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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
The most economical solution is to stop wasting time with original crappy dashes from a boneyard, and dash caps, which are nothing more than a band-aid.
Save your pennies and buy a quality reproduction. Spend once, cry once.
I purchased an upper instrument panel (dashboard) from these guys, Steve White Motors, as well as several other items, and have been happy dealing with them.
It's on the list. I'd rather pay good money for a quality dash top and only do it ONCE. Time is money, and I don't have the time to repeatedly perform some type of maintenance on the dash.
It's on the list. I'd rather pay good money for a quality dash top and only do it ONCE. Time is money, and I don't have the time to repeatedly perform some type of maintenance on the dash.
I hear ya. My only problem with the aftermarket is how well it matches (and that is why I asked). A friend got the replacement dash pad, and had to have it painted (cost more money). The paint was close, but the texture of the dash was not the same and could notice it. The fitment for the most part was ok, however the holes the airbag clips into weren't exactly in the right spot so it was a little difficult to get in. Also the bezel holes were not exact either, which made that a chore too when removing / installing. That turned me away from the aftermarkets. I didn't opt for a brand new factory dash pad because of the price. I knew the junkyard dash was oem, color matched, and would fit perfect. The $20 it cost me for the pad, was well within the budget. And after almost a year and a half, I am happy to report it hasn't cracked. (knocks on wood).
I don't think the dash plastic itself is the problem, I personally think the cracking is a byproduct of the real issue.
The used a low quality plastic, that was susceptible to UV degradation. Some years are MUCH worse than others..... also, the plastic was pretty thin.... so, once it started cracking.... that was pretty much it.
The used a low quality plastic, that was susceptible to UV degradation. Some years are MUCH worse than others..... also, the plastic was pretty thin.... so, once it started cracking.... that was pretty much it.
That is pretty much what I have always heard... but funny thing to me is that nothing else made of the same plastic in the truck cracks. What about the pillars, they get their fair share of sun. Even door panels for that matter get their fair share.
03-07-2011, 03:42 PM
