Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

Why the Hell does the Dash Crack??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-22-2008, 02:01 AM
  #1  
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
02TransAm/Batmobile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southside Chicago
Posts: 3,180
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Why the Hell does the Dash Crack??

Hasn't happened to me but I've been hearing about it alot! Why is it happening and what can be done to preserve it?
Old 03-22-2008, 02:24 AM
  #2  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
brianfromhawaii's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

dash cover.
Old 03-22-2008, 02:26 AM
  #3  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (4)
 
02T/A-WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NE PA
Posts: 628
Received 12 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

It happened to my 96 bird and I believe its from the twisting and flexing of the body. I have heard that STB and SFCs help to keep that from happening as well as stiffening things up.

It was part way cracked when I bought it and it just got worse to the point where it when all the way up to the bottom of the windshield.
Old 03-22-2008, 02:53 AM
  #4  
TECH Enthusiast
 
LT1-DAN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: FLORIDA
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Heat+cheap plastic=crack
Old 03-22-2008, 06:51 AM
  #5  
TECH Junkie
 
Adam_346's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Alabama
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

yeah, it fuggin sucks.
Old 03-22-2008, 09:10 AM
  #6  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (42)
 
Brian2006's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Tomball/Nacogdoches TX
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Heat.
Old 03-22-2008, 10:02 AM
  #7  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (16)
 
J&J Motorsports FL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yeah it's the heat. Mine just cracked a few days ago. Pretty much ******* sucks. I can get one for around $60.00 from a guy I know who parts f-bodys out though.
Old 03-22-2008, 10:15 AM
  #8  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
 
Black02SLPSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Owasso, Ok
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

And they are definatly a pain in the *** to change. Had to do mine once to put the passenger side airbag back in and to glue that pad back into the dash
Old 03-23-2008, 02:28 AM
  #9  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (31)
 
kny3twalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Denton, Texas
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I just bought one, its still in the box
got it from partszoneonline.com
they had a good price and fairly cheap shipping(although I did order other parts which they put in a smaller box with the dash cover)
I think it was around 130
Old 03-23-2008, 02:35 AM
  #10  
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (17)
 
Black99T\A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I hope mine doesnt crack, which it prob will. both of my door panals already cracked in the usual spot, freakin gay
Old 03-23-2008, 04:44 AM
  #11  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
LT1BRN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kingdom of Bahrain
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

mine has 5-6 big cracks in it, just put a cover and called it a day, door panels tooka crap as well but changed those to TA door covers from a TA i parted out last year.
Old 03-23-2008, 05:29 AM
  #12  
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (10)
 
Revelation Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Rialto CA
Posts: 4,770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

no cracks on mine so far
Old 03-23-2008, 07:40 AM
  #13  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (7)
 
deadmanTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Midland, NC
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Mine cracked around the rim of the a/c vent on the pass. side and the plastic piece that covers the mirror bolts have broke on both sides. It has to be the heat cause I kept the inside armor alled weekly for the last 5 years!
Old 03-23-2008, 08:49 AM
  #14  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (13)
 
Raleigh TA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 982
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Originally Posted by Black02SLPSS
And they are definatly a pain in the *** to change. Had to do mine once to put the passenger side airbag back in and to glue that pad back into the dash
Depends if it is the dashboard or dash cover. My dash cover cracked 2 years ago in the heat. The dash cover is the piece that starts at the windshield and comes out to the dashboard; it has a defroster vent in it. I think it is the same on Camaros and T/A's.

Replacing that is a 10-minute job if you have T-Tops. Pull your T-Top glass, there are 2-3 short screws to remove the trim pieces along your windshield. Pull those trim pieces, and the dash cover will lift right out (likely in 2 pieces due to the crack). There are some quarter-size velcro tabs holding it in, just give them a tug. I found a dash cover off a wreck for $20.

One of your easiest appearance upgrades ever.
Old 03-23-2008, 11:02 AM
  #15  
bsf
TECH Resident
iTrader: (7)
 
bsf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MI
Posts: 865
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Raleigh TA
Depends if it is the dashboard or dash cover. My dash cover cracked 2 years ago in the heat. The dash cover is the piece that starts at the windshield and comes out to the dashboard; it has a defroster vent in it. I think it is the same on Camaros and T/A's.

Replacing that is a 10-minute job if you have T-Tops. Pull your T-Top glass, there are 2-3 short screws to remove the trim pieces along your windshield. Pull those trim pieces, and the dash cover will lift right out (likely in 2 pieces due to the crack). There are some quarter-size velcro tabs holding it in, just give them a tug. I found a dash cover off a wreck for $20.

One of your easiest appearance upgrades ever.
Actually, it is properly termed the "instrument panel trim pad". When people say cover, I think of an aftermarket mat. I agree it is easy to change in T-top vehicles.

The pad is a piece of crap. I would love to wrap mine in high quality, matching color vinyl. The defroster vent would be tough. I have not figured out how to deal with that vent. I do not want to cover the vent.
Old 03-23-2008, 12:32 PM
  #16  
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (10)
 
throttlejunkie1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bsf
Actually, it is properly termed the "instrument panel trim pad". When people say cover, I think of an aftermarket mat. I agree it is easy to change in T-top vehicles.

The pad is a piece of crap. I would love to wrap mine in high quality, matching color vinyl. The defroster vent would be tough. I have not figured out how to deal with that vent. I do not want to cover the vent.
That would be a great idea! Trace the openings with trace paper to get your vent demensions and appy that to your vinyl. You just gave me another to-do job.
Old 03-23-2008, 12:38 PM
  #17  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (26)
 
z28berryhill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

tinting widows should help so so much heat and sunlight dont come in the car
Old 03-23-2008, 01:07 PM
  #18  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (31)
 
kny3twalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Denton, Texas
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

mine has 5-6 big cracks in it, just put a cover and called it a day, door panels tooka crap as well but changed those to TA door covers from a TA i parted out last year.
did your LT door panels crack, as far as I knew those things are bullet proof compared to our LS1 panels, if fact I never had any problems with my LT panels.
My friend now has the parted out LT1 T/A was driving and I am going to buy his panels, then figure out how to get them to match in color later. These LS1 panels are garbage, so thin.

Actually, it is properly termed the "instrument panel trim pad". When people say cover, I think of an aftermarket mat. I agree it is easy to change in T-top vehicles.
according to GM parts guide its the crash pad
Old 03-24-2008, 03:13 AM
  #19  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
LT1BRN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kingdom of Bahrain
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

did your LT door panels crack, as far as I knew those things are bullet proof compared to our LS1 panels, if fact I never had any problems with my LT panels.
My friend now has the parted out LT1 T/A was driving and I am going to buy his panels, then figure out how to get them to match in color later. These LS1 panels are garbage, so thin.
the guy i got my car from, wasn't the best in taking care of it, the car was always parked outside in the heat (Im in the middle east, I really mean heat) so everything was cracked, everything, I changed the seats, the headliner, the door panels, and now planing to change the center console and the Dash with a 1997+ Camaro or TA, which ever I find in real good shape.
Old 03-24-2008, 05:22 AM
  #20  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
Blue's_Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 77089
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Not just heat that weakens the plastic but ultra-violet light that breaks the plastic down. Keep your car in the shade as much as possible. My old '96 Camaro dash panel didn't crack until it was about 8 years old because I used a windshield sun-shield and parked the car in the shade as often as I could.


Quick Reply: Why the Hell does the Dash Crack??



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:06 AM.