Crack in Dash

[HotRodPC]

I noticed this today and am pissed !!! So my perfect brand new condition dash top that was in the back of the $50 Burb I bought, I installed it in the 85K1500 since that pad had been painted black and looked hell with many cracks. The other day when driving in the cold ass snow, I heard a loud ass pop right in front of me. I figured the crack in windshield had grown from the cold. NOPE, I know what it is now. There is a crack in the "WAS" perfect dash pad. All the way from the front, all the way through and to the back. Finally stops at the defroster vent. Guess even though it looked good, it was old and brittle.

Anyone got any ideas what to put on this crack before the vinyl starts to curl? Its still in good shape worth recovering with something, but I don't want the hard crispy curled edges.

 

[89Suburban]

Pour some water on it.

 

[HotRodPC]

Pour some water on it.

huh???

 

[89Suburban]

huh???

My Dad, rest his soul, always said "pour a little water on it" when no other answer would satisfy.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

I don't think it will grow or reproduce that way...

 

[HotRodPC]

It can't grown anymore. Its cracked all the way from front to back. No fear of it growing, I just don't want the edges curling now.

 

[89Suburban]

How about some petroleum jelly!

 

[HotRodPC]

That would stay slimy. I think I'll try some RTV Blue. Its remains flexible, but will seal the edges and maybe keep them glued down.

 

[Old77]

Duct tape....

 

[HotRodPC]

Beleive it or not, that might work better. Seal it, and being gray, won't be such and eye sore. I just want to keep it smooth as possible so it can be recovered.

 

[davbell22602]

Epoxy it. Then buy a can of that plastic molding paint in a can and paint to the color. Or buy another one from LMC

 

[Old77]

Brings up an interesting question. What is the proper way to restore a dash pad and is it more cost effective to restore one as opposed to go buying a new one?

 

[davbell22602]

Brings up an interesting question. What is the proper way to restore a dash pad and is it more cost effective to restore one as opposed to go buying a new one?

All depends on how cracks it has. I have a guy that can fix them. But he says if its more than few cracks better off finding another one and dye it the right color.

 

[nvrenuf]

Has anyone ever tried one of those Coverlay glue on hard covers?

 

[skysurfer]

I couldn't find anything in the aftermarket that didn't look like a replacement part so I bought an oem dash pad. Wasn't cheap but with proper care it will outlast me.