Scratched Dash

Hello, so I’m looking for advice on how I can go about replacing or covering up my dashboard because it is scratched up pretty good. I bought the truck used with the scratches, so I’m not sure how they got there but would love to get rid of them.

 

Here's the part for the cluster screen https://www.sparksparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-instrument-panel-lens-8385204f00 and here's how to replace it https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ched-up-instrument-cluster-plexiglass.503376/

 

i don’t think he’s referring to the gauge cluster. He said dashboard.

 

Oh lol. The tittle threw me off!

 

Not many choices.

There are dashboard covers. Not sure it they will cover your scratches. Pictures would help.

Or

You could replace the dash. I think its one big clumsy ass part. Major disassembly.

 

If the dash is already messed up then perhaps that's a good idea. But, in my experience, those stupid dash covers do more damage than they're worth. My dash is permanently damaged from the adhesive used on one of these covers that was installed by a previous (idiot) owner.

 

Oh no. Don't use the glue down crap.

Stop at the local fabric store. Find the remnant table. Buy a chunk of fabric that you like. Cut to fit. Glue some rubber strips to the back side of the fabric. Place on dash.

Don't forget to cut openings for the defrost vents.

Many options. Fuzzy, fur, linen, fleece, wool......patterns from StarWars to Little Kitty to paisley to plaid.....holiday patterns......

 

Wow, that sounds even worse to me, lol. I'd rather risk dash damage with a real one than have some ghetto-cut, random piece of fabric on my dash.

I just don't get what's wrong with the stock dash and why people want to cover them.

 

Just offering options.......

Didn't claim it was a good option. Only the OP can decide if its a good option or not.

 

Back in the 80's and 90's dashboards were a mess, cracking and warping in a very short time. That's one of the reasons I love the hard plastic dashes. They have been quite resilient to damage. The heck with "soft touch." Haha. And I agree that the covers are worse than looking at any damage on the dash.

 

Agreed. Options are wonderful. What is that cool looking bike in your icon pic?

 

Thanks....Its a 1981 Honda CX500C

 

My experience has been the opposite. The hard plastic part of my dash is cracked whereas the soft/padded part is perfect (this is from an early 90's Honda). It's always the hard plastic parts on those cars that cracked and only occasionally do I see a split in the soft covering.

But yeah, you gotta protect your dash, doesn't matter what decade the car was made. I just think a dash cover is the wrong tool. Proper cleaning and treatment with a UV blocker, ceramic window tint, reflective sunscreens...etc are all better options.

 

Options in order of cost:

• Leave it alone, cost zero and you wont have to worry about rattles & squeaks if you tried to replace the dash yourself.
• Cheap carpet dash mat cover, cost $40-100. Cheap looking and will leave fuzzy remnants all over the place for years to come.
• Molded carpet dash cover, cost $100-300. Much nicer looking than the cheaper flat dash covers but is expensive and may fade from the sun.
• Have an upholstery shop cover the dash with vinyl or leather material that is glued down. Cost, expensive maybe $300-500
• Pay a shop to replace the dash with a used dash from the j-yard. Costs $500-1,000 but you might end up with new scratches, rattles & squeaks.
• Have the Toyota dealership replace the dash with a brand new one. Cost, expensive, $1,000 to $3,000? Same as above, you may end up with additional scratches, rattles & squeaks but at least you can keep taking the truck back for rework, at least until you or the dealership tire of each other and you decide to cut your loses.
• One other idea is perhaps an upholstery shop can paint (or what they refer to is re-dye) the dash. If the scratches are not too deep perhaps the pant (aka dye) will soften the look of the scratches. Cost unknown, you'll need to get an estimate.

Like a vehicles first door ding, you as the owner notice it every-time you walk up to the vehicle. Your friends & family do not ever notice it. Perhaps the dash scratch is the same way, you see it but others don't. How do you feel about stickers

 

I hear Little Kitty stickers are popular.