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Dash Crack Repair

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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 11:03 AM
  #1  
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Default Dash Crack Repair

Sorry if this is a dupe, but I searched with no results.

My dash is in good shape except for 3 cracks running from the front of the black section of the dash (between the speakers) to the windshield. I've filled the cracks with touch up paint, sanded lightly and spray painted with flat black paint. It looks fine until a few temperature changes and then the cracks reappear. I need something with some adhesion to hold the crack together. I'm thinking Super Glue or 2 part epoxy.

This has to be a common problem. Suggestions please.

Thanks,

Clint
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 11:38 AM
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It has to be flexible, otherwise the crack will reappear.... I'd suggest black RTV.
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 11:39 AM
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May be one of those 100.00 dollar dash covers from eckers?
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 11:49 AM
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I tried black weatherstrip adhesive but it gummed up when I tried to sand it, a real mess. Black RTV may be better if I carefully squeegy it it

I really don't like the look of dash covers, JMHO.
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 12:03 PM
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I have a 73 with a small crack in the dash. For now I am using a carpet type dash cover. It hides the problem until I get around to doing the interior.

I think instead of trying to continue patching the problem the dash should be replaced or one of the dash pad covers (-not the carpet type) should be put over it. That may be what I do instead of going for an entire new dash.

kdf 1973 454
kdf 1986 L98
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Clint's C3
I tried black weatherstrip adhesive but it gummed up when I tried to sand it, a real mess. Black RTV may be better if I carefully squeegy it it

I really don't like the look of dash covers, JMHO.

Squeeze it in carefully, the RTV comes with a plastic nozzle that you have to cut to the size you need. Once the RTV is in the crack smoothen the surface with your wet finger (soapy water).... don't sand it... it is already flat black and you shouldn't have to paint it...
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 01:05 PM
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Good idea. I'll try it out and report. Thanks.
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 02:26 PM
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permatex has a dashboard & vinal repair kit., that comes with colors you blend, i had luck with it once, this last time i did'nt,,,,, they sell em at auto zone and wallmart... i talked to the tech 2 days ago, and he said this stuff has a 1 year shelf life..so he's sending me a fresh one in the mail.. the problem is the stuff wouldnt get hard,,, even tried a iron,,, the reason i posted this is,,,, i asked him when will they come out with a product that we can repair small cracks in door panels-speaker holes ect ,,,that will get hard like the vinyl,,,, he replied that they are testing a new product ,, that should be out soon
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 02:56 PM
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I'll look for it. Thanks.
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 03:20 PM
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hey the nice guy i am i'll go 1 step further -here's his #- just talked to him yesterday or day before----1-440-914-3574----permatex tech info----------------later--------
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by carl a
hey the nice guy i am i'll go 1 step further -here's his #- just talked to him yesterday or day before----1-440-914-3574----permatex tech info----------------later--------

I got the voice mail of Hank somebody. It didn't sound like a business. Is this the dude?
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 07:01 PM
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Get the good stuff Leatherique Crack Filler for Leather and VINYL.

LEATHERIQUE CRACK FILLER

Crack Repair Page

You will need vinyl dye after the repair. You can get that from an Auto Parts store.

If you call Leatherique they can help you with your problem.

http://www.leatherique.com

db

Last edited by GATOR454; Dec 2, 2004 at 07:36 PM.
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 07:12 PM
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like i said it ,,worked fine the first time didnt this time! - didnt know of leatherlique repair-think ill buy that too!! love spendin money on my car-not my old lady-car dont give me a hard time
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Old Dec 2, 2004 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by GATOR454
Get the good stuff Leatherique Crack Filler for Leather and VINYL.

LEATHERIQUE CRACK FILLER

Crack Repair Page

You will need vinyl dye after the repair. You can get that from an Auto Parts store.

If you call Leatherique they can help you with your problem.

http://www.leatherique.com

db
Hi Gator... Have you actually used the Leatherique product? Were you happy with the results if you did?

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Old Dec 3, 2004 | 10:49 AM
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I just ordered a #2 restoration kit with gap filler to restore the leather and vinyl on my '74. I didn't order from George because he has been a good friend for nearly 10 years. I ordered it because I've seen what it can do. I have seen the before and after of a tear in the wear area of a leather seat. Not only could you not see where the repair was made, 4 years after the repair you still could not see where the tear had been.
I have a couple small tears in my drivers side door panel. I also have a crack in my dash between 4 of the speaker grill holes. I will post pictures of my seat, door panels and dash repair as I complete them.
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Old Dec 3, 2004 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by GATOR454
Get the good stuff Leatherique Crack Filler for Leather and VINYL.

LEATHERIQUE CRACK FILLER

Crack Repair Page

You will need vinyl dye after the repair. You can get that from an Auto Parts store.

If you call Leatherique they can help you with your problem.

http://www.leatherique.com

db
Wow, that sounds like good stuff. I'll definitely order some as cracks are a perpetual problem.

I’ve already filled my existing cracks with black RTV. I have to wait 24 hrs for cure. I doubt it will match exactly so I'll probably slightly roughen and spray paint flat black.
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Old Dec 3, 2004 | 12:13 PM
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leatheriqu has gotta be good stuff if it can repair the speaker holes- those are not e/z to fix- i ordered some...... gator454 . i gotta do the speaker holes when this stuff comes in mail,, can you post some pics of your repair to this area?i have never had the pad out ,,only the pillar post trims,, i guess that the pad comes out after the pillar post trim is out ?

Last edited by carl a; Dec 3, 2004 at 03:00 PM.
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Old Dec 3, 2004 | 06:18 PM
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Carl,

George said to get some cardboard under the vinyl then fill the crack and the holes. Once you get the filler level, which takes several thin applications, drill the holes back out. It will be the first thing I attempt and I will post pictures.

To get the top dash pad out you need to remove the pillar post trim. I think you also have to remove the lower passenger side dash pad to get to the retaining bolt. You may be able to get to the bolt without removing the lower dash, I'm not sure I had already removed my lower dash pad to get at the heater core. The upper dash is held on by the lower dash pad screws, the one retaining bolt and several clips along the windshield. Happy disassembly!
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Old Dec 3, 2004 | 09:26 PM
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COOL ,,thank you so much,,, never realized i was that close to gettin that dash pad off . i had the pillar post trim off and the map pocket , was almost there,,, who's george? is he the owner of leatherque? i talked to a woman today, she was very nice on the phone- believe it or not that how i figured it probably had to be done (fill those holes in and them drill em) there's no room in between them to get a good bond,,,later carl
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 07:40 AM
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looking forward to your pics. My next project is th interior. I only have 1 small tear between 2 speaker holes, but will want to fix when I remove dash pad to replace stock speakers & radio.
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