Dashboard vent cracks - alternative solution
 

http://a307.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...a3f59952e2.jpg

I tried one of those carpet covers but it didn't look quite right.

Then I tried one of those all over plastic glue on covers. Damn me if the bloody thing didn't crack due to it not being a very good fit.

So, finally, I made this vent cover out of some thin gauge aluminium sheet. Fortunately the cracks on my dash only extend about an inch from the vents and nowhere else.

I drilled some 12 mm holes for the vents - big enough to do the job but small enough so you can't see the original dash vents underneath.

I may put some fine mesh under the cover - I'm not decided yet. I'll bond it on to prevent the cracks underneath going further using industrial strength Sika 221.

The cut out is so I can retain my original centre speaker grill. I'm planning on sticking a spare JBL in there as it's a direct replacement fitting.

I'd be interested in seeing how this looks installed.

^+1

Definitely keep the board informed! It looks like a nice alternative.

-Nick

Ditto....We have the same shag carpet cover on our 83 and I'd like to try something else. Please post photos when you install the cover.

Ok - I'm still working on my dash at the moment (I'm swapping from a brown to black interior) but here's a picture of the grill just resting in place. I've held it down to the dash and it fits nice and flush and will be fine when bonded.

http://a687.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...88645ad536.jpg


If it generates sufficient interest I might bang a few out on ebay and see how they sell.

All comments welcome as to how I might make it prettier.

Obviously it'd not look so good if your dash has cracked AND warped like the Himalayas :)
As far as I'm aware it'd fit both left and right hand drive cars up to 1985 /1