Cracked Dashboard - Vicious Cycle? (1 Viewer)

[Ignignot]

My 470 has a cracked dash. I am tempted to replace it, but have heard the materials are the same even after the warranty extension and it will crack again in 10 years or less. This is discouraging and makes me think the dash replacement is a waste of money.

Is there a way to protect the daahboard? Maybe some coating i can give it initially or periodically or both that will make me feel like im not just buying a dash thats gonna crack again on me.

 

[Sixto Lezcano]

You live in Cleveland your profile says, I doubt a new dash would crack unless you park in bright sunlight all summer or something. My dash is original and looks mint, no cracks. I live in New England and park outside plenty when it’s hot. Rust is your enemy.
About 2 years ago I started using this protectant, seems nice.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J8NKGSG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[CarGuyCarl]

Our truck has been garaged since new and the dash is pretty cracked. I want to do a dash but man it is pricy for something that doesn't do anything but make the truck "feel" better. I don't think I'd be worrying about the new one cracking through. The material looks different entirely.

 

[Rednexus]

I read somewhere that the newer dashes were reformulated and don't have the cracking issue. I bought mine for $600 from a Lexus dealer and replaced it last winter, along with the HVAC servos (preventative maintenance). I also recovered the seats and did a deep clean/refresh on the interior. My thinking is that Lexus isn't going to bother making dashes for rigs that will have been out of production for 16 years very much longer, but I plan on keeping my rig for a very long time.

It was totally worth it. My rig doesn't feel like a junker inside, it feels pretty new and contemporary and is a very nice place to spend time. If you are committed to one of these rigs and are planning on keeping one for the long haul, I'd replace the dash. In a few years you won't be able to any more and you'll be stuck with a bubble-gum consistency dash forever.

If you aren't committed to the rig for at least a few years, I'd put the money aside for something else.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

i replaced my dashboard in 2017 on my 2003 GX470…it’s been over 7 years and it still in great shape. I park outside everyday in SoCal

I do use a windshield shade about 50% of the time

Update: and also replaced the seat leather in the front (LSeat.com) and carbon fibered the wood trim!

 

[Ignignot]

Is this the sandalwood dash? Aka 5540160926E0

 

[Radiohead89]

I was under the impression the new dashboards were made of a different material and shouldn’t crack? Maybe I’m wrong but why would they go through a replacement and recall and use the same material?

 

[Rednexus]

My dash is Sandalwood. Not sure about the one pictured above.

 

[Timujin]

My dash isn't cracked too bad but is sticky as heck. It will be replaced. Gotta do timing belt, WP, auto trans service, and finish suspension before. I don't want to miss out on inventory. Vent servo also does the subtle click click click until I move air flow to the floor and back up to face.

 

[Hornd]

My dash isn't cracked too bad but is sticky as heck. It will be replaced. Gotta do timing belt, WP, auto trans service, and finish suspension before. I don't want to miss out on inventory. Vent servo also does the subtle click click click until I move air flow to the floor and back up to face.

You Beat me too it.
Toyota had a Dash Problem because our 05 Avalon is cracked, our 04 Lexus RX was Replaced by Dealership, our GX is Cracked. The 04 Corolla is not Cracked nor is our 96 Land Cruiser. I spray and Wipe it with 303 Aerospace Protectant.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

My dash isn't cracked too bad but is sticky as heck. It will be replaced. Gotta do timing belt, WP, auto trans service, and finish suspension before. I don't want to miss out on inventory. Vent servo also does the subtle click click click until I move air flow to the floor and back up to face.

My dashboard was more sticky than cracked and it was replaced under the enhanced warranty back in 2017 when the warranty program was about to expire.

Here’s what copilot pulled up on this topic…