Assuming I get the 244 GL in good enough running condition to pleased enough to keep it, the ultimate issue is: What are the various choices for dealing with the universal problem of the Cracked Dashboard? Buy an aftermarket replacement? Just cover it up? Fill the cracks with something? Ignore it?

I put a carpet dash mat in the wifes, I just ignore mine... the dust is begining to fill in the cracks quit nicely...maybe I'll paint over them when they get full.
Bret
--
rust free in west Texas

I would agree, check the yards for a "decent" dash. I got so lucky and found a perfect dash from a 91 245. I took it, put it in, and now it swims in armor-all and has a dash cover on it too boot.

Did you swap you VIN number plate over to the replacement dash?

Yup.

Just Dashes in Van Nuys, California (I forgot the phone number).

they do show quality restoration of dashes, door panels, etc. Original grain pattern.

If you can't find a good one from a wrecking yard, and if you don't like the dash covers, then get the dash redone at Just Dashes. All the vintage show cars use them.

They do excellent work.

Lawren

Dash cover is a good choice. My car has a dash cover, "PO" installed before I got it. It took me a few days to see that it was a aftermarket cover.
They do blend in nice.
--
Kevin * HONDA spanking,1985 240DL * VOLVO ON!!!!

Do you have more detail about the "cover"? I gather it is some type of vinyl application as opposed to the indoor/outdoor carpet-like cover I've seen?

it's a hard and soft plastic cover that covers the top part of the dash. The drawback is the center speaker,there is a big hole in the dash cover there and the factory speaker grill kinda pops threw the dash cover. I put a peice of blk carpet to cover the broken factory speaker grill.
To install make sure the edge close to the window is glued well,stay away from silicone glue as this is bad and will frost the window from the gases that are relised when drying and, it is also to thick and will leave a lumpy dash cover.
--
Kevin * HONDA spanking,1985 240DL * VOLVO ON!!!!

I have the "cover" also, its preformed thin plastic, held in place by silicone sealant. I had severe cracks in my dash, so I sanded the hills flat, removed the vent and speaker grille, glued it down, replaced grill and vents. Cover looks GREAT!
--
Breadman '83 244GL 220K - GO ASTROS!!!

Breadman,

Which "cover" is this? Is it vinyl, I take it? Which supplier?

Plastic. You can buy it from iPd.

Around the instrument cluster, it wraps around the front edge, so it'll cover any cracks in that area also.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

The 240 dash is, I think, the same shape from 1983 to 1993. There are caps sold by IPD and others, that look OK if carefully installed. However, since a 1993 is a mere 10 years old, you might find one in a recycle (aka junk) yard.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Deal with it, it's part of owning a Volvo. :)