My FD just went through a situation where my shop helped me BY "repairing" my dash panel. They said if it ever had to come apart again, it would break and they wouldn't be able to repair it again. I actually do not know what they repaired or why it was a one off thing (they probably glued it all together maybe?). And they are being super dodgy about telling me what they actually did.

But what I wonder is what did other people do when the dash was in this bad of shape? Does anyone out there repair dash panels or re-produce a replacement? Even if it's a full carbon version. To be clear, I am NOT talking about the pieces that go where the gauge cluster or the HVAC is. I am talking about the main panel that extends over the top side (biggest piece).

 

Your shop helped you repair it but you don't know what they did? That makes zero sense.

 

You missed the point / ask of the post. I edited it to be more clear. I am assuming that you were assuming I was repairing the dash WITH my shop. That is not what I meant. They did the repair FOR me. And didn't tell me what they did. Does it make more than zero sense now?

EDIT: I think I know why you are confused. Because what they repaired wasn't something I could see. The way the dash attaches to the car was broken. So whatever they did, is something they said couldn't be done again in the event the dash had to be removed again.

 

Without knowing the condition and what was fixed, it's hard to give an answer. It's hard to judge condition without seeing what was wrong.

 

What do you mean by dash? The whole dash? The gauge cluster with surround? The gauge cluster, sorround and hood/cowl?

The hood/cowl often breaks as it is old and has been exposed to a lot of sun.

When you remove, you need to pull straight toward you to disengage the clips at the back underneath. If you lift up, even slightly, it may shatter.

Until recently, at least, you could buy new replacement pieces from Mazda. Otherwise, there are likely aftermarket pieces available, but fitment is sometimes questionable.

https://www.draklore.com/

 

Maybe they slathered it with silicone caulk and jammed it in.

 

I think what you are referring to is the dash board. The big piece. They are available used occasionally. Maybe @tomsn16 has a used one for you...

What people do to "fix" a dashboard depends on what was broken / needed fixing...

 

We currently have a '94 dash but do not have a '93.
Most likely the many screw posts ( 10 } that mount he dash pad to the dash bar were broken.....if you don't know how to remove the screws , post breakage is common.

 

I have a 93 Dash available.