Hey guys, I pulled out the 'perfect' dash pad I got at a junkyard a few years ago, and there are some small cracks starting to form. They are front and center, so there's no hiding them. So what I wanted to ask was the best way to proceed. The dash is apart and the old pad is off, so that frees up some options. I guess the options here, in order of low cost to high is: 1.Fix cracks with a vinyl repair kit. 2.Skin it with new vinyl. 3.Plastic dash pad cover. 4.New aftermarket pad. Who's done one of the above and would you do it again? Thanks guys!
You can fix it yourself on the cheap with a product available at any hardware store called VLP - looks like this. Suff works very well. I have used it for many years with great success. If you want a really professional repair, since the pad is out of the car already, take it into a reputable repair shop in your area. Vinyl shops and custom auto shops can be found in any larger towns yellow pages. At least they can look at it and give you opinions and price quotes .............
I have done #3 twice. Both times my caps cracked cause I used too much glue. #4 is not an option, as they are not reproduced. I plan on doing #2 to mine. Ok, that sounded bad.
Don't know you can send Fred a PM. Search Fred Carillo and his ID on here there might be a number to call
Joe, I think reskinning is the route I'm going to take. Is there anything I should know beyond what's in the tech article? Any reason I couldn't skin over the existing vinyl since it's all smooth? Thx.
Just make sure it doesn't have a cloth back mine had like a super light " felt" and is thin enough that you can stretch it. No problems stretching it over a smooth surface just get a good adheasive and be patiant.
