Thoughts On Survivor Challenger With Dash Pad Cracks

[JH27N0B]

I replaced the cracked pad in my T/A with a nice used one ages ago when I was 18 or 19.  I was young and dumb working in my parents driveway with a mediocre collection of tools and I don't recall having much trouble. Fortunately I had the sense to cut the VIN rivets under the pad and glue it back in place in the new pad with a little epoxy.  I've heard too many stories of people back in the day losing their VIN tags when changing their pads, so I dodged a bullet!
I had my convertibles Just Dashes restored pad reinstalled at a shop last year when they were putting my AC back in.  He said he had a terrible time getting the bolts in the defroster vents installed and blamed Just Dashes puffy restoration for causing the access issues.
I've heard of people dropping the steering column, loosening bolts on the frame, and rotating the dash assembly frame and all down to make pad replacement easier.
Whatever the case, cracked pads look bad.  Maybe a cover would be OK, but otherwise if you can find a decent used one that would be best.
Sadly though, the pad I installed in my T/A did eventually develop cracks also. 

[blown motor]

@blown motor  has seen it ( he wont remember  )

@BIGSHCLUNK  You sound like my kids! 

[303 Mopar]

If you decide to replace your dash, make sure it has a steel core not plastic.

[JS29]

If you decide to replace your dash, make sure it has a steel core not plastic.

100%

[71vert340]

 I know there's been discussion on dash pads several times but no one really mentions about getting his redone. Is the 70 dash pad harder than the 71-74 dash pads because of the script? Is buying a steel core dash pad better than getting his redone? I thought all the places offering steel core pads used old cores. I agree that finding an original is best but if none are available, what is his best option? I would hate to buy one other than mine being redone and find out the one I got was slightly twisted or something along those lines. Thanks.
Terry

[CudamanTom]

I installed a dash pad a couple years ago. 

It wasn't that hard and turned out pretty darn good. At least I thought so. 

And saved hundreds of dollars doing it. 

[CudaMoparRay]

I installed a dash pad a couple years ago. 

It wasn't that hard and turned out pretty darn good. At least I thought so. 

And saved hundreds of dollars doing it. 

Did the same thing and all but the Mopar "Experts" really noticed or cared.
Extremely functional and inexpensive upgrade for a driver.

[chargerdon]

I installed a dash pad a couple years ago. 

It wasn't that hard and turned out pretty darn good. At least I thought so. 

And saved hundreds of dollars doing it. 

Did the same thing and all but the Mopar "Experts" really noticed or cared.
Extremely functional and inexpensive upgrade for a driver.

I also put a new pad on mine..overtop of the original..   Can you tell?   Im sure an expert can...but...it looks 10,000 times better than if i hadn"t.   Since my car is NOT all original anyways.....and IF you had yours replaced with a steel or plastic core...then by definition it isn't original anymore !!!   ...anybody who cares...dont look at it !!