Dash Warpage

[Project SVT]

Alright guys, I've searched and found things about the fix. But i have question. I was at a junkyard today and saw something.


First off this is what my dash looks like
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/09f8941430800
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/0b8ac31430801

And this was at the junkyard, See between the red lines??
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/a1a4b71430802
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/4a97b81430803

It's like a cover that would go over my defrost vent, covering the warpage. How easy is that to remove?? Im going back this weekend to get it, but i wanna know if i have to remove the dash to take it out.

[Rich2279]

My 2000 is about as bad as your warpage. I was figuring on replacing my entire dash with that style. I believe it is early '98?

[Project SVT]

well i think it was a pre-98. but the dash looks to be the same, but i wanna know if i can just steal that piece and install it.

[CSVT1214]

Two styles of dashes:

95-98.5 - Non warping
99-00 - Warping

I recommend a complete dash replacement from a 95-98.5

[Project SVT]

well i just don't wanna pull the whole dash. So like i was saying. Will these piece fit on my 00 dash?? I mean more as will it fit the contours of the dash since it's pretty much the same. I can mount it my own way. I just wanna make sure it will fit.

[CSVT1214]

well i just don't wanna pull the whole dash. So like i was saying. Will these piece fit on my 00 dash?? I mean more as will it fit the contours of the dash since it's pretty much the same. I can mount it my own way. I just wanna make sure it will fit.

It can be done with some cutting away at the dash but it looks like crap. You can't do it neatly enough to look stock.

[beyondloadedSE]

95-97 are the only true dashs that dont warp. 98s dont warp near the defroster vent, but they still warp near the gauge bezel.

[Rich2279]

So if a '95-'97 contour dash is swapped into the 2000 contour, does the console have to be swapped to line up correctly?

[CSVT1214]

So if a '95-'97 contour dash is swapped into the 2000 contour, does the console have to be swapped to line up correctly?

No, the consoles will fit perfectly. Just choose the own you want. (stock or Pre-98)

[00redsvt]

i think my warpage is the worst :laugh: really need to replace it!!! i think i can get the whole dash for under $50 at UPULLIT here in south florida.... if yall need something let me know, my dad can get some parts whole variety of contours :cool: Im thinking of replacing it this weekend if it doesnt rain... Ill post some pics for yall!!!

[Rich2279]

I'll go with a '95 to '97 since they do not warp at all. I figure that I have to basically pull the dash either way. That recall kit requires you to basically take out the dash. Might as well put a better made dash in its place. Back to projectsvt's question about that piece; you might be able to put 3M double sided tape on there to hold it down.

[CSVT1214]

The only change from 95-97 was most likely the glue used above the gauge cluster.

It's VERY easily repaired with some tiny screws that can never be seen. If you have a chance at a 98-98.5 dash, don't pass it up because of the minor warp.

Oh and, 98-98.5 has a nicer passenger side vent. The Pre-98 passenger vent will match the dash bezel for those years, but not the 98+.

[Project SVT]

I'll go with a '95 to '97 since they do not warp at all. I figure that I have to basically pull the dash either way. That recall kit requires you to basically take out the dash. Might as well put a better made dash in its place. Back to projectsvt's question about that piece; you might be able to put 3M double sided tape on there to hold it down.


well see thats what i was thinking. I could pull the black vent part itself outta my car, and this piece would just sit perfectly on top. And if i could use 3m double sided tape properly in the right spots it would stay in place and would cover the warpage up.

[SVTLAY]

95-97 are the only true dashs that dont warp. 98s dont warp near the defroster vent, but they still warp near the gauge bezel.

So is there a fix for the warp near the gauge bezel??? i got this problem.

[CSVT1214]

So is there a fix for the warp near the gauge bezel??? i got this problem.

Yeah, a few tiny screws. I'll dig up the old thread and post it tomorrow when I'm not drunk.

[jsujo]

now this is bad warpage..:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_1881.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_1878.jpg

[99SE]

My 99 dash has never had any warpage and its in perfect condition.

Now that I said something it'll warp like crazy tomorrow.:blackeye: :troutslap:

[jsujo]

I bit the bullet and bought today a new dash thru Bill Jenkin's Ford in Vegas...

[Rich2279]

You bought a new dash or you bought the repair kit? :eek:

[95pgt-t]

You bought a new dash or you bought the repair kit? :eek:
new dash:shocked: while your at it money bags...my tour needs a new power drivers seat motor,hood and two fenders..wanna hook a member up................baller:cool:

[beyondloadedSE]

I bit the bullet and bought today a new dash thru Bill Jenkin's Ford in Vegas...

How much did it run you? Over $1000? Mine is fine near the windshield but its slightly warping near the bezel. I might do the dash warp fix or eventually just buy a new dash.

[blu_fuz]

http://contour.org/carprofile/files/11003/img/DSC00898.JPG
pre-98s are just the best! Yay for me... You could use the pre-98 dash or just get the piece by the windshield. Either way is going to take some time and PATIENTCE(sp). Good luck.....

[jsujo]

How much did it run you? Over $1000? Mine is fine near the windshield but its slightly warping near the bezel. I might do the dash warp fix or eventually just buy a new dash.

well, with the labour it will be over $1000.00....The dash itself was about 600.00 i think....I cross my fingers that the same warping wont happen...Maybe now they have better adhesives!

I got sick of looking at the warpage...!!

[Rich2279]

I'll be checking the local yards to see what they have. I'm sure I'll get my hands on one for under $50 in good shape. (early and pre '98).

[ancientsanskrit]

well, with the labour it will be over $1000.00....The dash itself was about 600.00 i think....I cross my fingers that the same warping wont happen...Maybe now they have better adhesives!

I got sick of looking at the warpage...!!

So let me get this straight, you're putting in access of $1600 into repairing a dash, on a car that is maybe worth $2500? :troutslap:

Well, I guess if you have a lot of disposable income, but shesh that's a lot of dough to tie up into a dash. For $1600+ it better never warp again!! I wish you luck, sir!

[95pgt-t]

For $1600+ it better never warp again!! I wish you luck, sir!
600 +400~ is 1000~ thats what my calculator says anyway:shrug:
i'd pay that for a brand new dash,but i couldn't fork up the labor,i'd do it myself

[jsujo]

So let me get this straight, you're putting in access of $1600 into repairing a dash, on a car that is maybe worth $2500? :troutslap:

Well, I guess if you have a lot of disposable income, but shesh that's a lot of dough to tie up into a dash. For $1600+ it better never warp again!! I wish you luck, sir!


Well, I kinda doubt that the car is worth only 2300.00. maybe if you stick to what a dealer may give you, or you have very high miles, etc etc...

The car has a an almost mint interior and exterior and some very nice mods and tremendous SQ sound system; So it is definitely worth it. Besides the car has cost me absolutely nothing almost in repairs. So if the car isnt one of them money grabbers, why not.

Here is a pic of the car:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_0922.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_0923.jpg

[95pgt-t]

pretty...i'd take out the amber reflector though 8-/

[ancientsanskrit]

Ahh, I see.

I just took a glimpse at your cardomain site and assumed you were talking about that white SE. Also, I misread your post. I was under the impression you said excess of 1000 in labor and the dash was around 600. Makes better sense now.

Nice looking SVT. Again, good luck w/the issue.

[Aussie Ford]

I don't quite get it...... even if you spend $600 on a dash why wouldn't you just install it yourself? It is not rocket science, just a few bolts and connections. You could even pay yourself $100/hr for doing it.....lol

my 2 cents

AF

[jsujo]

I don't quite get it...... even if you spend $600 on a dash why wouldn't you just install it yourself? It is not rocket science, just a few bolts and connections. You could even pay yourself $100/hr for doing it.....lol

my 2 cents

AF

Now that isnt a bad idea...I will look at what it takes.

ancientsnaskrit..yeah, that is my previous car...just never got around to messing with updating that.

[95pgt-t]

dash removal is..on a scale 1-10...7,imho. getting it off isnt super hard,but getting all the hvac vents and other wiring back into its proper location proved a bit challenging. took me about 5-6 hours to remove and intall..and partially remove for the pasg air bag harness..and reinstall again:blackeye:

[HollisM16]

I WILL NOT tell you again. You were warned once, and now you have received points. You do it again and you're gone for good.

-Pudmunkie

[HollisM16]

I WILL NOT tell you again. You were warned once, and now you have received points. You do it again and you're gone for good.

-Pudmunkie

Man, quit being a d-bag. I don't even care if I get money for my dash kit, someone here could use it and you're going to deny them that.

[bagged]

Man, quit being a d-bag. I don't even care if I get money for my dash kit, someone here could use it and you're going to deny them that.

then just follow the rules and post in your local classifieds :shrug:

[Pudmunkie]

then just follow the rules and post in your local classifieds :shrug:

Seriously.

Its not rocket science. I'd much rather be a D-bag than be someone who doesn't know how to follow written or verbal directions.

My dog has that premise down... well except for the reading part.

[Aussie Ford]

dash removal is..on a scale 1-10...7,imho. getting it off isnt super hard,but getting all the hvac vents and other wiring back into its proper location proved a bit challenging. took me about 5-6 hours to remove and intall..and partially remove for the pasg air bag harness..and reinstall again:blackeye:

Ok, so I think (don't know for sure) you may have gotten a few things out of sequence when you did your dash. I have done 4 of them, only one for real the other three were practice at the JY. I should have looked at the year of your tour. 95-97 mounts harder and removes harder than the 98+'s IMO. My 99 was a relatively easy install when putting it back. I found that most of the wiring will locate itself during the install, and as for the vent ducts once the dash is sitting in place you can connect them by just lifting and reaching in through the glove box area and the headlight switch area. The passenger air bag connector is one of the connectors you disconnect I don't understand what issue you had with that. The air bag itself needs to be removed during this process as it bolts to the dash and the support tube. You remove the screws from the support and remove the air bag attached to the dash. I suppose you could do it the other way around and leave it attached to the support but access to the mounting would be difficult I think. The one connector that is always the hardest for me is the blower motor or whatever that red? connector is way up under the front of the dash. Fortunately most of those connectors are color coded so reconnection is fairly easy. I got to admit I usually take more time than I need to do this just because I tripple check everything is ready before removing the dash. Last time I did not remove my front seats, and that worked ok with them there, but I do like the extra room. By myself it was about a 4hr job out and in, but I also took advantage of the situation to clean up everything around there where I'll not soon be again including the carpets, console, glove box, kick panels, etc. As I think about it there was something about adjusting the airbag to get it realigned with the support mounting holes.

All in all it is not the most fun job. I think I'd rather change the altenator again than the dash, but it isn't as bad as doing a clutch.....
I'd give it a 6 :laugh:

AF

[Aussie Ford]

well, with the labour it will be over $1000.00....The dash itself was about 600.00 i think....I cross my fingers that the same warping wont happen...Maybe now they have better adhesives!

I got sick of looking at the warpage...!!

For that price did it come with a new harness and all the vents? What did $600 get you?

[SamSVT18]

Well i had that dash problem with the warping near the windsheild. and its not even worth dealing with trying to fix it. I tried lots of things... heating it and trying to melt it back but it wont work. so i put a knewer 99 dash in with the plastic peice on the top. It takes a little time to put it in but its totally worth it. same bolt hole and everything nothing has changed on the dash so it fits like a dream. So go to a junk yard and pull one out. its really not that hard. and its really worth it. also you can do some rewiring and tinker a bit with some stuff back there. But remember to disconect the battery before you mess with the Air Bags Please. Like a day before. Otherwise youll have a lot of fun with it blowing up in your face! :crazy: :crazy: But the switch is perfect and easy... and cheap! really cheap.

[Aussie Ford]

Well i had that dash problem with the warping near the windsheild. and its not even worth dealing with trying to fix it. I tried lots of things... heating it and trying to melt it back but it wont work. so i put a knewer 99 dash in with the plastic peice on the top. It takes a little time to put it in but its totally worth it. same bolt hole and everything nothing has changed on the dash so it fits like a dream. So go to a junk yard and pull one out. its really not that hard. and its really worth it. also you can do some rewiring and tinker a bit with some stuff back there. But remember to disconect the battery before you mess with the Air Bags Please. Like a day before. Otherwise youll have a lot of fun with it blowing up in your face! :crazy: :crazy: But the switch is perfect and easy... and cheap! really cheap.

agreed, but 10 minutes is plenty of time to deactivate the AB's.
AF

[m3ta1head]

Alright guys, I've searched and found things about the fix. But i have question. I was at a junkyard today and saw something.


First off this is what my dash looks like
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/09f8941430800
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/0b8ac31430801

And this was at the junkyard, See between the red lines??
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/a1a4b71430802
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/4a97b81430803

It's like a cover that would go over my defrost vent, covering the warpage. How easy is that to remove?? Im going back this weekend to get it, but i wanna know if i have to remove the dash to take it out.

I'm also looking for this interior piece. My dash has been screwed down, but I'd like this piece to cover it up because it's pretty ugly. Anyone have any idea where I can get it?

[BoSoxBruin]

I'm also looking for this interior piece. My dash has been screwed down, but I'd like this piece to cover it up because it's pretty ugly. Anyone have any idea where I can get it?

Not to sound like an arse, but did you read further down the thread? That is part of the pre98 dash, and according to CSVT1214's post, it does not fit right...

[m3ta1head]

Not to sound like an arse, but did you read further down the thread? That is part of the pre98 dash, and according to CSVT1214's post, it does not fit right...

skimmed through the thread and never noticed that. It won't just slide right on top? I don't even care if I have to secure it with sticky tape, as long as it looks better than this

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6052/image029tk9.jpg

:help:

[IRingTwyce]

Not to sound like an arse, but did you read further down the thread? That is part of the pre98 dash, and according to CSVT1214's post, it does not fit right...
Not entirely correct. My 98 has it. I think it was the 98.5 model that did away with the defroster vent cover. I'll try and remember to take a look at it tomorrow and see if there's any way to tell how it is secured to the dash. If I can see anything I'll try and snap a couple of pics of the connection points.

[Project SVT]

and for the record, at the jy the other day there was a 2000 contour that had that piece.

mine will also just sit on top of the dash with double sided tape holding it down

[IRingTwyce]

I'd bet money that whoever owned that 2000 had put that in himself. It's definitely do-able.

[Aussie Ford]

The part shown in the pic is part of the dash and can not be removed or put on another dash...... The part that looks similar that was seen in a JY on a 2k car, (I'd bet) is a part that comes in the dash warp repair kit from ford. It is metal and is attached with pop rivets. Do some research look at the pics that have been posted of repairs, but don't think you can install the plastic piece your talking about unless you install the whole dash. That style dash ran from 95 - 98, 99 - 00 do not have that style HVAC duct. You can install that dash in your car or even do the Mystique one, and the instrument panel fits since they are all the same as far as shape and mountings. Just be sure to use your wiring harness.

If you want to make a proper repair contact Bill Jenkins @ Team Ford for the kit, about $70.

No matter what you do you will need to pull the dash to get to it. It is a matter of 8 or 9 screws (on the dash) and about 1 1/2 hrs. I suggest that you get a dash ($20 +/-) any style, do any repairs needed and then swap them. A nice Saturday project.


AF

[Project SVT]

well looking at it, it is a plastic piece. It does not get riveted to the dash like the warp fix does. The hvac stuff is different, but i'll manage to make it work.let alone the side on teh door says 01/00 for the builddate.

I don't care about pullin the dash at the junkyard to get the part. But when i put it on mine, i will install it with double sided tape to hide the dash warpage and nobody will know the difference. I'm only doing it this way so once i push the warpaged down and glue it i can hide it so it won't look so ugly.

As long as it doesn't rain imma do it this weekend.once i get it i'll post some pics showing it fits.

[Aussie Ford]

Check out 99-00 dashes in the JY they may have the C clips around the defroster vents under the grill. If they do get them and install them on yours. You might even find the plastic grill vent is the correct one that snaps in place with the tabs that go into the pad. If it is you can also install that one.... all that stuff will help you fix your dash. I think you will find that it is welded in place and will not come apart with out making a mess of it. I can't believe you can really make that part actually work as you think.. but I hope you can.

AF

[Project SVT]

i have a 99-00 dash.....?
so i don't need any c clips my are all still there.
and i don't care to much about a mess as it's not my dash. I'll pull it out just to unscrew the part i want.

[Project SVT]

I'm not saying it'll be the easiest task to make it work. but i think i'll be able to. I mean i swapped a 93 dash out of my pgt and put a 97 dash in, and had to work with all the airbag crap, and the defrost parts weren't 100% identical but close and i was able to get it all working, and even though the dashes where different i was able to get the 93 ducting to work.

[Aussie Ford]

i have a 99-00 dash.....?
so i don't need any c clips my are all still there.
and i don't care to much about a mess as it's not my dash. I'll pull it out just to unscrew the part i want.

Yes those dashes are the same. You may or may not have the C clips. There is also a C strip that goes along the front edge next to the windshield.

The part you are talking about does not unscrew. It is molded as part of the dash, may be plastic welded I don't recall exactly, but it does not just come apart. It would be easier to just swap dashes and be done with it. HVAC, air bag, and mountings are all the same, all years.

AF

[Project SVT]

hmmm i'll have to pull the dash and look. but i thought it came apart because i used a screw driver and was able to pry one off a little but. it was a mb dash so i didn't worry about messing it up.

[jsujo]

Well..Bill Jenkings couldnt get a hold of the dashboard..dagnabitt!!

Now, if he has the fix-kit..I thought it didnt work with such badly warped cases....Man, it looks like $:censored::censored::censored::censored:!!!..:-)

[Aussie Ford]

Well..Bill Jenkings couldnt get a hold of the dashboard..dagnabitt!!

Now, if he has the fix-kit..I thought it didnt work with such badly warped cases....Man, it looks like $:censored::censored::censored::censored:!!!..:-)

The kit will work with them all. Just follow the instructions and do a proper job of it.

Now as for me I just normally do things a bit different anyway b/c I want to find out the cause and how to make it better than just throwing a fix on it. This attitude usually causes me to do a lot more work on an issue than is actually required, but I learn a lot too. When I repaired my dash I did a lot of reglueing and clamping using a spray glue for vinyl and plastic. It seemed to do the job so well that I didn't use the whole kit, I left off the part that goes over the air vent b/c I didn't like the look of it. If my repairs don't end up holding over the long run I will install it as a last resort. I would urge someone using the kit to use a heat gun on a low heat setting and reform the dash pad b4 applying the kit. Just my personal thought on it and is probably not required to get a good final product since I doubt that a dealer would waste the time on doing that.

my 2 cents,
AF