924Board.org

v2rocket_aka944 · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: Nashville, TN

Hi all,
I would like to put a feeler post out there to gauge potential interest in having NEW-production dashboards and door panels made for the 1976-1985 924, 1982-1985 944, and 1987-1988 924S cars.

The original dash/door panels are made of pressed fibreboard and are subject to water damage, warping, and just breaking over time.

I am talking with a plastic forming company about having reproduction pieces made out of ABS or other durable plastic.

For ease of production and for "universality" of fitment they would probably be fairly basic - i.e., no switch holes cut out, no center speaker hole. This would allow the end-user to put custom switches on the dash or move stuff around if desired, as well as cater to manual-window cars. Re-covering in vinyl might be doable by the factory here, or the parts can be left blank for your own upholstery/paint desires.

The question is, how much would you be willing to pay for such items? Consider that NOS parts are NLA and if they were still available would be $1000+. Having a standard dash recovered can be a $600-1000 job depending on original dash condition and material choice. Doors are a crapshoot but most I've seen have some sort of water damage on them.

Feel free to reply indicating potential interest, and what a repro dashboard and door panels are worth to you.

ideola · Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 15550 Location: Spring Lake MI

I'm not clear...is this a generic dashboard that will basically just fit, or is this an actual reproduction dashboard that will look like the OEM unit, just made differently?
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

Aside from the dash, I'd say the piece needed most is the one around the rear glass/hatch/speaker. If you could get that accurately molded into a non-cardboard material, you'd have some takers.
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Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

Harm · Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 1376 Location: Holland

morghen · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 9095 Location: Romania

Respect for the initiative but, for me at least, one of the most important aspects of the 924 is that it is not made of plastic.

I would take a new dash made exactly like the old one, but not a plastic replication. Actually this option exists already, and i will go that route, but at the moment its just too expensive.
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v2rocket_aka944 · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: Nashville, TN

the idea is making a reproduction, look-alike dash/door panels that is made out of formed ABS plastic rather than the pressed fibreboard. the comment about "universality" was just that the holes for switches and gauges and stuff would not be pre-cut, for ease of mold-making (but the material is easy enough to cut after the fact)

so it would be the 924/early 944 dashboard, but black plastic (or other colors as they are available)...nothing to crack, probably weigh about the same, could be painted or upholstered more easily than the wood one.

same with the door panels.

regarding material thickness/give, i believe all cars nowadays use some form of molded ABS for their door panels because it has enough "give" to not hurt you in a crash and it doesn't shatter if an airbag goes off (ABS is very flexible plastic, not brittle).

this will be a slow process so updates may take a while.

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

morghen · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 9095 Location: Romania

Meh, it just feels more substantial to the touch and knock than these modern cars. Plus its bio, LOL!
And if cardboard is cheap it does not mean that cardboard is/was cheap, i mean a reproduction is about 1k us dolla' if i'm not mistaken.

But i see your point

_________________
Supercharger and EFI kits
https://www.the924.com

jason c · Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 1018 Location: Nwi

Its a common misconception that the dash & door panels are made of cardboard, its actually a special type of wood fibers.
You can apply a water repellant to it to keep them from absorbing water & breaking down.

I looked extensively into having repro dashes & door panels made myself. Since its already being done now, there's no point for me to spend anymore time & money on it.
I have been working with someone else though on a recovering method that will have an OE look for restoration purposes.

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

jason c · Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 1018 Location: Nwi

pcelenta · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 546 Location: long island,ny

Breaking news. Repro dash being made.

We contracted with a shop in Tijuana. Built to exacting specs. Foam and wood pulp replaced with newspaper and cow $hit. Tuck and roll vinyl optional. Add 25 for leopard skin.

jason c · Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 1018 Location: Nwi

pcelenta · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 546 Location: long island,ny

No mang. We smoke that chit.

Carrera RSR · Joined: 08 Jan 2010 Posts: 2312 Location: Somerset, UK

Thomas at Werk924 is already offering a restoration service for LHD and RHD dashes. Returned as new with early or late pattern vinyl, all holes and fittings ready to go. Guaranteed to fit with no additional work or hidden costs. Circa $1000. Whilst that may appear too much cash, what cost to keep originality for a classic Porsche is acceptable.
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