Some with steel frame, some without, both have the mounting studs, significant difference in price. Is the steel frame really required? Any info on how either of them fit would be much appreciated. This is for a 70' Coronet, thanks.

I purchased my 70 Coronet dash frame Legendary Auto Interiors. The dash pad has a metal frame just like the original one. I'm told Legendary only manufactures this type/model and no other dash pads.

Thanks vinny, Legendary is nice stuff, probably top of the pile quality wise. I guess I'm trying to figure out once it's secured to the dash frame what difference the steel insert makes? Lot's more to spend on this car, don't want to spend where I don't have to.

I heard the steel frame also helps to prevent wrinkles or waves in the material when it's warm out and the Mopar is sitting in direct sunlight.

Thanks vinny, that makes sense. I'm wondering if the newer materials hold up any better than the OEM back in the day though?

Anyone used a dash cap that didn't have the steel insert? I'd like to hear your experience, good or bad.

Bump.

I think you are mixing terms. I bought a new dash cap from Legendary Auto for my 71 and it worked out great. It's just a thin skin of plastic that is glued to the existing dash pad with clear silicone. It has no frame at all and sells for approx. $100. I can't offer you an opinion on steel frame vs plastic frame on repro dash pads because I've chosen to reuse my OEM dash pad (with a steel frame) and put a dash cap on it. The reason I do this is because the sun will simply cook your nice beautiful dash pad in 10 years or so and it is cheaper to replace a $100 dash cap on a nicely restored Mopar than it is to replace a $500 resto dash pad on the same vehicle. IMHO they both will last equally as long when exposed to the sun.

I went through this on my '69 Coronet. After some research I found a guy on another forum who bought a pad with the ABS core. He said it 'delaminated' in the sun. Year One replaced it so he put the replacement in the sun for a few hours and it did the same thing.

His recommendation was to buy one with the steel core, find a nice used one, or go with a cap. After some research on caps I bought a Coverlay brand. I haven't had time to install it yet but it looks pretty good.
Dallas