I have a vacuum leak under my dash. I think I need to pull the dash to deal with it. The problem is that I’m afraid I’ll never get it back in. It’s in a lot of pieces. What are my options?

 

Yeah, it will likely disintegrate on removal.... you can get new dash tops, and bezels though.... Geno's Garage, or LMC truck both carry them, and worst case, rumor has it, there is a company making the dash base structure from aluminum, or some such. (REALLY not cheap....)

 

Yea the dash just crumbles. Pretty sad . I got the pieces to go through my dash this fall when i cools of a bit . New dash and instrument panel, aluminum blend doors , new heater core and hoese. Ac evaporate.... i pretty sure i going to have to epoxy some of the structure back and even build a metal support in a few places. Pitiful really . If i had to i spend the money for a decent support frame if i knew where to get one . . I dont look forward to the adventure but i want it done completely one time deal lol

 

Thru my own experience (and evidenced by another guy, pic attached) dash components can be removed individually so hopefully you can access and fix the vac leak with one or more removed and not having to deal with the dash as a whole. Good luck.

 

Others I've seen in excess of $350. Been considering this one. Dash

 

The covers need something to attach to..... and the factory dash will just continue to disintegrate, and the cover is pretty thin.... Good short term solution, but, not long term.

 

The early dashes had a metal frame structure, The dashes changed in 98 (passenger air bag) so did they do away with the metal frame?..I prefer the older ones myself but they crack also.

 

Just from what I am seeing. I would say his core is still in good shape since it doesn't get direct sunlight damage. I just would get the good full dash from LMC top that isn't the cover type and new bezel. Drop the dash forward and correct the vacuum issue. Then install new dash roll back forward and get a dash cover to protect it. I wouldn't drop down the dash till you have everything ready. If you have to tape to keep it intact till then. That just my opinion.

 

Cover isn't necessary if you replace the dash with one of the new ones. Different formulation for the plastic, so it is less susceptible to UV....

 

I still would protect it. It wouldn't hurt.