Cracked Dash Fix

[cmcfaul]

Anyone have a recommendation on how to repair or lessen the severity of the common cracked dash?

The Dash on my 73 911 E has the common crack. Replacing the dash is not an option for me. I would be happy with simply reducing the size / severity of it. I used one of those vinal repair kits once and it kind of worked for a while but seems to have opened up again.

suggestions appreciated

Chris
73 911 E

[widgeon13]

Get one of those dash carpets. I have one in my car just to protect the dash (no cracks) and I don't even notice anymore, same color as dash. Then when you get the cash go for the new one. Best solution and lesat amount of work.

[SlantnoseSD]

Use a dash cap. I put one on my car due to cracks and it looks better than new and was less than 5 minutes to install.

[cmcfaul]

Any Pics? I did a quick search and found a couple likely sources but they did not have pics (Pelican included). Url's would be helpful.

I don't think the carpet solution will work as the major crack is on the rounded foam that faces the interior (not on top).

Thanks

Chris

[Gasman59]

Not concours, but I used Phenoseal black sealer/caulk. (standard Home Depot item)
Multiple small applications and wipe off any extra with a water moistened lint-less rag.

It is not a perfect match but It does look a lot better, and it seems to be holding things together .
I left it a bit below the surface just in case I come across a better matching material.

Ron
70 911 E targa

[lateapex911]

My "Plan B" was to get a dash cap, then apply Alcantra to it. Fortunately Plan A worked out...a new dash.

[cmcfaul]

A new dash is expensive and I fear it will crack again

[naparsei]

Supposedly the new dashes are much more resistant to sun damage (and cracking) due to materials improvement. I can't confirm factually, but perhaps someone can support that point, or debunk it.

[jtkkz]

The Phenoseal black sealer/caulk does it dry up like rubbery feel?

Does that stuff expand?

I have cracks as well, seems like a good idea to cover up the cracks.........

[Gasman59]

It is a sealer caulk for windows, etc and is a bit "Rubbery". The good thing is it stopped the crack from growing larger.

I was looking for a stop-gap solution for now. The car is fully original and quite nice.

Maybe someday I will replace the dash, but you need to pull the windshield, etc.

Not in my game plan for now.

Best Wishes,
Ron Y
70 911 E Targa

[Gearbox]

I'm surprised that the kit opened up on you. If the crack is really wide, there is a delux kit that contains material that glues down inside the crack before you add the vinyl/ Try to get the repair as flat and even with the dash as possible. When you are happy with the results, you'll notice that the black repair may not match exactly in color. Get some black vinyl spray paint, mask the dash and spray the entire dash. If the repair was done correctly, the crack should no longer be noticeable.

Now another quick fix would be the vinyl dash caps. I put one on my 71 without gluing it down just because I knew I was going to get a new OEM dash eventually and was tired of looking at that huge crack in the dash. Outside of not being original, it actually is not bad. I had fully installed one on my 944S and sprayed it tan to match my interior and it was hard to notice that it wasn't OEM. My 71 will be ready for paint in about a week, so if you are located in the NJ area you could come down and see it. It's like brand new, but I'll be ordering a new OEM dash shortly. Make me an offer if you're interested, good luck Allan

[bill3667]

Originally posted by cmcfaul
Any Pics? I did a quick search and found a couple likely sources but they did not have pics (Pelican included). Url's would be helpful.

I too would be interested in photo/url. Which product is that in the photos above?

Mine has several very fine cracks so the window caulk idea would not work, also the '88 has a diff. vent arrangement.

[bill3667]

Has anyone tried one of these or is this what Gearbox is using? Pelican sells the carpet pads and that's not what I'm looking for.

Dash cap on Ebay

[Gearbox]

Originally posted by bill3667
I too would be interested in photo/url. Which product is that in the photos above?

Mine has several very fine cracks so the window caulk idea would not work, also the '88 has a diff. vent arrangement.

There is only one company in California that makes these for a number of cars including the 88 911. If done right, they look pretty good. You have to do a very little amount of trimming and pushing in place before gluing it down with silicon. I've seen dash caps for your car, and it has the vents you require. You can get these caps almost anywhere including e-bay for around $100 bucks or less. The early 911 dash can be gotten with the speaker grill delete, the one with the speaker is just a bunch of holes drilled in where the speaker is and has no provision for the rectangular speaker grill to be inset into, so you have to glue it over the original. It only comes in black, but can be easily spray painted using vinyl paint to match your interior. The virgin black vinyl looks ok unpainted (as above pictures), but I have to say, spraying it with vinyl black from my past experience does make a difference and makes it look closer to OEM, until you touch it that is lol. It will feel a bit different. But for the money, it's a acceptable alternative. Good luck Allan

PS found your dash cap for the 88 on ebay under
86 87 88 89 90 91 / 98 Porsche 911 930 NEW Dash Pad Cap

[Gearbox]

Originally posted by bill3667
Has anyone tried one of these or is this what Gearbox is using? Pelican sells the carpet pads and that's not what I'm looking for.

Dash cap on Ebay

Yeah Bill, those are the ones on e-bay. As I said, only one manufacturer, so they are all the same. And at $47 starting bid, it's a no brainer. Allan