dash repair

[71datsunZ]

Im restoring my dads 240z and there is a crack about 1 inch on the dashboard and a couple smaller ones. they are all in the back towards the windshield. Is there anything that can be done to fix this or at least keep it from getting worse. I wouldnt really like to get the cap because then I cant remove the gauges.

[Bambikiller240]

Got a spare 700+ bucks? http://www.dashboardrestorations.com/index.htm

[71datsunZ]

it would cost 700 for a couple small cracks?!?!

[Bambikiller240]

cracks cannot be repaired (at least not so they aren't visible), they will continue to grow as the underlying foam and vinyl shrinks and gets more brittle due to age and exposure to UV and vibration.

Basiclally you have two choices (that I'm aware of) install a Dash Cap, or restore the dash, Read the web site and it explains what they do.

[71datsunZ]

what happens if you fill it with bondo and dye it?

[Bambikiller240]

IMO it looks like $^!# and the cracks will still enlarge.

You must be joking. :stupid:

[71datsunZ]

... i dono. Im just looking for some sort of solution. What if I fill it with apoxy. The cracks really arent all that big. Its just that I dont want it getting worse. If that wouldnt work, how are the full dash caps?

[DatsunZGuy]

Carl’s right. Any attempt to repair a dash with some type of filler and dye will end up looking really ghetto. If you don’t have the funds to purchase a new dash or restore your current one, then a full dash cap would be a good compromise. Although I’ve never seen one firsthand, the photos I’ve seen on ebay of Z cars with them installed look pretty good. In fact, the only way I can tell they have one installed, is seeing the seam when the door is opened.

[dkd021]

I'll use a little less sarcasm & be more polite than was posted above & say that if you try to use bondo it would be terrible. In fact, it would probably look better WITH the cracks than with the bondo job. A full cap sounds logical but if that's not what you want & you can't afford to fork out several hundred dollars to have the dash redone, you are probably stuck.

[hls30.com]

71datsunZ, you have the wrong info on dash caps. If you are careful with the glue, the cap can easily be removed, and your instruments replaced-been there and done that!

You want to use a little glue as necessary to install the cap as the directions clearly state. I posted a thread on dash cap instalation a while back, it can be found here:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12725&page=2&pp=15&highlight=dash+cover

in post #18.

Will

PS the dash cracks because the cover material dries out, it will continue to shrink as long as it sees sunlight, Use a full face cover, install it carefully and you will have a great looking solution to your cracks-having the dash restored works well too. Ihave done both.

[Z Babe]

I agree with hls30. I bought another 73 240Z a while back as a parts car and was able to remove the dash cap to get to the screws to remove the dash, without breaking it. The previous owner actually did use a LOT of the silicone adhesive on it, but I used a crow bar and flat head screwdriver to remove it ... was extremely careful, and it worked. The less glue, the better, but always sand down any cracks and fill up any holes with foam filler, or you'll end up getting a warped or even cracked dash cap over time due to heat exposure ... even when they say they're "guaranteed for a lifetime". I went through 2 of the lifetime caps on just 1 of my 280ZX's.

BTW, I'm selling the 240Z dash cap I mentioned above, if you're interested.

[26th-Z]

I had a half dash cap once.