Striker

iTrader: (1)

Cole Train

iTrader: (30)

Leave it or take it off and risk it shattering. i wouldn't touch it...

93Z2871805

iTrader: (5)

I made one out of aluminum sheet.

You could do a flat black one instead of the pattern I used.

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

Based on looking at my bare dash (my upper pad is in a dozen pieces on my back porch), it looks like there is a metal retainer clip in that spot (like the ones that hold the radio bezel in place).

It is either popped loose, which you should be able to press down and it stay down or the plastic tab is broken off, in which case I would say just live with it, if the one tab is broken the others will likely follow if you try to remove the pad.

You could try sliding in a small piece of velcro under there (well 2 technically) to try to take the place of the clip (getting one piece to stick to the plastic dash pad and the other right below it on the metal dash frame), but you risk cracking the dash just fleshing it enough to get in there.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

I think this is probably right, because mine on my A4 car is tight on the corner, but raised a little bit between the corner and the gauge pod due to heat warpage. It looks like yours has popped loose on the corner.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

The second picture shows me pressing down on that edge moderately, with absolutely no movement.

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

well there is definitely a clip there, I just found that section of my upper dash and can see where the clip broke off, so if it won't move for you either your not pushing hard enough or it is already down all the way and you have some minor heat warpage, either way I really wouldn't worry about it you risk far more damage to it trying to do anything and it's really not that bad.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

That's too bad, cuz this car is always garaged and doesn't see much sun. Think I should apply a bit more pressure to see if the clip pops in?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

you can try, remember its the same type of clips that are on the radio bezel, you can use them to gauge how much force is required to push it in so you don't over do it.

Mike 02T/A

iTrader: (28)

I would leave it alone! Be happy it's not broken into 15 pieces already.

bsf

iTrader: (7)

I also suggest proceeding with caution. New pads are extremely expensive, and the old ones seem to be very brittle.

Is that a guillotine? I have always been under the impression that pad was designed to break “harmlessly” if the firewall is back pushed in a collision.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

This gives me nightmares. Why do they crack? I though it was sun exposure. I would likely cry if mine cracked.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

They crack because over time they dry out, the sun breaks it down and it gets bridle......then cracks. Gotta keep them somewhat moist.

Vaseline (petroleum jelly) rubbed into it once a month is about the only thing that will keep dash pads (the soft padded part, not the plastic deck lid) from ever cracking........
But who's gonna do that. I know people with show cars that do that. It keeps them looking wet and always soft and flexible. But its a lot of work.

I just bought a new dash pad in factory new condition for my Trans Am....mine has started to crack. Im gonna put a few coats of that on mine and then do it every couple months.

Vaseline works great on boat seats and dash boards......you can buy in large tubs.

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AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

hmmm. Thats a little messy though, no?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Not at all, you rub it on with a rag just like you do with Armor All.....except it actually sinks in and protects it. And it shines. If it works perfectly on boats in sunlight and seawater......leather and vinyl.....it will work just as good on car dashboards.

Ill take pics when my new dash pad shell comes in.....after I apply it.

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AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

might give that a try, at the very least get it lubed up with armor all. It stays clean, but I have only applied protectant to it a couple of times.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Do a small area on the sides and see what it does......just a thin coat. Don't have to glod it on.

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patSS/00

iTrader: (6)

Could also be due to flexing of the body, which would be a good reason to have strut and sub-frame connectors.

t_raven

iTrader: (12)

I parted out a 00 TA, dash pad shattered. Parted out a 98 Camaro, figured it being 2 years older it'd be brittle too. Nope came off nice and easy and is plenty flexible. I wonder if it was replaced at some point, or maybe garage kept. Haven't pulled the one off my 01 TA yet but I bought that car from FL so I'm not too optimistic lol

Cole Train

iTrader: (30)

part of me wants to risk pulling my dash pad and reinforce it by coating the whole underside with epoxy but i don't want to chance it breaking.... decisions decisions