dash repair

[SJGREEN71]

Hey '71DatsunZ,

I repaired some cracks in the radio consol on a Datsun Roadster about 10 years ago using a kit purchased at a hardware store. It is kind of out of the way and not as visible as a dash, but it worked pretty well, and has held up over time. I am considering a similar kit from vinyl pro. I purchased some SEM vinyl dye from this guy and he was very helpful in answering questions by e-mail. I believe he would give you good advice on how well your dash repair might go. I would be interested as well, as I would like to avoid a dash cap, and don't want to spend $700 for a professional rebuild. Here is the web site...

http://vinylpro.safeshopper.com/

[Ausz]

My 1970 240z has a poor dash. Are they available new anywhere? I do not want a cap if possible.

[jmanz6]

I've seen new NOS Datsun dashes go on ebay for about $1400 or so. IF you can find one, you will pay thru the nose. I will probably get mine restored when it gets to that point. Caps are ok, but you CAN see them. They look got from 10 ft away, but up close, they are very visible. For a driver, I would say get a cap, for a restoration, I would have it redone.

[MikeW]

As the supply of NOS dashes rapidly dwindles the price is just going to keep going up. I fully expect to see $2000 soon. My concern with these, however, is that they're 30+ year old dashes made of the same inferior materials that caused all of the rest of ours to crack. I'd really hate to drop $2000 on a dash and have it start cracking soon thereafter. A lot has been said about what products should be used to protect the dash. The consensus seems to be to avoid Armor-all type silicon products at all costs although others swear by them.

I had my dash restored and am happy with that decision. I know that the modern vinyl used will not be a problem.

[26th-Z]

I haven't done any research work, however I will some time in the future when I start restoring consoles. I'm headed for SEM products. Kats told me about a filler material he used from SEM. But this is a problem like getting a pinhole leak in the radiator. The problem is far greater than one or two cracks. The covering has dried out and it is seriously fragile. Eventually, the Z car dash is going to crumble to dust.

About a year or so ago, this club went through a big dash restoration project and a bunch of us shipped our dashes to Australia to be recovered. I think everyone was pleased, but we were all whincing from the price we paid. At this point, I would say that having the dash recovered is the first class way to go and perfectly acceptable. Full dash caps are fine, but noticeable. Half caps are hard to fit, but they work well also. I would suggest that once you glue a cap on the dash, there is no turning back.

[hls30.com]

Even a "capped" dash can be restored. Silicone adhesive is not permanent when used to glue to something that will eventually crumble! Restoring a dash with or with out a cap is not a problem.

I would never use a half cap, but a full cap, properly installed, looks much better than cracks, and though not as nice as a restored dash, more than good enough to clean up a nice, well kept car with a cracked dash. Other than the members here, or judges at a car show, who is really going to look that close!

[First Gen Z]

I installed a full cap on my 78. I removed the dash to install it because when I trial fit it in the car I could tell that it would not fit perfectly. After removing the dash and fitting the cap ( trimming in several places ) I glued it to the dash with contact cement. I have no intention of ever removing it. It fits perfect and you can't tell it's a cap when you sit in the car. $89.95 vs $700.00. That's a no brainer for me. My car is a daily driver that has won first place three years in a row in the stock class at Z Fest.

[dogma420]

I have one crack, in the middle at the front....gives her some character...I'd just get one of the carpet covers and call it good...it will protect from sunlight...without getting the expensive restore or a new dash, it just doesn't work....

[TomoHawk]

I had to cut up my dash cap to get the tacho and speedo out to put in new bulbs. It was glued on with blue RTV stuff that didn't come off without a knife. The top was very brittle, but the front wasn't. It's the part that doesn't get much or any sunlight.

So right now, I either need to recover the top or get a new dash cap. Is there a place that makes a dash cap that allows you to get the tach and speedo out?

thx

[Fun_in_my_z]

I have a full cap on mine and it looks ok to me...But everyone has a different vision.

I have a half cap i would give ya if you wanted it.

[TomoHawk]

No thanks, I already have a half cap from someplace.

I think I had a half-cap on my car because the bottom went across the dash just below the center gauges. Only it's a light color and I'd have to paint it or cover it before glueing it in.

But from what Will says, you only need a few spots to glue it on. Mine had gobs and drizzles of clear silicone stuff (rubs off easily) and blue adhesive ( don't come off easily).

thx

[hls30.com]

TomoHawk, get another full face cap, and just use "dots" of regular silicone adhesive at the edges-I posted specific installation instructions that I know you read. If you install that way, the cover is easily removeable without damage to anything, but in a 280Z the bulbs are in sockets that are easily removeable from underneath, and the gages can come out the back!

Will

PS, PM me if you need more direction on the cover.