Wanted to get some opinions on whats available and what "works" in regards to replacing a cracked dash pad (this is for a 70' Swinger). I'll use Classic Industries as examples so we all know what we're talking about.

I can get a true original style pad, vinyl over a metal core:
http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/ma1095338.html

Or an ABS cap:
http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/ma1094100.html

Price is basically the same - so WHY wouldn't I get the vinyl one that's just like the OEM? I am likely going to paint/dye whichever one I get - as I've redone all the interior pieces and want to ensure everything matches up exactly. I've always assumed the caps are likely big/bulky and look cheap - am I wrong? DO they offer any advantages?

Thanks - did a search but came up with a bunch of random threads that weren't what I was looking for....

In my experience it's tough not to have a dash cap look like a cap when it's done, which isn't the greatest. The benefit is you don't have to disassemble the dash to install a cap, so it's just a matter of how much time you want to spend and how fussy you are about the end result.

i use a cap on a 73 duster,you have to look hard to tell its a cap.i wouldnt think twice about using one again.its been on 13 years and still looks good

Dash caps are like toupees...

i think it also depends on the car on how it will look

The cap I bought is very light weight and looks pretty good. Not bulky by any means.

It was $50 shipped. I think it's whatever the budget allows on stuff like this.

Here is a link to a discussion on this subject earlier this year.

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...rue#Post7690347

Scroll down about half way and see my comments. This is my two cents on this subject.

The "toupees" comment killed me .

I'll be going new pad I'd say. The install labor doesn't bother me - just had the dash out for paint, naturally I cracked the pad once it was back in the car.... thanks for the responses.

Put dash caps on a 71 Dart and 71 Duster both look very good. Would use them again...

I made the mistake of replacing my dash capped pad with an UR pad. For the $700 delta I'm not impressed.

The dash cap is very well molded with sharp corners and excellent fit.
By contrast the "better" dash has poorly shaped corners and features, not to mention the AC vents don't even come close to fitting as they should.

If you just have to have the feel of vinyl go for it. Very few can even tell there's a cap on the dash when installed carefully.

I am not sure about the a-body stuff but I did myself a favor, or so I thought and purchased a new pad for our '66 Coronet from BE and A and another one from PG. Neither one fit worth a damn. I did net get my emails returned from either company. Next time I will either get a cap or have an original repaired.

It also depends on if the car is indoors most of the time or not. I have seen plenty of caps on cars that were left outside a lot or in very hot climates where they lifted in a couple places close to the windshield and looked like roller coasters!

Thought I'd take a second and post my "results" since people were nice enough to help me make a decision.

I went ahead and got a reproduction pad from Classic Industries. Color/shape/texture all looked good.

ONLY difference I saw was the original has small screws in the very bottom, like where the "C" shape is cut out to fit over the corner of the dash.

Fit good with only the 5 nuts holding it down, matched the dash good. Overall, very pleased - I is a very good reproduction I think.