split dashboard and knocking sound from rear

[vwt11955cc]

Hi,

I've just purchased a 1989 944 turbo 250bhp m030 etc.. I'm pretty happy with it although there are a few niggles: the dashboard has splits in it, i guess from ultra violet light. It's a blue interior.. does anyone know of a good source for interior spares.. and;

on not particularly fast left hand corners I get a slightly worrying knocking sound from the rear right somewhere...i guess from the suspension. has anyone else experienced this? i read that it could be the cv joints, wheel bearings or the shock fixings being loose (the shocks are very corroded-i was quite shocked-hmmm).. i have yet to investigate as i have another problem with the parking brake being really stiff but fairly ineffective-i'm assuming the brake shoes are knackered??

any ideas would be greatly appreciated....

thanks

pete

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Later oval dash do split blues are probably most prone for some reason, just check out the spares suppliers and breakers (Sulzeruk or Elliott on here and others in the FAQs) .

As far as the knocking sound is concerned, all of your comments are valid, just jack it up and fiddle!
My guess would be c/v joint but could be lots of things, one guy had a lower shock bolt fall out!

Handbrakes only do handbrake, so pivots, cables etc seize and springs (4 each side) break and jam in various places, so again its just a case of having a look. I believe there are some BMW shoes available cheaper - check alternative parts GAGs.

Good luck and let us have pictures asap!

Cheers

 

[pauljmcnulty]

I wonder if changing dashboards is a false economy? Remembering Smiffy's thread on it some years ago (blue were always cracking earlier than black), it's a lot of work. Fair enough if it has to come off anyway to get at a heater matrix or something, but you'll be changing a cracked dash for another which, if not cracked now, will likely be cracking pretty soon.

Changing to a black interior is an option, but I don't think they will be too far behind as I've seen several cracked black dashes over the last couple of years. I don't think the car's tendancy to be damp inside helps, as most have the demister on full heat to clear the screen in winter. This expansion and contraction of the fibreboard dash must be as damaging as the UV damage on one that's lived in the sun?

I know flocking is a resonably cheap alternative, has anyone priced covering a dsh in alcantara or something? I also get reflections from mine, so keep a layer of dust on it [][], but a matt covering would help with this as well.

 

[sulzeruk]

Knocking will probably be a dry CV joint. Wheel bearings usually drone. Pull the handbrake gently on when driving to clean the shoes up, stiff operation will probably be seized cables and the pins that go through the bell crank. Cables are a not bad job to replace if they are crusty.
No blue dashs as they all crack. Black is better. Get a black one and some vinyl paint matched. I have a mint black one here.
Alasdair

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: pauljmcnulty

I wonder if changing dashboards is a false economy? Remembering Smiffy's thread on it some years ago (blue were always cracking earlier than black), it's a lot of work. Fair enough if it has to come off anyway to get at a heater matrix or something, but you'll be changing a cracked dash for another which, if not cracked now, will likely be cracking pretty soon.

Changing to a black interior is an option, but I don't think they will be too far behind as I've seen several cracked black dashes over the last couple of years.

I know flocking is a resonably cheap alternative, has anyone priced covering a dsh in alcantara or something? I also get reflections from mine, so keep a layer of dust on it [][], but a matt covering would help with this as well.

Interesting. I have a blue dash that is cracked in my S2 and have been pondering what to do with it. Changing for another blue one is only a short-term solution, as you say McNulters. Changing to black would be a big job if you were to change everything else as well (door cards, gearstick boot, rear interior trim, headlining and so on). Re-covering is something I am thinking seriously about, and alcantara is one option. It would be a bit of work as you would need to make it fit 'round the whole of the front of the dash as well (just doing the top would leave a vary visible edge, or join), but it could be a reasonable answer. If you could do it with the dash in the car it would be a million times easier - removing it is a BIG job.


Oli.

 

[T3rra]

My blue and has one craked in it, and it's bugging me as well. My black dash hasn't Craked, but I kept treating it with leather cleaners. And would cover with a sunscreen foil when left 4 long times in the sun.

Cleaning the dash often dose leave a reflection on the windscreen. Maybe covering with leather MIT be nice, and I think this was a factory option?

Could do glove box and centre console as well. Could be quite hard 2 finsh around the top by the windscreen due 2 the windscreen

 

[simkin911]

I had been looking for a blue dash too but gave up. I'll be taking that black dash from Mr Sulzeruk in due course if he still has it!

 

[Kongsodoken]

I can't make up my my mind if I love or hate a leather dash.....

 

[PSH]

looks nice to me

Pete

 

[sulzeruk]

You can change a dash in about an hour and a quarter. It is not a big job.
Alasdair

 

[PSH]

ORIGINAL: sulzeruk

You can change a dash in about an hour and a quarter. It is not a big job.
Alasdair

that's interesting Alasdair, I can see me doing just that at some point in the future

Pete

 

[Diver944]

I have a dark blue oval dash without cracks, the lower part is linen. Took me ages to find it as most dashes are black. Highest offer by midnight on Friday can have it (my inbox has plenty of room in it)

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: sulzeruk

You can change a dash in about an hour and a quarter. It is not a big job.

Really? I thought it was a huge job - certainly the one write-up I saw on it (someone changing their heater matrix) it looked like a huge job.


Oli.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

It took me over an hour to change the heater clip on mine. From "where is that philips screwdriver" through to "what do I do with these leftover screws". Via "that's why they tell you to pull the fuse for the glovebox light". [&o]

Changing the entire dash in an hour and a half sounds optimistic if it's the first time you've ever done it!

 

[944 man]

ORIGINAL: sulzeruk

You can change a dash in about an hour and a quarter. It is not a big job.
Alasdair

Thats quick. Does that include keeping it clean and tidy, or is it more of a parts car time? [] Ive removed and refitted dashes a number of times and I could probably do an early dash in that time, but not a later type as its quite a lot more involved.

I may have the very last uncracked early dash in the world in my garage...

 

[Kongsodoken]

Well I'm a total novice and i removed mine and fitted the new one in around 3hrs (the seats were removed and center console before I started)...so if you know what your doing yes 1.5 hrs could be possible ..........hey could be an olympic event....I could do 2.15mins now[]

 

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: Kongsodoken

..........hey could be an olympic event....I could do 2.15mins now[]

Maybe it's a race we can organise at the next meet []

Took me a morning to swap mine a number of years ago following the instructions from Clarks Garage and also Pelican Parts. The halfway point is a bit scarey.

 

[Elliot]

i currently have two blue complete interiors including a paid of uncracked dashes.

2.5 hours is a conservative time for careful removal and replacement in my opinion.

cheers

 

[Frenchy]

Leather dash looks Mint !

 

[vwt11955cc]

thanks for replies-haven't taken very many photos as only got car last sunday!!