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Cracks on the dash. How to fix

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Old 12-17-2009, 04:38 PM
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Default Cracks on the dash. How to fix

I got a few nasty cracks on my dash. I am wondering whats the easiest and most permanent way of fixing it? I was thinking about using thin safety wire to bring the crack together on each end where its mostly out of sight and on the underside of the dash use plastic epoxy and reinforce it with safety wire?

Any suggestions?

I dont want to buy a new dash for 300 dollars and have it break while shipping.
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Old 12-17-2009, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Rushin
I got a few nasty cracks on my dash. I am wondering whats the easiest and most permanent way of fixing it? I was thinking about using thin safety wire to bring the crack together on each end where its mostly out of sight and on the underside of the dash use plastic epoxy and reinforce it with safety wire?

Any suggestions?

I dont want to buy a new dash for 300 dollars and have it break while shipping.
you can surely get one cheaper than that
Panic Motorsports in West Columbia, SC
Steve is a good guy and his price can't be beat!
S & H may be a bit high
but i've bought from him before and got my items well packaged and FAST!
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Old 12-17-2009, 04:40 PM
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I've seen used dashes on CL around here w/o cracks for $25-50.
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Old 12-17-2009, 04:44 PM
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Emailed Panic.
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Old 12-17-2009, 05:06 PM
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Flock it?
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Old 12-17-2009, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by kotomile
Flock it?
Yeah i tried that. I even got the flocker and stuff but it never turns out good. All patchy and some places its bare and some there are way too many of them. You need a special tool to spry the glue evenly and a special charged flocking machine.
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Old 12-17-2009, 05:36 PM
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bondo the cracks, sand, and paint the whole thing another color lol..... a thought; Rational, NO lol
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Old 12-17-2009, 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by p51hellfire
bondo the cracks, sand, and paint the whole thing another color lol..... a thought; Rational, NO lol
Yeahhhh, not going to paint it. I might wrap it in vinyl tho.
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Old 12-17-2009, 05:47 PM
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Supposedly the going rate for having it done professionally is $150-200.
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Old 12-17-2009, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by kotomile
Supposedly the going rate for having it done professionally is $150-200.
yeah, i am sure no less then that.
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Old 12-17-2009, 06:14 PM
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wrap it in something or buy a new one, iv never seen vinyl fixed half decent
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Old 12-17-2009, 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Rushin
I got a few nasty cracks on my dash. I am wondering whats the easiest and most permanent way of fixing it? I was thinking about using thin safety wire to bring the crack together on each end where its mostly out of sight and on the underside of the dash use plastic epoxy and reinforce it with safety wire?

Any suggestions?

I dont want to buy a new dash for 300 dollars and have it break while shipping.
Crap, if I would have known, I would have thrown one in the truck and brought it to you. I was in Minneapolis Tuesday night. Can't beat free dash and free shipping.

EDIT:

OIC you have an early NA. I only have 94-97 dashes.
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Old 12-17-2009, 06:47 PM
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Yeah I wish I had a newer style dash. I will try to wrap I in vinyl and see how it works.
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Old 12-17-2009, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Rushin
Yeah I wish I had a newer style dash. I will try to wrap I in vinyl and see how it works.
IIRC, it woud fit, but you would have a dummy air bag in it.
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Old 12-17-2009, 07:02 PM
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I don't really care if there is a dummy airbag as long as there is a cover and no hole. I got no drivers AB anyway.
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Old 12-20-2009, 12:03 AM
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found this in google, first link

http://www.ehow.com/how_2077554_repa...dashboard.html

my cousin repaired dashboard cracks in his old bmw with a similar process, except he used black silicone.
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Old 12-20-2009, 02:55 AM
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How bout that group Gm carbon fiber buy?? I know its old but still worth a shot?
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Old 12-21-2009, 12:15 PM
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Well so far i decided to just fix the dash with some plastic epoxy and it looks like its going to work. After 24 hours the glue is holding it pretty good. I am going to fill he crack in from the top part a little more and smooth it out with some 80 grid sand paper and finish off with 220 grid. I am going to give a shot with CF wrap stuff to see if it works. I tried a test piece and it looks pretty good.
















The only thing that concerns me is possible mad glare from the dash in sunny days. But i wont know unless i try.
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Old 12-21-2009, 12:56 PM
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It looks like it will look great. Another good source for used parts is parts group. Google parts group miata. I think you should have covered the dash in faux fur though. Bear fur.
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Old 12-21-2009, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by faeflora
It looks like it will look great. Another good source for used parts is parts group. Google parts group miata. I think you should have covered the dash in faux fur though. Bear fur.
haha, nice. Yeah i think i will try human skin next time.
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