Parts source question

RonNBama · 02-16-2011, 01:42 PM

The phenolic/plastic plate beside the driver's seat on my 1998 Dynasty which supports the park brake, jack controls, mirror controls, etc etc, is cracked and I need to replace it. Is there a source other than the factory (which probably no longer stocks stuff this old)?

Thanks

moisheh · 02-16-2011, 03:43 PM

Are there other parts of your dash with the same plastic? If not then Monaco might have something you can use. Also Northwest salvage . Some stereo installers carry this plastic.

Diplomat Don · 02-16-2011, 04:53 PM

Ron....I would think that the only way to replace those panels is by building a new one out of plastic. I plan on trying to locate some plastic that looks like carbon fiber or has another design that I can replace all of the pieces.

You could also use some good quality paper veneer in a number of wood finishes and cover all of the pieces.

Almost every panel on mine is broken at a couple of the screws.

Rex · 02-16-2011, 05:51 PM

Ron, the manufacturer will not sell direct. The did for a while as did others, but it looks like Monaco has put pressure on them to sell only to Monaco and not the public, or not to sell to Monaco at all.

I have a friend that made the panel from some thick aluminum and had it anodized black.

Happycarz · 02-16-2011, 07:18 PM

I bookmarked this place some time ago and don't know anything about them. On edit, I just called them to see if the number was still working and they answered (9:15p.m. their time.) They are now in North Carolina, not California anymore, and can help. Ask for Mac.

If you decide to use them please report back to the rest of us..

MonacoMama · 02-16-2011, 10:41 PM

Bama...
Please look at this page at the Northwest site. You need to email Joe a photo of your piece so he can try to match it. You can also scroll down the page to see if you see something similar. (Joe may have it even if it is not pictured)

You can reach Joe at 866-678-7467. Tell him "The Crazy Lady" told you to call...he will know it is MonacoMama even by that name!

Please tell Joe that you are a friend of mine and I insisted you call him first.

Also tell him I am NOT in Woodland anymore BUT I expect to see him his next trip south!

RonNBama · 02-17-2011, 04:48 AM

Wow! Thanks for the leads guys. I will post up when I find a solution.

I had considered al as a material for the replacement but TOWMBO tossed that idea because a rattle can paint job would not do. Had not considered powder coating it. Hmmmm.

Thanks again Mama. That white horse must be gittin' tired by now (from riding-to-the-rescue so often).

The material on my dash has not cracked (yet) but every mounting location is stripped out. The instrument gauges' weight are holding the entire assembly in place!!

Rex · 02-17-2011, 06:41 AM

Check around your area for a manufacturing plant that makes metal parts. Bet they can power coat or anodize it for you.

RonNBama · 03-06-2011, 03:59 PM

Finally got around to pulling the panel today. What a spiderweb of wiring! Took step-by-step pictures and drew diagrams of the switch connections so maybe I'll be able to put it back together. Found the part number from Advanced Technology, Inc on the back side and have requested info from them (probably the same company that Rex mentioned above). Plan is to take the original plate and trace the outline on an eighth-inch sheet of aluminum, use epoxy to stick/seal all the existing cracks and have it ready to re-install if there will be a very long delay in fab'ing one or obtaining an OEM replacement piece.

Rex · 03-06-2011, 04:32 PM

Ron, no that is not the manufacturer I was speaking of. If you are successful in ordering from them (Advanced Technology, Inc.) please let me know as I would be most interested. Proto Fab is the company I was referring to that no longer sells direct.