88-98 Aftermarket Dash Manufacturing

[josephmichael09]

So I purchased a 94 1500 from an auction... the dash wasn’t in the best shape and decided to rip it out. Come to find the they don’t make a replacement... I should have look into replacement parts before ripping it out. I did, however, find a replacement on eBay. It is a used dash and I doubt it’s in perfect condition and just as fragile as everyone elses. The dash is selling for $600 roughly. I spent an entire day searching 3 junk yards and one of the very last vehicles I checked happened to have the dash in it and about 90% entact. I lucked out.

I feel bad for those who wish to replace their dash and have to rely on those carpet liners in the dash or molded plastic ones. I find it to be tacky but there’s no other option.

My question to you guys is this:
If my wife and I were to manufacture these dashes how well do you think they’d sell?

What would be different from OEM is the texture will most likely not be matched... I’ve looked into dash repair and seen how they repair the vinyl dashes and could possibly get close, but, nonetheless, I won’t be able to match the texture.

Would you guys be willing to pay for a part like this? I would like all of your input. I am not selling anything nor do I have the equipment for it yet, but I know how I want to do it.

[95 S_Trucker]

There were 3 different dashes, 88-94, 95-96 and 97-98(00 for HD trucks)

Keep that in mind, as they aren't interchangeable.

The 95+ dashes are a lot less prone to cracking, but sometimes they crack near the defroster grill.

[josephmichael09]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

There were 3 different dashes, 88-94, 95-96 and 97-98(00 for HD trucks)

Keep that in mind, as they aren't interchangeable.

The 95+ dashes are a lot less prone to cracking, but sometimes they crack near the defroster grill.

Yes sir... I am aware. 88-91/92-94/95-98
I did not know about the defrost are though... thank you!

[95 S_Trucker]

Originally Posted by josephmichael09

Yes sir... I am aware. 88-91/92-94/95-98
I did not know about the defrost are though... thank you!

Your year ranges are off.

95-96(the ashtrays are different but interchangeable,96 shown)



97+

[90OBS]

I think people would buy new dashes if they could get them. I am sure if you manufactured them other parts companies would also buy them. Seeing that no one is making them that gives you a jump in market share.

[Kudzupatch]

I have wondered for a long time why someone doesn't make one. With Square body prices going up these trucks are going to get more popular.

Texture could be a big deal with someone that is doing a Restoration and wants everything perfect, so that could be an issue.

I think your biggest two issues are price and quality of the product. Get those right and I think you just going to see a bigger and bigger market as time goes on. Can you make money at it? Can't answer that.

[Tom]

I just bought a junkyard one and covered it in alcantera, so when it cracks again I won't know.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by Tom

I just bought a junkyard one and covered it in alcantera, so when it cracks again I won't know.

What is alcantera?

[EVRLET]

https://autoweek.com/article/product...lcantara-means