OliviasDad
New member
I purchased my 2004 4Runner back in June of last year and at the time was not aware of the dashboard recall. And I must admit, when I test drove my 4R, I did not notice the cracks in the dash because I wasn’t specifically looking for them (they were small hairline cracks, just above the gauges and steering column). Once I noticed the cracks however, I saw the info regarding the dashboard recall and even came across some paperwork from the previous owner regarding the recall (i.e., letter from Toyota), but it was already past the May 2017 deadline. After having the 4R for only a few weeks, I noticed new cracks forming (i.e., my parking lot for work is outside and in direct sunlight/heat). Here is what my dash looked like:
I talked with Toyota about getting a replacement, but basically got told that I would have to pay for it outright (~2k)…which was not going to happen, so I looked into options. I saw some folks who covered the dash with carpet/suede covers, but I did not care for this option. I also saw a product called a Dash Cap that looked nice, but I could not find a direct link for 2004 4runners. I then saw the Coverlay and thought that it might be a good solution. In doing some research on this forum and others, I only found a few mentions of the product and came across only one image (I even made a post asking about it, but got very little response). I read a handful of reviews including a couple from 4th generation 4R owners that seemed very happy with the results.
The Coverlay is not a cheap option per se, but it is cheaper (and less time consuming) than replacing the dashboard myself, so I decided to go ahead and order one last week. Prior to ordering my Coverlay however, I contacted Coverlay and asked for some free color samples because I wasn’t sure if my dash was black or a dark gray (mine sort of looks like charcoal). The free samples they send are on paper so matching isn't a perfect option but they will send you plastic versions for $4. Deciding that the black matched my dashboard the best, I ordered it through Rock Auto (roughly ~$155 shipped – I ordered a handful of other parts as well, so this is my best estimate, there is a 5% coupon code available as well).
Besides color differences, the 4runner Coverlay comes in two options (with and without speaker holes), my 4R does not have the speaker holes. Rock Auto shipped it quickly and it arrived within a few days and my first impression was good. The plastic molding is thicker than I expected and the color is very close to the original. It also conforms nicely to the old dash. Here is a short video of my pre-install:
Pre-Installation of Coverlay Dashboard
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XDzKLuTOwwM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I plan to fully install it (glue it down) later this week when I get some time, will report back with additional pics/video of the final result.
So if you're tired of looking at the cracks in your dash and want a reasonably priced solution, the Coverlay may be a good option! I'll be sure to report back on any issues I note with installation and/or things I notice with it after it has been fully installed for a few weeks (i.e., creacking, etc.). Cheers!
I talked with Toyota about getting a replacement, but basically got told that I would have to pay for it outright (~2k)…which was not going to happen, so I looked into options. I saw some folks who covered the dash with carpet/suede covers, but I did not care for this option. I also saw a product called a Dash Cap that looked nice, but I could not find a direct link for 2004 4runners. I then saw the Coverlay and thought that it might be a good solution. In doing some research on this forum and others, I only found a few mentions of the product and came across only one image (I even made a post asking about it, but got very little response). I read a handful of reviews including a couple from 4th generation 4R owners that seemed very happy with the results.
The Coverlay is not a cheap option per se, but it is cheaper (and less time consuming) than replacing the dashboard myself, so I decided to go ahead and order one last week. Prior to ordering my Coverlay however, I contacted Coverlay and asked for some free color samples because I wasn’t sure if my dash was black or a dark gray (mine sort of looks like charcoal). The free samples they send are on paper so matching isn't a perfect option but they will send you plastic versions for $4. Deciding that the black matched my dashboard the best, I ordered it through Rock Auto (roughly ~$155 shipped – I ordered a handful of other parts as well, so this is my best estimate, there is a 5% coupon code available as well).
Besides color differences, the 4runner Coverlay comes in two options (with and without speaker holes), my 4R does not have the speaker holes. Rock Auto shipped it quickly and it arrived within a few days and my first impression was good. The plastic molding is thicker than I expected and the color is very close to the original. It also conforms nicely to the old dash. Here is a short video of my pre-install:
Pre-Installation of Coverlay Dashboard
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XDzKLuTOwwM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I plan to fully install it (glue it down) later this week when I get some time, will report back with additional pics/video of the final result.
So if you're tired of looking at the cracks in your dash and want a reasonably priced solution, the Coverlay may be a good option! I'll be sure to report back on any issues I note with installation and/or things I notice with it after it has been fully installed for a few weeks (i.e., creacking, etc.). Cheers!
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