Dashboard Cover

[Drewe30e]

I just got a new dashboard cover (you know, the ones that cover up an old crack dashboard, but look like the original). has anyone ever installed one? How does it look? I want to do this right the first time.

[Jordan]

Return it now before you take it out of the packaging.

Those are garbage. They fit like shit, and flap around in the wind to no end.

[Drewe30e]

seriously? i've heard from a couple of people that they work ok. but that's why i'm worried about the installation. i want to do it just right so that it doesn't mess up. i'm mainly worried about the temperatures of everything so that one doesn't expand/contract faster than another.

[Dave]

Return it now before you take it out of the packaging.

Those are garbage. They fit like shit, and flap around in the wind to no end.

Really? I have never heard about the flapping in the wind.

I went ahead and bought a new dash. in the interim, I have one of those cheesy-ass carpet like things covering the heinous cracks in mine.

[B2ThaZiZza]

I dont have a cracked dash but i've got that carpet dash cover thingy too it works fine and all i used to keep it from moving is some industrial strength velcro. Juat a little cheap insurance ;)

[bimmer8604]

ive seen a few of these that were installed by a professional shop. They looked good. Could hardly tell it was just a cover, unless you looked in the corners of the air vents, there was a small tiny gap. I'm debating one of these for my car, but i dont really care right now.

Kyle

[Drewe30e]

my dash right now looks like complete crap...tons of cracks. so i'm gonna try it, and if it turns out bad then who knows.

[Dave]

my dash right now looks like complete crap...tons of cracks. so i'm gonna try it, and if it turns out bad then who knows.

I'll sell you my carpet thingie for $25 shipped if you are interested.

[bimmer8604]

my dash right now looks like complete crap...tons of cracks. so i'm gonna try it, and if it turns out bad then who knows.

one of the tricks the guys told me was put the adhesive a few inches from the edge, so that when it seeps out a bit, it doesnt go on the outside of the dash. Also, they would put some sand bags ontop of it while the adhesive dried.

Kyle

[grapedrink]

Try and somehow smooth out the cracks in the factory dash also so it would fit flush. Maybe try sanding it flast where the cracks are??? It will help it seal and look better. Good luck and take pics when done.

[Drewe30e]

thanks for the input guys, i'll try all of that. once i have a day off work next week, i'll give it a go. i'll let you guys know how it turns out.

[Surge]

The previous owner was kind enough to install a white one for me...


Obviously held down by glue in numerous places, and obviously a pain in the ass to remove. After ripping off the horrible "I can't see shit due to the reflection of the white" cover, I took this dash out sanded down the remaining silicone glue and filled in the rest of the cracks and repainted over it (as a tempoary fix)
I've since picked up another a perfect condition dash for $80 (NZD, around $60 odd USD - pays to have friends in the BMW community who are keen to help fix a ricer'd up car back to it's former glory)

When picking up some bits off the previous owner (mtech 2 wing, obc, tools etc..) he goes "O no, that cost my mate like $400 for that custom made cover"