Dashboard cracks are a common issue that goes beyond surface-level damage, often indicating a structural problem. While a simple vinyl filler might work for minor blemishes, a split dashboard, typically made of rigid ABS plastic or vinyl over a foam pad, requires a more robust solution. For tackling these splits, flexible epoxy is often suggested, but it’s a repair that even professionals find challenging.
For most car owners, especially those without extensive auto repair experience, installing a vacuum-molded dash cap is often the recommended and more straightforward approach. Dash caps, like those from Coverlay Manufacturing, offer a custom-fit solution that neatly covers the damage. These are designed for easy installation and can dramatically improve the look of your interior. You can often find dash caps in colors that match your original dashboard, or explore custom color options if needed.
However, for those determined to attempt a direct repair, flexible epoxy, such as SEM Problem Plastic Epoxy, can be used with careful technique. This is not a simple fix and requires patience and precision.
DIY Epoxy Repair for Dashboard Splits: Step-by-Step
If you choose to repair the split directly with epoxy, proceed with caution and be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Prepare the Area: Begin by carefully trimming or shaving away any loose or lifted edges around the split. This creates a stable base for the epoxy to adhere to.
- Apply the Epoxy: Fill the crack with SEM Problem Plastic Epoxy, slightly overfilling it. Use a plastic card or a similar tool to smooth the epoxy across the crack, ensuring it’s level with the surrounding dashboard surface.
- Cure Time: Allow the epoxy to cure for at least one hour. This hardening process is crucial for the next steps.
- Initial Sanding: Once cured, use 220 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper to evenly sand down the epoxy. The goal is to bring it closer to the level of the dashboard. Use water to keep the sandpaper and the area clean and to reduce dust.
- Repeat and Level: You will likely need to repeat steps 2-4 multiple times. Apply more epoxy to any low spots and continue sanding until you achieve a perfectly level surface across the repaired crack. Patience is key here to avoid dips or unevenness.
- Fine Sanding: Switch to 500 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper to refine the surface. This finer grit will smooth out any scratches from the coarser 220 grit, preparing it for texturizing.
- Texturizing for a Factory Finish: Achieving the original dashboard texture is vital for a seamless repair. Epoxy doesn’t typically emboss well once cured, and sanding can remove any texture you try to create beforehand. A spray grain texture is often the easiest method to replicate the original look. Alternatively, you can experiment with tiny dots of super glue, patted down, dispersed with a paper towel, and then treated with baking soda to catalyze and harden. Sanding this can also create texture. For best results, follow either method with a spray grain texture product.
- Spray Grain Application: Apply the spray grain in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to prevent runs and ensure even texture. After the spray grain is dry, gently polish with 500 grit sandpaper for a smoother feel.
- Color Matching and Application: Finally, apply color to match your dashboard. Rub ‘n Restore® colors are a good option and dry with a low luster finish, ideal for dashboards to reduce glare. These colors typically do not require a sealer.
While DIY epoxy repair is possible, it’s a labor-intensive process with a steep learning curve. For many, a dash cap remains the simpler, faster, and often more visually satisfying solution to repairing a split dashboard. Consider your skill level and time commitment before choosing the epoxy repair route.
