[C2] Dash crack
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Dash crack
Hello,
I have a 1963 Corvette convertible. Long time owner and recently restored> New interior seats, carpet etc. The dash was in good shape, so nothing was done to it. Yesterday I went out in the garage and there was a crack in the passenger's side dash pad and at a different spot on the grab bar. From up by the windshield and back towards the passenger seat. I do not want to take the dash out to fix. Does anyone know an option or possible fix? Is there a filler that could be applied in the narrow rack and touched up? Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.
Thank you
I have a 1963 Corvette convertible. Long time owner and recently restored> New interior seats, carpet etc. The dash was in good shape, so nothing was done to it. Yesterday I went out in the garage and there was a crack in the passenger's side dash pad and at a different spot on the grab bar. From up by the windshield and back towards the passenger seat. I do not want to take the dash out to fix. Does anyone know an option or possible fix? Is there a filler that could be applied in the narrow rack and touched up? Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.
Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,632
Likes: 401
From: Australia
You’ll need a paintable and flexible filler.
There are probably products out there, but I think something like that is the only option without removing the dash pad and reskinning or replacing it.
And if you only replace one side, it wouldn’t match the other.
Its not going to look great, but probably better than an open crack.
There are probably products out there, but I think something like that is the only option without removing the dash pad and reskinning or replacing it.
And if you only replace one side, it wouldn’t match the other.
Its not going to look great, but probably better than an open crack.
Last edited by anyChevy; Mar 29, 2025 at 09:52 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 37,671
Likes: 1,115
From: CA
They used to make vinyl repair kits...you would prepare the crack, the apply some liquid to the crack and use different 'grain/pattern swatches' that matched your dash pattern..but i think you'd still have to paint it?
Do a google search for 'vinyl dash pad crack repair'..or something similar..good luck..
Do a google search for 'vinyl dash pad crack repair'..or something similar..good luck..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,957
Likes: 5,510
From: Richardson Texas
I don't know where you're located (profile is not filled out) but I would go talk to a couple of local luxury car dealerships and ask the pre-owned manager who they use for their interior repair work. I was in the luxury retail automobile business for 38 years and you'd be amazed at the repair work these guys can do...truly incredible
BTW...welcome to the Forum.
BTW...welcome to the Forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,479
Likes: 2,650
From: Really Central IL Illinois
Welcome to the forum
I have used the Vinyl and Leather repair kits from Permatex. There is a rather difficult learning curve to get the repair to blend in to the existing grain. If the color is anything other than black, you have to mix the colors to match which is almost impossible. Most kits are heat cured and the learning curve to get the grain right and cure the top coat of the vinyl repair is also a learning curve. I doubt you can do a repair which would not be seen on the dash as it is highly visible.
The professionals can do an almost seamless repair as they do it everyday. I don't know what they charge and it may be as much as a replacement vinyl cover. Most car dealers use a professional.
I don't consider the repair as being permanent. It will eventually delaminate as the vinyl expands / shrinks with the temperature and it exposed to sunlight.
However, you have little to lose, about $20, to try it. However, your attempt may prevent the repair by a professional and thus end up requiring a replacement.
Good luck
Ron
I have used the Vinyl and Leather repair kits from Permatex. There is a rather difficult learning curve to get the repair to blend in to the existing grain. If the color is anything other than black, you have to mix the colors to match which is almost impossible. Most kits are heat cured and the learning curve to get the grain right and cure the top coat of the vinyl repair is also a learning curve. I doubt you can do a repair which would not be seen on the dash as it is highly visible.
The professionals can do an almost seamless repair as they do it everyday. I don't know what they charge and it may be as much as a replacement vinyl cover. Most car dealers use a professional.
I don't consider the repair as being permanent. It will eventually delaminate as the vinyl expands / shrinks with the temperature and it exposed to sunlight.
However, you have little to lose, about $20, to try it. However, your attempt may prevent the repair by a professional and thus end up requiring a replacement.
Good luck
Ron
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
What Leif said
My upholstery shop recommended a professional who works on vinyl and leather repair
I have also used guys the local high-end dealerships use
All their rates have been reasonable
My upholstery shop recommended a professional who works on vinyl and leather repair
I have also used guys the local high-end dealerships use
All their rates have been reasonable
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