dash damage

[BavariaE34]

is there anything i can do to fix this other than replace the whole dash?
i was actually thinking if placing the "air bag" filler to cover it up and hide the whole thing....i know it wouldn't be functional...but it doesn't have to have an airbag in it
any suggestions would be cool.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/El-hahe/rip.jpg

[gmtech13]

you can buy a vinyl and leather repair kit from most auto parts stores, they generally look like crap when your done but i've seen people who took their time and gave 100% at it and came out amazing looking

only tip i have if you try it is to spend most of your time mixing the color right and then after it is all said and dry, scuff it lightly to give it some texture with a scotchbrite pad and it will blend in so nicely, and if you do all that and you don't like the outcome just go back to your original plan and cover it up

[BavariaE34]

i see.....messing with it can be an option...i wonder how much it would be to fill it with the air bag....?

[BavarianFanatic]

Uh, have it fixed? There's an entire industry devoted to fixing that sort of damage. There are guys that do that, leather, cloth, etc. They are mobile and usually visit dealers once or twice a week to take care of whatever needs they have for their preowned and new inventory. If you have any dealers nearby that tend to have nice, clean looking cars on the preowned lot ask who does their vinyl/leather work. I'd be willing to bet it can be fixed to an acceptable level for not a lot of money.

[CleanE34]

make a monitor fit there. and then fiberglass the entire dash.

[BavariaE34]

Uh, have it fixed? There's an entire industry devoted to fixing that sort of damage. There are guys that do that, leather, cloth, etc. They are mobile and usually visit dealers once or twice a week to take care of whatever needs they have for their preowned and new inventory. If you have any dealers nearby that tend to have nice, clean looking cars on the preowned lot ask who does their vinyl/leather work. I'd be willing to bet it can be fixed to an acceptable level for not a lot of money.

I meant by trying to do it myself, if that's doable and doesn't require a pro.
But if thats too much for me, I might as well have a pro take a look at it.

[Rozboz]

i've got nearly identical cracks in the exact same place. i'm interested to see how you go about repairing this.

[BavariaE34]

i've got nearly identical cracks in the exact same place. i'm interested to see how you go about repairing this.

I'll keep you posted for those hot rims you got...
:D

[BavarianFanatic]

I only suggested having a pro do it because it's likely not that expensive and it's unlikely you'll be able to match their quality. Since it's right in a spot you'll be looking at every day you probably won't be happy with the outcome if you do it yourself. Vinyl repair is a bit of an art and not an easy do it yourself. On a seat maybe, but not a dash that's going to bake in the sun every day.

[kipwinger]

i've got nearly identical cracks in the exact same place. i'm interested to see how you go about repairing this.


I'll keep you posted for those hot rims you got...
:D


I have two dashboards in black that I need to sell. Cheap. :eek:

[ross1]

I meant by trying to do it myself, if that's doable and doesn't require a pro.
But if thats too much for me, I might as well have a pro take a look at it.

I've practiced these sort of repairs before with modest success when I worked for a company that manufactures the materials and tools for this. It requires a lot of practice to become even decent at it. Your dash isn't that bad. A first timer would probably make it look worse.
Take the advice offered by another and inquire with a local used car dealer. They know how to cover a cars warts.