Well mine is cracking also (about 5 good size cracks, nothing falling through - yet). I live in GA. Today I called Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997 after I registered on the Dodge web site. I told them the problem and the person transferred me to their supervisor.
I again explained the problem and this person asked me if I have taken the truck to the dealership yet. I said ‘no - I was reading the Dodgeforum and viewing the new reports from Orlando News (http://www.clickorlando.com/news/132...ail.html#story - click on Related for videos) and they suggested that I call Chrysler first.’ Then the supervisor asked me what I want Chrysler to do for me about this dashboard cracking . . . . I told the supervisor that I want it replaced (note: I was so temped to pull one of the “here’s your sign”, but choose to keep it professional)
Well, the supervisor asked for the closest dealership I would take my truck to. I gave the supervisor the info and the supervisor called the dealership and next thing I knew I was taking the truck to the dealership with a reference number. After I got there I found out that I am the 3rd owner of this truck (thought that I was the 2nd – oh well).
The dealership did their check and yep the dashboard is cracking. After everything was said and done and the dealership called Chrysler back – it is going to cost me $250 to have it replaced by the dealership. That is 250 out the door – Chrysler is picking up the rest of it. The dealership said something about a Care Number from Chrysler . . . not sure what this is about, but the service guys were all in a fuss about it and got things done in a hurry.
So now I am in a holding pattern until the dealership gets the part.

 

I have a 2000 and mine was split and cracked all over the place. I ordered one from JC Whitney, for about 100 bucks looks great and easy to install yourself. Cheap fix and it looks good.

 

An actual DASH or a COVER?

 

So how well do these plastic covers work for those that have installed them? My 2000 started cracking in 2003 and there is little left of the dash now. I contacted Chrysler in 2006 but they wanted me to take it in for a diagnostic, at my expense. I never bothered, wasn't about to give them more money to come up with an excuse for not replacing it. My local mechanic said he could get the part for about $550 and install it for about $350. Not doing that either. I figure the plastic cover is my only option unless Chrysler is willing to make this right, which isn't likely.

 

I found a Dodge Technician in the Atlanta area on this forum and paid him to install a new dash. I paid him $800 including parts to replace the old dash with a new one. It looks great and doesn't give me any problems like the last one. I've had the new one since I bought the truck in September of 2007.

 

I have a good friend that has a body shop. When I got my 97 NASCAR pase truck to fix up we went to his fav. wrecker yard to get a dash because mine is in 1000 of peices. I was told by the wrecker guy if he had 200 in decent shape he could sell all of them in one day. this is a very bad problem the south where it gets hot. I had to go to the dealer and pay $230 for the top and $160 for the part over the glove box. and what sucks is the plastic is the same that came with the truck. so if I don't take very good care (armol) and block the sun it will crack again.

 

Too bad you don't have the '97 NASCAR Pace Truck. Might be worth some money some day.

 

Damn SPAMMER!

 

Tsk tsk.. People these days.

Still $250 is damn cheap. I got mine for around $350 with a 30% discount and had to install myself. My local dealership stocked the dash, I don't know why yours wouldn't. Its so ridiculously common, that they have to replace tons of em.

 

When mine starts to crack really bad, this is what I'm banking on:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...7257&viewitem=