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Cracked Dash Pad Repair
03-09-2013, 05:19 PM
#1
Cracked Dash Pad Repair So today I went out to wash my car and noticed the dash pad (aka crash pad) panel had a nice crack in it in the middle.
Went to look at the replacement part and it is like $450 shipped on GM Parts Direct now. Yey for old cars...
I noticed a couple threads where people had repaired the panel themselves with various methods. Including the vinyl covering, but I have some questions.
First off, I am in Texas and so it can get hot in the summer. I saw a couple posts where people that tried to cover the panel in hot climates had problems in the summer. But there were also a vague reference or two that if you used the correct glue the cover would stick, even in the heat. What sort of glue will work well in the hot sun?
Second, I saw where people had painted the panel after repairing the crack. This is actually the direction I am sort of leaning in right now, but I am curious how well these paints will hold up if they get baked in the sun. Saw SEM paint recommended for this. How long does it hold up for?
Would I be better off rolling the dice on an uncracked used panel, or blowing the money on a brand new panel?
Thanks.
Went to look at the replacement part and it is like $450 shipped on GM Parts Direct now. Yey for old cars...
I noticed a couple threads where people had repaired the panel themselves with various methods. Including the vinyl covering, but I have some questions.
First off, I am in Texas and so it can get hot in the summer. I saw a couple posts where people that tried to cover the panel in hot climates had problems in the summer. But there were also a vague reference or two that if you used the correct glue the cover would stick, even in the heat. What sort of glue will work well in the hot sun?
Second, I saw where people had painted the panel after repairing the crack. This is actually the direction I am sort of leaning in right now, but I am curious how well these paints will hold up if they get baked in the sun. Saw SEM paint recommended for this. How long does it hold up for?
Would I be better off rolling the dice on an uncracked used panel, or blowing the money on a brand new panel?
Thanks.
03-10-2013, 02:29 PM
#5
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the "overlay" looks like *** in the pictures I've seen, it makes it sit up higher, not flush like it should be.
painting is an option but when you go to remove it from the car it's going to crack even more, which shows just how brittle it has become (i've got mine out right now), every time I pick it up it cracks somewhere else so paint doesn't do anything to "support" it.
vinyl wrapping is the best method because it takes some of the stress off the plastic and gives you a barrier from the sun, as for glue standard spray upholstery adhesive should be fine as long as you follow the directions and give yourself plenty of material to wrap around the bottom.
painting is an option but when you go to remove it from the car it's going to crack even more, which shows just how brittle it has become (i've got mine out right now), every time I pick it up it cracks somewhere else so paint doesn't do anything to "support" it.
vinyl wrapping is the best method because it takes some of the stress off the plastic and gives you a barrier from the sun, as for glue standard spray upholstery adhesive should be fine as long as you follow the directions and give yourself plenty of material to wrap around the bottom.
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03-16-2013, 09:59 PM
#10
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I tried to remove one from my 95 Formula and it busted into several pieces. I attempted to glue it back together in my living room, but it just kept breaking into smaller and smaller parts. Wasn't sure if I was going to just paint it or cover it, but it ended up in the garbage anyway. I've got a nice mat from Lethal Interiors sitting up there now, but still want something better.
03-16-2013, 11:47 PM
#12
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...n-fbodies.html
I just bought 4ft of that black powdercoated aluminum circle mesh. I'll have tons of extra mesh to do others locally and or just sell to someone on here. I plan on wrapping my dash soon. Only thing is, my dash isn't cracked. I bought one years ago and fiberglassed the back side so it would never crack.
03-17-2013, 12:17 AM
#13
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This one? Post #8
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...n-fbodies.html
I just bought 4ft of that black powdercoated aluminum circle mesh. I'll have tons of extra mesh to do others locally and or just sell to someone on here. I plan on wrapping my dash soon. Only thing is, my dash isn't cracked. I bought one years ago and fiberglassed the back side so it would never crack.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...n-fbodies.html
I just bought 4ft of that black powdercoated aluminum circle mesh. I'll have tons of extra mesh to do others locally and or just sell to someone on here. I plan on wrapping my dash soon. Only thing is, my dash isn't cracked. I bought one years ago and fiberglassed the back side so it would never crack.
Also wish I had thought of fiberglassing the back of the perfect pad in my 97 SS while it was out recently so it never cracks. I'm afraid to try to pull it out again. LOL It would be my luck I would bust it trying to remove it to 'glass the backside.
03-17-2013, 12:31 AM
#14
I hate to be the lazy one here but i just gonna buy a dash cover to place on top of my cracked dash. I figure im getting one wether its broken or not, so why bother fix it if ill never see it.
03-17-2013, 01:58 AM
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...plus it matched the rest of the dash.
03-17-2013, 09:54 PM
#19
Cool thanks! Mine has been broken for almost 6 years now and its been driving me nuts I can't stand it. I was affraid I had to remove the dash though, but now that I know I dont have to I'll replace it or wrap it real soon.
