I'm just a sentimental fool for wood dashes. Spent 2yrs in the UK compliments of the USAF. Bought a 64 Riley Elf. It had a true walnut dash. Ever since I've lusted them lol

Never have owned a car with real wood trim since. Even my Sedan Deville had 'plastic' wood - but I sure loved it. When I saw blacksr3's trim set-up I said, gee that's nice. Only I would spring for just the radio panel if I could get it. Not thinking I'll trim out the FIT, however.

Now leather Clazio's are a different item... if only I could get the driver's seat done... arghh

And you're right - everything in that Jag is real - real expensive. 22mpg hwy isn't that bad for 510 super charged horses.

I do think the trim would solve Melissa's problem - do hope she comes on back.

btw your Tidewater is looking good - any more travel plans???

 

Wood dashes look terrific in a car meant for it. But in cars not designed for them? Awful. I think wire spoke wheels look awesome on a Shelby Cobra. They look terrific on a 1953 Caddy El Dorado. Also wouldn't look so great on a Fit.

Brushed aluminum might look cool on the Fit's dash.

 

There's an idea - knock-off wire wheels on a Fit. That would go well with the idea I had for fender skirts. all for economy - reduce wheel weight and side draft

 

Aw geez, KC. Just slap the baby moons and bias ply white-walls on there. I'm thinking curb feelers, foot shape gas pedal, side-pipes, and maybe a bench seat with vinyl and contrasting piping.

 

You been reading the JC Whitney again?? Let's not get crazy here.

it's tomorrow in NY - later

 

I need to check out JC Whitney and see if they have those stick on plastic visors for in front of the moonroof. Wind buffeting and all.

 

JC Whitney... Hmmm maybe I can upgrade to a pyle stereo from there. alsothinking about those corner bumper covers... a strip of black rubber triangular prisms that wrap around the edges of your bumpers. go for that NYC taxi look.

OP. another thougth that came to mind which is REAL cheap. Any Hobby shop or craft's store like Michaels/AC Moore will have Testors brand plastic model paints. There might be one that matches the color of the dash. Worst case scenario, if you try it and it doesn't match (or looks awful), you'll need to cover it up or replace it anyway. They come in Paint pens as well.

~SB

 

Pull the dash pieces and take and repaint. Wet sand damaged area w/ 1500 grit and prime then repaint. 20.00 repair if you do it. Or talk to bodyshop to see what they would charge. If you trake the bodyshop route get 3 prices and ask specific questions about how they plan to repair.
GLWR,
Big Mike

 

To the OP?
That's too bad. Took a look at your picture.
It kind of comes down to how much is that going to bother you? And what type of compromise would you be willing to accept or not?
The damage looks pretty serious so on the positive side, you don't have too much to lose with experimenting.

Basically I think you are looking at 3 options. Replace. Cover. or Cosmetically repair. The first two options would come at a price. The 3rd option could be approached cheaply but results could vary.

I'd bite the bullet and replace. But as already mentioned Dash Kits do exist. They are not all faux wood...but the best of them are not cheap either...

Good luck. Hope you can find a resolution that works.

Makes you wonder what they put in those damn Air Fresheners. IMO somewhat irresponsible to create an "Auto" clip on freshner that is filled with a substance so corrosive it damages plastic to that extent.

I hate to learn at your expense but at least I know I'm NEVER putting one of those in my vehicle.

 

I wonder what ever happened to Melissa??