Thoughts On Survivor Challenger With Dash Pad Cracks

[schlett7nu1]

I have a survivor 70 Challenger R/T 440 convertible with all original interior that has the typical dash pad cracks emanating from the radio speaker.  I don't want to "restore" the dash.  However, I'm struggling with leaving it as-is versus taking some action that will attempt to prevent further crack progression.  The cracks are not visible while sitting in the car.  I'm concerned that, over time, the cracks will continue to progress.  Should I leave the cracks alone and accept that they are normal and will likely progress or is there a black filler type product that can be carefully inserted into the crack and blended with the surface in an attempt to limit future crack progression as well as improve the visible appearance?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  I'd really like to preserve the car at this point versus restore it.  I love the originality.
thanks

[RUNCHARGER]

They used to make a filler for those but it isn't designed to fill ones that long. You would pour the filler in in a couple of steps then use heat and graining paper to put a texture on it. When I had my HemiCuda I used a dash repair service that Dealerships used to repair their used car dashes.  It wasn't totally invisible but it looked better than the damage.

[HP_Cuda]

Pull that dash and redo it, there is no substitute for doing so.

Remember you have to pull the front glass to make this happen.

[anlauto]

Pull that dash and redo it, there is no substitute for doing so.

Remember you have to pull the front glass to make this happen.

Pull the glass ? Really ?

I would find a perfect original pad, when you do, then think about swapping it out.

[blown motor]

  On all points.

[js27]

I reinstalled my dash pad with the windshield in. Not Fun but doable.
JS27

[HP_Cuda]

Alan

I challenge you to change out the dash without pulling the front glass.

Gauntlet thrown,
B

Pull that dash and redo it, there is no substitute for doing so.

Remember you have to pull the front glass to make this happen.

Pull the glass ? Really ?

I would find a perfect original pad, when you do, then think about swapping it out.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have swapped pads Without pulling the front glass , however I could not get  the 4 bolts near the defrost vents restarted , my hands are just way to big to get in there , luckily a girl was handy & she put her hands right into the defrost vents & started the bolts easily , I used a 1/4" drive with a flex extension to loosen & tighten the defrost bolts .

[anlauto]

Alan

I challenge you to change out the dash without pulling the front glass.

Gauntlet thrown,
B

Pull that dash and redo it, there is no substitute for doing so.

Remember you have to pull the front glass to make this happen.

Pull the glass ? Really ?

I would find a perfect original pad, when you do, then think about swapping it out.

I'll agree it's easier with the windshield out, but I've done it a dozen times with it in...I use the tools described above and I lay a mirror on the outside of the windshield to see what I'm doing...

[71vert340]

 I agree with Chryco and Alan as to removal. I 've done two Challenger dashes without pulling the windshield. My wife's small hands made it do-able. I found an uncracked dash pad, non A/C for my 71. My original is a 3 speaker dash so I had to carefully cut the holes for the outer two speakers. I stored my original pad and it has the same cracks as your pad. I plan on getting it recovered but I don't want to get it redone, store it and when I need to use it, find out it has cracked from age, heat, cold, etc. Any thoughts as to the storing a redone dash pad causes problems?
Terry

[HP_Cuda]

As someone who tried with it in, although the front window was put in poorly and was lower on one side than the other making it impossible even for the smallest hands.

I will never do a dash without the front window out again!

[ragtopdodge]

I've done it about 3x.  Never pulled the glass out.  NOt needed IMHO.

Replace that ugly dash!  Good gawd!

There's a nice 70 3-speaker version on facebook (non-ac) for sale for $750.

[ragtopdodge]

Who wants a survivor that has ugly crap on it?

Like, "Hey, I got a survivor!  It has original rust holes in the quarters!"

[anlauto]

Who wants a survivor that has ugly crap on it?

Like, "Hey, I got a survivor!  It has original rust holes in the quarters!"

so true 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

T had a minor crack starting in Miss NIKKI.... I knew it was from the sun.... Hello DASH MAT....  Looks ok , keeps the sun off of it. @blown motor  has seen it ( he wont remember  ) But until your ready for a major project....    I can throw up a pic if you would like