Fix for Warped Dash Near Fuel Cover Release

[isby]

‘84 3.2L. Just to the left of my fuel cover release lever, there is a small piece of dash that (at one time) appears to have been glued down to the underlying metal. That piece has warped such that there is now a gap of about 7-8mm between the dash and the sheetmetal (see photo). I’ve tried to glue it down (looks like the PO tried as well) but I can’t get it to hold due to rigidity of the dash.

Can anyone suggest a fix? Thx.

[group911@aol.co]

Better glue and an adjustable rod to hold it in place until the glue sets.
A hood prop rod works well.
Also, use a heat gun to activate the glue.

[isby]

Thanks Bob. Can you recommend a glue for this? Epoxy?

[group911@aol.co]

Any good trim adhesive should do it. Not sure on epoxy.

[EC900]

If you can, get in behind the peeling material and get as much old glue off both surfaces, you probably need to pull apart and expose more surface. Prep always takes longer. Taking off the knee pad will help access.

Clean using alcohol. I’ve found that years of Armour-All mist contamination many surfaces I tried to reattach, failed after a few warm days.

I agree that using a pole of some sort as a hold down for allowing adhesive to cure. Heat (low setting) will help get the warping back to normal. I would first try getting the vinyl as pliable as possible and flat before trying to glue it down. This will help so that it doesn’t “curl away” again on the first sunny day.

As for glue/adhesive, use an automotive specific trim glue. Don’t over glue. Clamping/holding it down with the pole and some tape too - but let it cure properly at recommend temperature for few days.
JB Weld has some special products for plastics and automotive (epoxy too brittle for this application). Ordinary contact cement doesn’t always work well when it comes to filling unseen voids between the two contact surface - so avoid using it here.

[dg567]

I've had success with this rubber cement from Wurth:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/WRTH890100015.htm?pn=WRTH-890100015&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpur15sb9ggMVdaFaBR3FegVHEAQYAiAB EgJmFPD_BwE

Let both sides get tacky and hold firmly for a few minutes.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by isby

Thanks Bob. Can you recommend a glue for this? Epoxy?

Permatex super weather strip adhesive works really well and is available locally, good for headliners too otherwise any good contact cement.