Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Dash Warp Repair Kit - Help!

Well I couldn't take the look of my defroster vent bouncing around anymore. I saw on an earlier post about the repair kit available for the dash warping problem - for $70 it semmed like a good solution.

Ford had one in stock - surprise. But I openned the box and there were no directions. I am one of those rare men who likes directions. Has anyone installed this kit and can give me a quick run down on what I need to do? I see clips, rivets, big metal tray, new defroster vent, and a rubber trim piece. Any help would be great.

99 Contour SVT

what happened to the dash in later year Contours? the material used on my 95 is great and still in good shape.

There was a recall on the dash that has expired. The instructions are probably published with the recall. The dealer's service department should be able to help you with the recall instructions.

I had my dash replaced under the recall and it is now also starting to warp three years since I replaced the old dash. Well since my "new" dash is starting to warp, I went to the dealer to learn about the dash warp kit. The kit consisted of several pieces and did not have any instructions. Since the dealer told me that the dash had to be removed to install the kit and would cost about $500 for the total job (labor and kit), I thought about installing it myself. The dealer told me that even with the dash warp fix, there would be no guarantee that the dash would not warp. They told me that they installed several kits and the dash boards still warped. Since the kit had no instructions and my dash would probably warp anyway, I decided not to buy the kit and live with my slightly warped dash which will probably get worse over time. I think the real fix is to install a pre 99 dash so the problem is really fixed.

Well jagman4, I am also on my second warping dash. However, I had mine replaced under waranty just before the recall. I actually just called the Dealership today & I'm starting the process of getting mine replaced again. I plan on calling (866)436-7332 tomorrow. That phone # is for QualityCare which is listed on the recall sheet as a contact for automotive service needs. The 2 people I spoke with today (at the Dealership) are hesitant to say they can help me, but I'm gonna push for this. If they won't help I'm just going to keep going up the ladder until I find someone who can help,or I hit a dead end. But if i hit a dead end I'm just going to start up another ladder. I think if enough of us keep pushing for them to do the right thing & replace these dashes then they just might take care of us. I'll keep you posted, and don't hesitate to call them tomoroow too. Maybe they will see a trend......again.

The last repair kit works very well. When the recall was first intorduced the original kit did not work well and Ford completely re-engineered the kit. The dash does not need to removed to install it. Several here on CEG have posted that they have installed it and that it worked well.

The dealer should be able to find the instructions for you. If they can't or won't, try a dealer that is a bit more customer servide oriented.

ford installed ours for free cause of the recall but they said the dash was too far gone so we had them do it anyway. they put the ronald mc donald lip thing and put the vent righ on there but vent doesnt look flush on there looks like [censored] to tell u the truth

I had mine fixed right before the recall ended. They stated that they were using a kit, becuase the replacement dash would warp too. It's been about 2 years now and no problems.