Looking at pulling the I/P (Instrument Panel) near end of the month or by middle of next month for a dash repair project seriously overdue. I am tired of looking at the California sun baked dash and being here in Nevada now, I can only assume its going to get worse and a dash mat isn't an option... So I am going to strip it down of vents and features and fill in and sand all the cracks and voids and I don't want to do that inside the vehicle. Then I am going to flock it like they do the rally cars to keep dash glare down and something a little less heat trapping (so I hope). Was considering black but I think charcoal gray would be better.

I'm just wondering any pitfalls or areas of concern I should be aware of from someones whose maybe pulled one or two before before I just get curious. What kind of headache am I in for.. lol

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My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
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I was looking around on the Ford Explorer site 'Serious Explorations Explorer Forum' and they have a How to pull the I/P on first Gen trucks. It is under the 'How to Threads/Interior'. I think that would be helpful.

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1994 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab
2WD Automatic
4.0 V6 OHV
MODS: LED Dashlights, Wired for OHC (don't have the guts to cut the headliner), Lighted Visors, Auto-Dim/Mirror, Auto Headlights, other than that it's pretty much stock

Thanks, that should be relatively close enough. I've pulled I/P's before but not on a truck.. I'll google that site and lurk around for it..

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http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...f-pics.248021/

Added for quick references on future viewers...

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My Build Pg. Threads
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http://www.c-j-l.net/Home/automotive...ned-out-bulbs-

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Purple People Eater
93 Ranger XLT
4.0L
5 spd M5OD-R1
4x4 short cab 7' bed
31X10.5 R15 GoodYear Wrangler Authority
Manual Warn Hubs

One pitfall I can see happening is, getting the dry rotted brittle dash back in after the work you have done without damaging the dash further wrecking your work.

Why not install a overlay not a carpet which will cover the existing dash.

They normally cost about 150 bucks or so and does not require removal of the dashboard.

I personally wouldn't remove the dash and risk making your problem much worse unless you had to for some other work under the dash board.

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2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Standard cab 2.3 5 SPD 7.5 373 gears

Would be something to think about but I really like the way the flocking looks on the dash, it will almost have an alcantra look to it which will look really sharp. I dont think I'll have too many issues reinstalling if careful enough.

You raise a good point to check out all of the dash while it is out though after going through all that trouble.

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My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support

You could still do what you want to do on the overlay without removing the dash making things worse for you.

At least try to find a used dash in good shape. I wouldn't mess around with your old cracked dash.

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2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Standard cab 2.3 5 SPD 7.5 373 gears

Ordered flocking material this morning along with dash filler to clean up the cracks and chipped areas.. should be like clay modeling lol

Will be here in a few days but I wont get to it for at least 2 weeks due to work overflow & scheduling plus at end of month I have a night run with a backroaders club AND I have to make my last run to SoCal for the last of my property in storage.

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My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support

Going to pick up some wood tomorrow in order to make a stand to hold the I/P up for me so i can get started on this project. Not sure if I should just add to this post with a feature or make a whole new post as a write up. In either event, Need to make a stand to do this.

BTW I decided on a charcoal gray dash rather than the black.

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My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support