Best Dash cap?
I order mine from RockAuto, they usually have them in stock, it’s always the same manufacturer and it’s always the lowest price I can find. ($65+shipping is still a bit cheaper than FeeBay)
I just finished installing the dash cap over a really terrible dash pad.
Ive done a few in the past and have pretty well the same results.
I over-trim the entire pad, all edges cut completely back to the metal frame then cut all high spots back.
I wish I had taken photos as I went but unfortunately I did not.
My first attempt with an awful pad I trimmed as stated above then covered the top (flat parts) with expanding foam and shaped it after it dried to fit the cap so there was more contact area for the silicone adhesive.
I later found that really isn’t nessacerry to achieve the same thing just making sure the old pad is properly trimmed and plenty of adhesive is used. I use the tube they provide them I get a tube of ultra black gasket silicone because of the heat rating. (It is in the windshield!)
I then glue the front and top and corners then clamp the corners with clamps and wood to pull it tight and wait at least 24 hours for the silicone to fully cure. Then I come back with the ultra black and glue the back edge of the pad and cap. I then use a long piece of 1/4-1/2” plywood the length of the dash pad and clamp every few inches. Wait 24+ hours and make sure the silicone is fully set.
Then paint and install!
I’ve had them on cars I have sold and seen over 10 years now and most people mistake them for a pad, even after they feel it! Weird but true.
Good luck!
I just finished installing the dash cap over a really terrible dash pad.
Ive done a few in the past and have pretty well the same results.
I over-trim the entire pad, all edges cut completely back to the metal frame then cut all high spots back.
I wish I had taken photos as I went but unfortunately I did not.
My first attempt with an awful pad I trimmed as stated above then covered the top (flat parts) with expanding foam and shaped it after it dried to fit the cap so there was more contact area for the silicone adhesive.
I later found that really isn’t nessacerry to achieve the same thing just making sure the old pad is properly trimmed and plenty of adhesive is used. I use the tube they provide them I get a tube of ultra black gasket silicone because of the heat rating. (It is in the windshield!)
I then glue the front and top and corners then clamp the corners with clamps and wood to pull it tight and wait at least 24 hours for the silicone to fully cure. Then I come back with the ultra black and glue the back edge of the pad and cap. I then use a long piece of 1/4-1/2” plywood the length of the dash pad and clamp every few inches. Wait 24+ hours and make sure the silicone is fully set.
Then paint and install!
I’ve had them on cars I have sold and seen over 10 years now and most people mistake them for a pad, even after they feel it! Weird but true.
Good luck!