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Dash for 1973 Beetle RHD - Latest info please
jamesbond - April 16th, 2017 at 08:12 PM

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?


karmann141 - April 16th, 2017 at 09:02 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxcyiJtRBs0 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x8qtvG-Y8U 


jamesbond - April 16th, 2017 at 10:56 PM

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?


BlasterTheRedBajaBug - April 16th, 2017 at 11:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jamesbond
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 :lol:


1303Steve - April 17th, 2017 at 04:33 PM

You can get them reskinned but it does cost a bit


Bizarre - April 17th, 2017 at 08:11 PM

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


Bizarre - April 17th, 2017 at 08:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 1303Steve
You can get them reskinned but it does cost a bit


Definitely the best way to go


jamesbond - April 18th, 2017 at 09:31 PM

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


scm048 - April 19th, 2017 at 05:22 PM

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 


beetleboyjeff - April 19th, 2017 at 10:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by scm048
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.

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb364/Jeff_Walsh/My%20New%20Dashboard/Mydashboard6-restoredcover.jpg


jamesbond - April 20th, 2017 at 09:55 PM

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.