TheShadow619

I have an '81 380SL. Has anyone removed the dash cap? Mine is severely cracked. I don't want to use the aftermarket cap. I'm thinking of covering it in leather to match the seats. I just wonder what is involved, how difficult it is to remove. I can't find anything in my service manual on it. Thanks

myway

It can't be removed separately. The entire dash has to come out.

D Jet User

If your still interested,,Theres a video showing how its done on a 450sl,107

myway

Link?

D Jet User

myway

I misunderstood. I thought you were indicating there is a video showing how to remove the dash cap only.

D Jet User

I believe the cap and the dash are the same thing. Can anyone else help?

myway

See post two. That's what I said. The entire dash has to be removed. It is one piece.

fgreynolds

Cracked dash covers are a common problem on these old SLs. If you can find an OEM replacement, it will run well over $1,000. Unless you are restoring a classic SL, the cost is just not worth the investment. I have used the dash covers that you can find online for $125 to $200 on both a 560SL and a 380SL, and I have been very pleased with the results. Unless you have to do a cut out for the temperature gauge in the center of the cover, all you have to do is apply adhesive and carefully fit the cover overlay over the cracked cover.

Stormy10!

Can anyone recommend a brand you have had success with for OEM dash replacement for my cracked 1985 380sl? Thanks

White Cloud

My classic MBZ mechanic told me recently that he ordered a dash cap from the SL Shop (In England). The piece was over $300, and shipping was also over $300, but it arrived in a few days. He said it looks really good. I haven’t seen it in person.

He told me that removing a cracked dash and replacing with a new one is a 3-day job that will cost over $5k. He said it’s a huge job, and a dash cap is the preferred way to go for severely cracked dashes.