Replacement Amazon dashtop -- a solution
Tags: custom dashboard dashtop interior
AS anyone with a Volvo Amazon knows, the padded dashtop (a radical innovation in its day) is somewhat problematic.
Original or good second-hand ones are pretty much non-existent and a fortune, remanufactured ones are only available for left-hand-drive cars, or in the 123GT style (with integral parcel shelf -- IMHO not a nice design).
Even when you do get one, they don't fit. Old ones crack and warp, and even new ones suffer from design flaws -- they're made from moulded foam, covered with fairly thin vinyl, which also serves to attach the thing to the metal dashboard at the bottom.
And that's part of the problem. The vinyl's just not strong enough to counteract the foams built in resistance, and so the fit at the base, sides, and around the speedo is pretty darn average to say the least. And that's assuming you get a very good one.
The solution? Step forward my mate Pete (aka redranch), who a few years ago got some fibreglass RH-drive dashtops made using a foam one as a mould. I have to say I was a bit skeptical when he told me about them, but having explored so many other options decided to have a look, and was dead impressed. They look just like the real thing, but being fibreglass don't have the problems of bedding down the foam on the metal dash, plus they have a lot more strngth than the vinyl which means it's actually possible to attach them securely.
Anyway, enough waffle. Let's just say, I'm happy with mine, which I've had painted in the same metallic midnight blue (though with a matt lacquer) colour as the body. See pics for details
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