Dash for 1973 Beetle RHD - Latest info please

I'm sure this may have been asked before but want the most recent information. What options are there for fixing or replacing my cracked dash board. Id heard a top used to be available to stick over the top of the old dash but no longer. What are options are their? what are other plastic dash owners doing? Id assume there are plenty of other plastic dash beetle owners would pay good money to get their dash repaired or replaced?

Crikey that's a lot of work isn't it, I've got about 10 huge cracks so would take a year of weekends to fix. What a shame all those dashboards that need a new lease on life will not get a chance until someone makes a reproduction top. Makes me wonder what is the most sort after Bug part that you just cant get but would pay handsomely for. So far my list includes 1303 RHD Dash and 1303 RHD fan. Any one else want to chime in?

jamesbond wrote:Crikey that's a lot of work isn't it, I've got about 10 huge cracks so would take a year of weekends to fix. What a shame all those dashboards that need a new lease on life will not get a chance until someone makes a reproduction top. Makes me wonder what is the most sort after Bug part that you just cant get but would pay handsomely for. So far my list includes 1303 RHD Dash and 1303 RHD fan. Any one else want to chime in?

The most sort after part for any old vw is a knowledge on how to fix any tiny problem that comes up, I know that I would pay handsomely for that 😂

You can get them reskinned but it does cost a bit

The fibre glass stick on are rubbish and illegal (hard surface)
The twist and distort in the sun.

I have seen some pretty good repairs done with black Sika-flex and trimmed with a Stanley knife after. Then a good spray of black vinyl
Also seen good results with speaker box felt.

Best result is having the dash out.

Maybe get a spare and work on that and then do a swap.

Then fix yours with your new found skills and sell it

1303Steve wrote:You can get them reskinned but it does cost a bit

Definitely the best way to go

Well, black sika flex with a carpet cover has to be better than what's there now😉

Luckily my dash is perfect. Just found this place online, haven't used them myself but seem to have been around a while and they have done beetle dash's. http://dashboarddoctor.com.au//reskin41.html

scm048 wrote:Luckily my dash is perfect. Just found this place online, haven't used them myself but seem to have been around a while and they have done beetle dash's. http://dashboarddoctor.com.au//reskin41.html

I reckon this is the way to go. I had a similar mob that used to be in Brisbane do a customised dash for me a few years ago, and it came up brilliantly.

Wow that dash looks like new! You know this would be a great lifestyle business for someone wanting a work with rare and old cars. You just need to somehow learn how to do it. Possibly a good franchise model, you could use the traditional car trimmers as dealers to sell you dash and console repair services.