bit of overhang on top the speaker cover. So much so that I have to trim it a little or install the dash cap after the dash and speaker cover have been re-installed in the car. I chose the later because I didn't feel like trimming it.

I might be able to squeeze the speaker cover on and under the new dash cap overhang if the windshield was removed, but mine is still on the car and scratching the fresh paint I just laid down on the dash wasn't worth risking it.

Nothing wrong with what you did. I would like to see before and after pics. I'm all for saving a buck.
Don't mind the purist.

[brock]

Saving a buck is cool: But I'm like Nacho...............Pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rocky61201]

As requested. Sorry it's not on the car yet, like I said, the cap will go on after the dash is installed and I've got a few more things to do before that happens. Maybe in about a week or so.

For what it's worth, this thing goes on like a glove and when the speaker cover is finally installed it fits right over the top of it just a little bit. I was gonna use some clamps to hold it steady while the glue dries, but now I guess I'll use some 5 or 10lb weights to set on top after it's installed on the car and glued down. Should work out.

I only mocked it up so I didn't really screw the vent's on the right side down to see how it fit. I just set it in there and it looks ok. Couldn't see any blue from the old dash pad.

The paint in the 1 pic does not do it justice. Must be the flash cuz it looks like I got serious orange peel. Not the case, I just didn't give that part a good final sanding because it will be covered anyway.

I used Duplicolor rattle can semi-gloss black, about 5 coats and another five coats of Duplicolor clear. Haven't decided if I'll wet sand it or not, it's not a trophy winner, but it looks good.

img222.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=1000907o.jpg

yfrog.com/661000907ojx

[Deleted]

I guess I have put 2 of them in so far and would agree with the "you get what you pay for. I had a somewhat difficult time with the pass side ac vent....trimming enough for the panel to seat well, but not too much. Where I messed up.. was not thinking about trimming the top area around the speaker grill when I had the whole dash out of the car. I ended up trying to do that with an exacto knife..with the dash in the car.....and had a hard time making a straight cut. It looks a LOT better than having a cracked dash. Its shortcomings probably bother me more than they would a casual observer, since I am more aware of what original grain texture should look like. When the caps buckle and crack (and they will) I will replace them with a much more expensive repro dash pad or a crack free used one (I have one of both)

[rocky61201]

Got it installed. Like I said, not perfect, but not bad either, and definetely not as bad when I bought the car. Also put in a couple 3.5 inch speakers.

[DynoDave]

THAT is a HUGE improvement! #2Thumbs#

[quapman]

I've had one in the 71 for many years now with no real issues. I installed mine with the old pad OUT of the car and used good contact cement with many clips/clamps as opposed to the silicone that comes with the cap. Painted it with vinyl dye in a rattle can which is still in good shape (the cap, not the can). Yes, had to fiddle with the vent panel opening, but don't recall any issues with the speaker grille.

$60 for a cap as opposed to $500 for a pad that will eventually crack......hmmmmmmmm

....but that's just me! (And BOB! )

[canadian74se]

I just picked up a dash cap and im looking at the crap one in my car. The cracks stick up a bit and just pretty bad, almost as bad as "rocky61201" dash. Is there anything to do with them like cut them so its as smooth as i can make for the cap or do i just glue the dash right down and forget it?

I havent done this before and i dont want to have it look like crap when its done. Thanks