Appreciate the kind words. 
82 Dash Cap Advice and hints please
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Harrison Ohio
82 Dash Cap Advice and hints please
I do not have big bucks for a new dash and found a cap dirt cheap. So based on that if anyone is willing to share their experience with a cap application please feel free to advise .
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I hate to say it.. But don't waste your money on the cap.. They are junk.
The cap glues on top of the old dash pad and they are made from ABS plastic. After time, when you shut the door the plastic tends to break. When you install them they fit horribly by the steering column, center dash bezel and the glove box opening.
The edges are another subject.. the wiper switch bezel is designed to fit the factory opening and when you put the cap on this becomes tighter as do all the other things such as the center dash bezel the glove box door and the speedo/tach housing.
If in a pinch I suppose it would buy you some time. But I hate to see you spend good money on something that is a bandaide.
This part is something we have on our site.. But also something we do not advise customers to purchase…
IMHO,
Willcox
The cap glues on top of the old dash pad and they are made from ABS plastic. After time, when you shut the door the plastic tends to break. When you install them they fit horribly by the steering column, center dash bezel and the glove box opening.
The edges are another subject.. the wiper switch bezel is designed to fit the factory opening and when you put the cap on this becomes tighter as do all the other things such as the center dash bezel the glove box door and the speedo/tach housing.
If in a pinch I suppose it would buy you some time. But I hate to see you spend good money on something that is a bandaide.
This part is something we have on our site.. But also something we do not advise customers to purchase…
IMHO,
Willcox
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Harrison Ohio
Thank you Wilcox you have always servered me well but, to late it was $20figured it was worth the gamble. I am thinking i may trim it to just cover the top of the dash where my cracks are there by avoiding all the other messy spots.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
For 20 bucks.. it will be an improvement.... I'm sure. But for one at retail.. I always try to advice to save the dollars.. 
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 80
From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Our '77 came with a new cap (still in the box). No money for a new pad, so I installed the cap. It actually fit pretty darn well and was a huge improvement over the stock cracked up pad and a carpet cover.
Rolled it out in the driveway after getting the car running again so I could clean up the garage. It sat in the AZ sun for about 3 hours (not even summer sun!). That was all it took - cap was warped by the defrost vent and the "padding" on it separated from the abs backing.
JUNK. Glad I didn't purchase it myself.
Adam
I would like to add: the receipt for the cap came with the car also, and it was not purchased at Willcox.
I called the place the PO did purchase it from and they would not exchange it since my name was not on the receipt (which I understand).
Rolled it out in the driveway after getting the car running again so I could clean up the garage. It sat in the AZ sun for about 3 hours (not even summer sun!). That was all it took - cap was warped by the defrost vent and the "padding" on it separated from the abs backing.
JUNK. Glad I didn't purchase it myself.
Adam
I would like to add: the receipt for the cap came with the car also, and it was not purchased at Willcox.
I called the place the PO did purchase it from and they would not exchange it since my name was not on the receipt (which I understand).
Last edited by AdamMeh; Nov 22, 2012 at 07:37 AM. Reason: additional info
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Adam.. it wouldn't matter where it came from.. they all seem to have the same issue. I think they come with 1 tube of glue, and I would be inclined to use about three to keep it from warping.. @ 20 bucks though.. and a pile of glue, I'm sure it will look better than a cracked up dash pad.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Willcox
Happy Thanksgiving.
Willcox
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