1974 Charger SE: restoring dash pad

[74ChargerSE440]

Looking to restore my 1974 Charger dash pad. Has anyone done this and also has some pictures before and after? Which restoration shop is best? Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[YY1]

There are at least 2 companies offering replacement pads.

They were both pricey last time I checked, but one was way more.

Plus there's the plastic cap.

I've never seen an upholstery shop cover that looked good to my eye.

 

[kramer]

Here might be an option if you want to try to repair your own dash.

 

[slepr1]

Just Dashes comes to mind. Expensive but they use your old frame. Being that you are in Holland the shipping back and forth will surely add up. I have an aftermarket dash in my Cuda (came with the car) and the fit is not that good. I'd never buy another aftermarket dash unless it came with great reviews,
Dash Pad Restoration Archives | Just Dashes
I've seen people put carpet pads on the dash to hide cracks. Much cheaper and can buy you time while you save up the big dollars for getting the original restored.
https://www.covercraft.com/us/en/shop/1974-dodge-charger/dash-covers/

 

[74ChargerSE440]

@slepr1 Thanks for referring to Just Dashes. The process and results look impressive. Is there anyone out there who has experience with any of their restoration services?

 

[T2R9]

There are two main players on 71-74 pads right now that use a steel core. Ultimate Rides, (Alan Foxx) Classic industries carries his. You might get one that fits or not. I have bought two of them, one was OK, the other garbage. The other is ABCmoparts.com, I have used one and the fit and finish was nice. Being where you are your taking a chance on any restored pad for fit and finish but one would be half the cost of Just Dashes.

 

[Runcharger]

I had Just Dashes do the pad in my 71 Charger. Excellent job, dying and fit.

 

[moparmarks]

ABCMoparts if he has any in stock is the best option. I've dealt with ABC, Fox and JD many times over the years.

 

[SMS68]

Depending on your goal, show car or driver for example, you can make it look good with a dash cap.

I cut off the raised, cracked vinyl, filled the cracks with plastic putty and color matched a dash cap on mine.

 

[moparmarks]

Depending on your goal, show car or driver for example, you can make it look good with a dash cap.

I cut off the raised, cracked vinyl, filled the cracks with plastic putty and color matched a dash cap on mine.

View attachment 1394542

Have you installed it back into the car yet? I did that same thing. Installed a cap with the dash out of the car. After I installed it back into the car I couldn't get the speaker grill back in. I actually had to wait until I replaced the windshield to get the grill back in.

 

[SMS68]

Have you installed it back into the car yet? I did that same thing. Installed a cap with the dash out of the car. After I installed it back into the car I couldn't get the speaker grill back in. I actually had to wait until I replaced the windshield to get the grill back in.
View attachment 1394549

Have not reinstalled yet, but my glass is out.

 

[74ChargerSE440]

I had Just Dashes do the pad in my 71 Charger. Excellent job, dying and fit.

Price? Photo's before and after?

 

[SMS68]

Price? Photo's before and after?

Just Dashes quoted me $800 to repair the pad and another $250-$300 to color match and paint. April of 2022.

 

[74ChargerSE440]

Just Dashes quoted me $800 to repair the pad and another $250-$300 to color match and paint. April of 2022.

Ok, so it was only a quote or do you have photo's of the finished product?

 

[74ChargerSE440]

ABCMoparts if he has any in stock is the best option. I've dealt with ABC, Fox and JD many times over the years.

Unfortunately ABCMoparts 'DOES NOT SELL INTERNATIONALLY'. Well that's loud and clear then.

I found this one on ebay. The shippings costs are only $728... Someone bought one of these dashes?
Shoptntparts

 

[SMS68]

Ok, so it was only a quote or do you have photo's of the finished product?

I did my own after that quote LOL.

Posted a pic earlier in the thread.

 

[74ChargerSE440]

Looking to restore my 1974 Charger dash pad. Has anyone done this and also has some pictures before and after? Which restoration shop is best? Any advise would be appreciated.

View attachment 1394308

So, the new ABCMoparts dash pad is installed!

I have to notice that the quality is not as good as advertised on their site. Now the dash is installed you can clearly see the quality flaws on the inner edges. These are very roughly done and cut. Not a good fitment on the left side. C quality unfortunately. Just to let you know.

Received:

As advertised on their site:

Marketing is a stain on humanity. Always been.