One dash crack

[b_hill_86]

Looking for opinions. This is the dash in my car, which is in great shape with the exception of this one crack. I came across a fair deal on a nice dash that I have to replace this one but once I get this one out, I’d like to try to fix this crack. How would you tackle this? The dash is still soft and I can push this crack together with my hands, so I wondered if it might be possible to glue this back together and clamp it. What are your thoughts?

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

I'd save up the money and have it done right by sending it to a restorer, but that's me and I'm perfectionist. If you have a hook-up to a good dash to replace it with, it gives you all the time in the world to save the grand or so needed for a restoration.

[b_hill_86]

I probably should’ve specified, I don’t have any desire to send this dash in to be fixed. I’d sell it as is before I did that.

[roadking77]

I think unless you are looking for perfection, I would simply use some super glue in the crack. You said its flexible, maybe super glue then pull it together with some tape as a clamp. For the most part it would be fine.

[b_hill_86]

That’s kind of the route I was considering but I wasn’t sure if that would work or not

[Wallington]

I'd try the same, it's close to perfect. If it will pinch together it may be enough to hold it and leave the rest untouched. If it fails then can try something more drastic that requires sanding and painting the lot. A modellers trick is to mix a little bicarb soda into the glue to create a filler that sets, or fill the gap with the soda then run the glue over top once pinched. It makes any filling easier to paint, using regular type paints, anything larger than a touch up may still need flexible dash filler. Either way, don't make a mess of the glue when you wipe it off surrounding dark skin, can become like a glossy seal to any future protestants or cleaners once dry. But obviously you know the basics of super glue and the mess it can make.

[b_hill_86]

I may give it a try once this dash is out. The question will be, when can I get it out? Weather is turning here and my garage isn’t heated well so it may have to wait

[cameoWS6]

Hey, you're lucky you just have the one crack.  Typical place.  I'm currently using Roadking77's approach to repair my dash, using the SEM 2050-9 flexible filler and I'll post pics and results when I'm done.  Looking at your dash pic I think I see the same warp that I had in mine--on the forward edge, toward the metal dash, there is an upward swell.  With my dash out of the car I could see that the underlying plastic frame had warped in this area and I think that is what causes this crack.  So I used a heat gun to reshape the area from beneath.

Worth a try but I don't think this will clamp together because of the warp that has spread the area.  Perhaps find an adhesive/filler that will fill rather than try to glue it together.  Removing the dash may seem overwhelming but you can probably have it out within a couple of hours and it's a lot easier to work on.  Best luck, Phil

[b_hill_86]

Hey thanks for the info. Did you have success in reshaping the underside of that swell? My “new”dash appears to have the slightest amount of a hump in the same area.

[cameoWS6]

Brian, yes, I was able to minimize that warp.  Right where the dash starts to curve down to the passenger side area, but on the forward edge only.  Be careful with the heat gun if you have a good dash; I was working with a dash that had big cracks and lots of damage so little to risk.  I've tried to get a pic but the dash is now in gray primer so contours don't show well.  I used heat only on the plastic underside and hand pressure to force it down.  The edge where the padded dash meets the metal dash top is much straighter and cleaner now.  If I had a dash without a crack here I'm not sure I would try this.  Phil

[b_hill_86]

Thank uou