Cracked Dashboard

Well, I now decided to remove my windshield to access my cracked dashboard. I am having the dash re-upholstered and I need to find out what supplies I need to fix the cracks. Since the cracks now form an uneven surface, I want to make sure it’s smooth before sending it to my upholstery guy. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

I am new to this BBS and I would like to thank everyone for all the advice and suggestions on helping me restore my newly found love.....oh, don’t tell that to my wife!

Cya....
John
'81 SC Targa

From some previous posts on this:

DavidM:

You can repair cracks in the dash easily. The body shop industry has a multitude of 2 part epoxies for repairing different kinds of plastic bumpers and fiberglass. About $25 per unit (enough to fix 50 or 100 cracks). I used the one we happen to have open in the shop. Bevel cut away from the crack and rough sand 1/4 to 1/2 inch out from edges. Fill with epoxy(very sticky, very messy). Filler should be dome shaped and completely cover crack and sanded area. Sand when dry - not long. Sand again - finer grit, sand again even finer grit. Very smooth and very level. If you screw it up just sand some more and try again. Take to auto upholstery place for paint or recover with your choice of vinyl or leather. My upholstery guy charged me $35 for painting, but I send him lots of business so I don't know the market price. Two of my studs above the guages were loose and separated from the dash. I used the same epoxy to reinstall them. There is a special gun (similar to a caulking gun) for these cartridges. It costs $50, is very sturdy, and designed specifically for these cartridges and heavy use. Don't buy a gun for one use. Wear gloves and a mask, have lots of rags, make sure to get equal amounts of both tubes of the cartridge. Have several other household projects that need big time holding power. Use up the entire tube,or mix all the stuff together when done, so as not to leave nasty liquids around.

GeorgeL:

I had a few cracks in my 911 dash which I repaired with reasonable success. I got a filler and the dye to match the dash from Larry Reynolds at Car Care Specialties in northern NJ. I believe it is called Surflex. The number is 201 796-8300. He may have an 800# but I can't find it. He will give you a short lesson over the phone.

Jack,

You don't know how much I appreciate your help. Thanks again and I'll include before and after pix when I complete this never-ending restoration!

John
'81 SC Targa

I think that I saw an overlay veneer sort of plastic dash cover in Automotion's catalog. This lays over the existing dash, giving the appearance that there is an intact, non-cracked factory dash in place. Let me know via e-mail if you don't have the catalog and Ill look it up for you.
Nick.

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Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe

Check out Eastwoods catalog.
I believe they have a dash repair kit similar to the epoxy stuff mentioned above.

Good luck,

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Leland Pate

___79 SC Targa

Nick,

I'm aware of the dash cover made out of ABS plastic. I wanted to go the other route and restore it close to original as possible. Thanks for the info!

John

I was able to semi-successfully repair my old dash too. After a few years the repair finally separated and more new cracks appeared, so I replaced it ($$$). But the vinyl dash repair kit did 'buy me' a few years. The fuzzy dash cover things for $40-50 are another option...if you can't see the cracks, they don't bug you nearly as much!