1992 Convertible

Problem with glove box lid - probably induced by sun. The outer covering is curling up, preventing me from opening glove box lid.

The lid is made from a stiff plastic (ABS?) structural member, with a molded vinyl-like covering (forming the outer dash surface), with some foam type material sandwiched in between.

In the damaged area, the inner stiff plastic is in good shape. The outer vinyl-like surface is ok other than being out of shape - it can be formed by hand to take on its proper shape. The intermediate foam layer has mostly cracked and fallen away in the area of damage.

The outer vinyl-like surface wraps around the inner stiff plastic structural member. This wrap-around was evidently molded in when the outer vinyl-like piece was made.

I think if I can find the proper adhesive, I can merely glue the vinyl-like surface, where it wraps, back onto the inner stiff plastic structural member. To this end, I have two questions:

- what sort of adhesive can I use for this application?

- is there a better plan than holding it in place with rubber bands until the adhesive sets?

Thanks!

 

bump

nobody?

 

You will have a better shot at a repair if you can get the lid off. You could try warming the lid a little with a hair dryer to soften the vinyl on the upper edge to get it to clear the opening. You might then be able to use a thin piece of sheet metal as a "shoe horn" to allow the lid to open. With the lid off, you can use any of a number of different adhesives to make the repair, and you'll have less trouble clamping it.

 

I've given up on re-moulding. The only thing in the interior that I will take the time to fix is the glove compartment lid. that's just some glue and a couple of clamps.

Your going to end up putting it through the wall quickly followed by your head if you try to remould it. Hit up a junk yard or try to find one online.

 

Thanks Steve -
I already have the lid off. I've already kind of molded it back into shape, by wrapping dozens of rubber bands around the lid.

The question is specifically about what adhesive should be used.

 

Hi,

I recently removed my entire dash panel to fix the edges which were curling up all along the windshield and the center section where the little black "sun" monitor is. My issue specifically was that the greenish foam was pulling away from the black plastic and the "pad" part was a good inch from where it was supposed to be so I decided to take a stab at it. I think that's what you're talking about here? If so, read below and PROCEED WITH CAUTION and at your own risk.

I started the repair using a glue gun and white glue sticks. I applied the glue to the open seams and then used a bunch of paint sticks and woodworking clamps to apply even pressure along the edge while it dried. This worked OK in some areas but in other areas it came apart so I then used a very strong two part epoxy to perform the same task. This basically liquid cemented the two pieces together. The reason I say proceed with caution is if you use too much pressure on one clamp, it will permanently dip in that spot forever. I did this in one section of my dash and everything is perfect except that one spot! My spot is right in front of the center vent and it bugs me every time I see it but hey, It's my ride!

Anyway, if you're careful and you jig the piece correctly, you should be able to get those edges to lay down for you. I'm not an interior repair guy so perhaps some others will have a better way to fix this but this is what I tried so hope it helps!

Mike

 

I would use a good grade of construction adhesive, preferably polyurethane, as these are mastics and will not run. If you do use one of these, be warned that they stick to anything and will make an ungodly mess if you're not careful- to be safe, you could wrap and mask the rest of the lid for protection. Whatever adhesive you use, of course, the two surfaces need to be clean and have no loose particles, etc. Post back yor results- good luck!