console/dash cap debate

[baltobernie]

I'm very happy with my dash cap, but I had some expert advice before installing it:

If the Fiat dash has ever been treated with Armor All or other silicone-based product (and what car hasn't?), throughly clean the dash with acetone before attempting to cap it. Also scuff up both mating surfaces with coarse sandpaper, particularly around openings and edges. Clean these afterward with acetone, then apply adhesive per directions. Have plenty of clamps, sand bags, etc. to hold surfaces together during curing.

A well-installed cap may even be better than refurbishing the OE dash, as subsequent movement may create new cracks, which would be hidden by the cap.

[htchevyii]

I've got two cars with caps. They look OK if done correctly, but I'd much rather have a whole dash! I had to sand or trim every panel to fit, so if I ever replace the whole dash the wood probabily won't fit right. The biggest issue I ran into is the radio console on my '82. It fits so poorly that the stock wood and trim no longer fits. I left the trim off and trimmed the wood, but it's still not to my satisfaction and I think I will try Mark's fiberglass replacement. The tan is also just dye, so it scratches off. It your stock dash is warped then you also will have problems.

[Raze]

How bout sand all the cracks down, fill with bondo, sand again till smooth, then coat it up with a couple cans of spray on truck bedliner, it's a polyester-vinyl, and once it's cured it's tough as nails. Texture matches what was there before, though it's slightly 'rougher'...