Replacing the dash

randyveach · Post by **randyveach** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 4:26 pm

I just purchased a 1986 ASC McLaren and I need to replace the dash. I found a "coverlays" dash for a 1986 Capri that glues over the old dash. Is the dash for the McLaren the exact same as the Capri? I also need front carpet, any ideas? Thanks in advance for your help.

Randy Veach

svo413 · Post by **svo413** » Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:22 pm

I looked around a long time ago and found a few suppliers who sold wood or plastic panels to simulate the wood dash. It's possible one of these are the original supplier. The prices are not cheap. AscMcLaren.com shows it for $250 for the real thing, hard to beat that. The Mustang angd Capri dashes are the same. There are some differences with the small lights depending on the year. From what I gave seen on my 85, the dash panel started as a tan flocked panel similar to the Mustang SVO (probably a Ford part number for this). Most of the panel is covered so most people would not notice what's underneath.

I guess I was speaking of the wrong part. Just get a repro dash pad.

For Capet, there are a few choices. Remember to get the hatchback carpet. Usually get a sample first to match the door panels. Acc is one manufacturer but there are a few others which nah be even better.

Post by **negusm** » Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:55 pm

Dash PAD or Dash FACE?

-Mike

randyveach · Post by **randyveach** » Mon Aug 25, 2014 2:30 pm

The top of the dash. To be specific, I'm trying to replace the area where the speakers, left and right, are located. Someone, before me, put new speakers and covers, on top of the dash. Now I have a brown dash with left and right speakers, plus covers, on top of the dash. I want to take the speakers with the covers out, sand it down, then take a new 3/16 inch Capri dash and glue it over the ASC McLaren dash.

Post by **negusm** » Mon Aug 25, 2014 3:08 pm

The dash is the main structure (hard plastic). The dash pad is semi-flexible vinyl/foam and installs on top of the dash.

Don't call the "Dash Pad" the "Dash". Your post is really confusing the way it is written.

The pad can be purchased in reproduction from FoxMustangResto I think. I think they have a new, better version out there. Or you can get a hard plastic cover...which honestly, I think looks pretty decent for a quick fix.

Don't hack together sections of the pad, it won't work. The old material is very brittle and will just crack and make a mess.

The best thing is to buy a new repro or look out for a really clean pad and paint it with the interior vinyl paint from SEM or FoxMustangResto or LateModelResto.

-Mike

CocoLoco · Post by **CocoLoco** » Wed Aug 27, 2014 12:46 am

I had the same problem with my 85. Dash pad was in really bad shape. Looked at all the options of after market, covers, dying, etc. Since I wanted a show quality result, I sent my old one to JUST DASHES. They completely strip it, refoam, cover and dye it. And mine was an unusual Nutmeg color. It is absolutely fantastic. I couldn't be happier with the results. They even give you a small bottle of dye for touch-ups. Came in handy when I got a small scratch from the mechanic removing my old inspection sticker (ouch!!).

BUT..... VERY, VERY, VERY expensive and slow to get it back. Mine took over 2 months. But it was worth the wait. And cost. Did it in the winter so I didn't mind. Here's the link:

http://www.justdashes.com/

Good luck with whatever you decide.