Split dash options? Advice pls.
 

So, My 560SL has a dash cap. And so does the 420SEL I just bought (but have not yet picked up). Options for restoration? What is involved in having dash re-leathered? I am not a fan of the felt or plastic caps... How hard a job to reinstall an uncracked dash (once located)?

Thoughts and experiences?

Dash removals are some of the most arduous repairs done on our cars. Here's the FSM article on the subject:

Section 83.100 - removal of the heater box.
https://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/11883/?requestedDocId=11883

I fear this may one day be in my future as well.

As for the cracked dash, if I recall correctly there isn't a lot that can be done to fix the problem without it looking funny. I have a plastic dash cover hiding an other good looking dash that is cracked to kingdom come.

It's part of the trade off we have for the rust free metal gods. An uncracked dash with lots of rust or a cracked dash with no rust. :(

Edit: I take back what I said. Here's a great read on a guy who "flocked" his dash on a 300D with very good results.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1536315-cracked-dashboard-fix.html

Is your cracked dash blue? My 560SL has the blue interior and I've read on another forum that most all the blue ones cracked. I may go with a dash cap, but my problem is minor. Dash removal and replacement is indeed a nightmare according to a friend and retired MB tech. He said that on the R107's, removal and replacement of the dash can often result in more damage and/or cracking. His advice was that unless the dash has to come out for a good reason - like a major repair - either cover it or live with it. ;)

a cap if done correctly , fitted properly and made by a quality manufacturer,can result is an acceptable look. My W107 had one, and never once did someone point it out, AND she went to a lot of high end shows ( concours level) .

R/R of the W107 dash is not for the faint of heart, and best be left to someone that has done it before . There are some fillers you can try , but you will not be satisfied. There are folks that have fixed them on utube in various ways but most came out of the car . Good luck !

The blue dash on my 83 280 SL is cracked all over. I want to get a dash cap, but who makes a quality cap that Meltedpanda describes?
jz

I believe I got mine back in the day from K and K manufacturing