dash is in good shape but with all the sun beating down on it, I'm thinking I should get a dash pad for it before it cracks. I remember in the day any autoparts store had them. I can't seem to find one now.

 

When I'm out I alway use one of the fold reflectors that sits in the
windshield that you fold down the visors to hold it up. Really cuts
down on the heat when you get back in as well.

 

When you say "dash pad", I suspect you mean "dash protector". They are still available in auto parts stores, at least the ones I frequent. They range from fold up cardboard to cloth with a spring steel outer frame that folds up.