I bought a dash carpet cover for my 65 Dart GT at Rock Auto recently. I recall ~$28 plus shipping. I have them on 3 cars and think they look nicer than the bare dash, plus they prevent further uV damage.
Hey Bill
Can you post a picture or two so we can see how they look?
I'd spring for a new or redone pad if the Dart didn't need so many other things.
My fabrication skills aren't good enough yet to try Ken's idea.