How to fix/fill crack in my dashpad?

[ubtripn]

I have a crack above my steering wheel in my dash pad that runs perpendicular to the length of the pad or front to back. Anyway (couldn't figure out how to describe that) it is deep but not too wide. I am trying to identify a black substance to fill it in that would have just a little flexibility so as not to crack again. It's just an eyesore but the rest of the pad is in great shape. One day I will buy a new one but has anybody ever fixed one of these? I am sure that somebody has, what material do you think would work well. I was going to use black RTV but there must be something better. Maybe I could remove the pad and glue the crack back together? What do you think?

[cleszkie]

Don't remove the pad and glue it back togther. You will probably do more damage to the pad by removing it. Also, the pad cracked because it shrank. If you remove it and glue it back together, it will probably pull apart again when you try to install it because it will be shorter than when you started.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

I have a crack above my steering wheel in my dash pad that runs perpendicular to the length of the pad or front to back. Anyway (couldn't figure out how to describe that) it is deep but not too wide. I am trying to identify a black substance to fill it in that would have just a little flexibility so as not to crack again. It's just an eyesore but the rest of the pad is in great shape. One day I will buy a new one but has anybody ever fixed one of these? I am sure that somebody has, what material do you think would work well. I was going to use black RTV but there must be something better. Maybe I could remove the pad and glue the crack back together? What do you think?

LMC has a replacement for $70.00 so why bother? No repair you do can change the fact that the pad shrunk and is now too short to prevent the mounting screws from pulling it apart again the first time you park in the sun.

[Killick]

There is a fairly recent thread on here where someone refinished the entire pad with fibreglass and it looked pretty decent. I'll post the link if I can find it (was it Mooseknuckles? They say memory is the second thing to go...)...

[FirstOwner69]

When I restored my 58 Vette, the pad ripped about 1/2" near the radio when I installed it. I used a vinyl repair kit that came with various pieces of paper that were textured with different grain patterns to transfer the grain to the repair. The kit had about 6 different "pots" with different colors to mix to match what you have. One was black. None of the NCRS or Bloomington judges noticed the repair. You should be able to find it at an auto parts store. A quick search of eBay Motors turned up 136 matches for "vinyl repair". Mine used a heat cure process. I'm not sure how well it would work on a deep crack, but it would be worth a try. I think the kit I used was by Permatex.

[ubtripn]

Awesome, thanks everybody!

[DT1]

If your dash is black, you can use black RTV.
I have used it way back when I just couldn't afford a replacement dash pad.
I applied it to the crack and went over it with a light oil on my bare finger. It smoothed out beautifully and lasted for years.

[ubtripn]

Thank you very much. I am going to do it until I can buy a new one.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Thank you very much. I am going to do it until I can buy a new one.

I just recently found out that replacing the dash requires removing the glovebox, removing the gauge cluster, and then hiring your buddy with small hands to reach up to undo the end bolts.

So, maybe that helps with making you feel even better about your decision for now?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ironangel]

Originally Posted by Killick

There is a fairly recent thread on here where someone refinished the entire pad with fibreglass and it looked pretty decent. I'll post the link if I can find it (was it Mooseknuckles? They say memory is the second thing to go...)...

"Second thing to go?"..."Viva Viagra!" Cant help with the memory thing...I keep forgetting what I cant remember! They sell an inexpensive repair kit for vinyl and leather. Maybe hobby stores or garment/fabric stores.

[ubtripn]

I will check it out. Now I really don't want to remove it! I am always enlisting my son to help with his skinny arms - last time was dash bulbs =)

[JOJABOY]

I remember back in the 80's there was some vinyl repair kit that magically made it new again. Those who remember will SALTS (Smile A Little Then Stop).

I think I would go with the black RTV and try to get it as smooth as possible. Oil on fingertip trick might work well. If all else fails, Duct Tape fixes everything! LOL..I mean SALTS!

[Ironangel]

Originally Posted by Mister-B

I just recently found out that replacing the dash requires removing the glovebox, removing the gauge cluster, and then hiring your buddy with small hands to reach up to undo the end bolts.

So, maybe that helps with making you feel even better about your decision for now?
Posted via Mobile Device

+1! Pulling and changing engines & tranny's is easier than dash pads!