Crackd dash pad

[CUSTOM_1O]

I HAVE ABOUT A 2 INCH CRACK IN THE DASH PAD
AND ID LIKE TO KEEP IT AND JUST REPAIR IT
BUT IM STUCK ON HOW EXACTLY TO GO ABOUT THE PROCESS

CAN SOMEONE HELP ME OUT WIT SUM MORE IDEAS
ON WHAT EXACTLY TO DO AND WHAT TO USE

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND INFO

[Longhorn Man]

[GruntMoanCough]

Your local parts store should have a vinyl repair kit with instructions. Although not the best way to take care of it, this might be what you're after.

[b-rad]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

so a little pet peeve of yours lol

[cdowns]

the reto classic 70's way would b to glue a piece of shag rug on the dashpad

[68gmsee]

This one is original. If it's in this good of a shape, then it's worth trying to keep it a few more years. I have seen on the net places that advertise vinyl repair kits so I'd do a google search.

Mine was not bad when I bought it 15+ years ago but it was dried up some. It has a very small crack on the bottom right hand side where I squeezed it when I first got it. Since then I have babied it with Armorall every couple of months or so and cover when parked in the sun or use a sun shield on the windshield. It's very pliable now.

[redneckgirl]

Originally Posted by cdowns

the reto classic 70's way would b to glue a piece of shag rug on the dashpad

psuautotechstudent....that's a good idea...IMO

[extd56]

Originally Posted by CUSTOM_1O

I HAVE ABOUT A 2 INCH CRACK IN THE DASH PAD
AND ID LIKE TO KEEP IT AND JUST REPAIR IT
BUT IM STUCK ON HOW EXACTLY TO GO ABOUT THE PROCESS

CAN SOMEONE HELP ME OUT WIT SUM MORE IDEAS
ON WHAT EXACTLY TO DO AND WHAT TO USE

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND INFO

If it is an original pad I would have it redone at a upholstery shop. I had mine matched to my new interior.

[unclewatts]

You can buy a replacement cover which is just the Naugahyde from many online suppliers like LMC Truck or Classic Parts or for about 40 bucks more you can buy the whole replacement pad. Either way it is a real pain to remove and replace due to the bolts underneath that go through the top of the dash. You have to remove the radio, ducting and the glove compartment and reach way up to get to the nuts.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by unclewatts

You have to remove the radio, ducting and the glove compartment and reach way up to get to the nuts.

Not to mention the Dash Instrument Panel, it you want to get to the nut all the way on the left.
Iv'e done it both ways, new dash pad from Brothers for $99 on a '71 Jimmy
and back in the day before vintage vendors [and begrudging dealer support if at all] I pulled my dash pad off my '68 C/10 and chipped off all the brittle OEM Fawn grey plastic and got it down to old foam. Then I covered it with Saddle vinyl from the same bolt I covered my seats with. Tacked it down with rubber cement and 77 3M spray glue. True, a PIA by today's standards but, back then
it was the only game in town.

[special-K]

The problem is,the reason it cracked is the vinyl on the whole thing is dried and brittle.It`s no longer workable and is on the road to total deterioration.I`d live with it or replace.

[psuautotechstudent]

Your best bet is to
-Find some vinyl (or tweed from an upholstery shop, depends on what you like) that isn't too expensive (try walmart) but looks good. I found that wal-mart also sells a decent upholstery glue (not the greatest but works alright).
-Remove the dash pad
-Use some of that expanding foam (not much) in the crack and let it do it's work.
-Once it's fully dry use a razor blade to trim it flush with the dash.
-Roughen up the surface of the original vinyl (that way you get a good stick)
-Do a good job of making sure it's really clean (no dust!)
-Spray the upholstery adhesive on both the dash and the vinyl
-Lay on the vinyl (or tweed) starting from one side and smooth it out as you lay to prevent any bubbles or wrinkles
-Cut the vinyl about 1/4 an inch from the edge that will show with a razor (i just use one of those square razor blades)
-Fold it over the edge and let dry
-Reattach the dash pad
Fresh and new

[CUSTOM_1O]

Originally Posted by psuautotechstudent

Your best bet is to
-Find some vinyl (or tweed from an upholstery shop, depends on what you like) that isn't too expensive (try walmart) but looks good. I found that wal-mart also sells a decent upholstery glue (not the greatest but works alright).
-Remove the dash pad
-Use some of that expanding foam (not much) in the crack and let it do it's work.
-Once it's fully dry use a razor blade to trim it flush with the dash.
-Roughen up the surface of the original vinyl (that way you get a good stick)
-Do a good job of making sure it's really clean (no dust!)
-Spray the upholstery adhesive on both the dash and the vinyl
-Lay on the vinyl (or tweed) starting from one side and smooth it out as you lay to prevent any bubbles or wrinkles
-Cut the vinyl about 1/4 an inch from the edge that will show with a razor (i just use one of those square razor blades)
-Fold it over the edge and let dry
-Reattach the dash pad
Fresh and new

now thats what i wanted to hear
THANKS

[psuautotechstudent]

Now I have never done it, but that's the way I would. I have upholstered some speaker boxes and stuff like that, it's really not too hard, it just takes a smooth hand to make cuts look good, but if they are overlapped then you won't even see it. Oh and i ripped some of my cracked dash up today while I was driving and you might want to make the overlap like a 1/2", that's about what the factory had

[CUSTOM_1O]

Originally Posted by psuautotechstudent

Now I have never done it, but that's the way I would. I have upholstered some speaker boxes and stuff like that, it's really not too hard, it just takes a smooth hand to make cuts look good, but if they are overlapped then you won't even see it. Oh and i ripped some of my cracked dash up today while I was driving and you might want to make the overlap like a 1/2", that's about what the factory had

thank u much

[special-K]

When I bought my`72 the p.o. had the dash pad,seat,and arm rests recovered.It looked like poop and that was the first thing i changed.If I was going to pull one off I`d go ahead and just replace it.In the mean time I`d let it ride.Not saying covering it is a bad idea.I just wouldn`t put time and money in that direction.I just sold an original black`70 pad for cheap.i`m sure there`s more out there.

[psuautotechstudent]

If I find me a job, then I'll order some gray tweed and do a write up on it. I'll do a comparison of cost for a new one and how much it cost me, if it turns out good, and worth the time and effort. Give me a week or two.