Dashboard cracks are a common problem in vehicles, often caused by prolonged sun exposure and temperature fluctuations. While a cracked dashboard might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it can detract from your car’s interior appeal and potentially decrease its resale value. Although seemingly daunting, repairing a car dashboard crack is achievable, and this guide will walk you through the options, focusing on effective repair methods.
Dashboards are typically constructed from rigid ABS plastic or vinyl layered over a foam pad. For successful crack repair, flexibility is key. While professional repairs are always an option, DIY solutions using flexible epoxy or dashboard caps offer viable alternatives. We generally recommend dashboard caps for their ease of installation and seamless finish. However, for those seeking a hands-on approach, repairing with epoxy is possible with careful execution.
Option 1: Installing a Dashboard Cap – A Quick and Seamless Solution
For a straightforward fix, consider a vacuum-molded dashboard cap. These caps are designed to perfectly fit over your existing dashboard, concealing cracks and restoring a smooth, factory-like appearance. Installation is typically simple, often involving adhesive, and requires minimal tools. Dash caps are an excellent option if you prioritize ease and a guaranteed cosmetic improvement. They are available in various colors, and custom color matching services are also offered if you need a specific shade to perfectly blend with your interior.
Option 2: DIY Repair Using Flexible Epoxy – A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
If you prefer a more hands-on approach and want to directly repair the crack, flexible epoxy is your solution. This method requires patience and attention to detail, but can yield satisfactory results. For this process, we recommend using SEM Problem Plastic Epoxy, a product specifically formulated for plastic repair.
Materials Needed:
- Flexible Epoxy (e.g., SEM Problem Plastic Epoxy)
- Card or Spreader
- 220 Grit Wet-or-Dry Sandpaper
- 500 Grit Wet-or-Dry Sandpaper
- Spray Grain Texture (optional, for texture matching)
- Super Glue (optional, for texturing)
- Baking Soda (optional, for texturing)
- Paper Towels
- Rub ‘n Restore® Color (or compatible dashboard color)
- Trim/Shaving Tool
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Prepare the Crack: Begin by carefully trimming or shaving away any loose or lifted edges around the crack. This creates a stable base for the epoxy to adhere to.
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Apply Epoxy Filler: Apply the flexible epoxy into the crack, slightly overfilling it. Use a card or spreader to smooth the epoxy across the crack, ensuring it’s level with the surrounding dashboard surface.
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Cure Time: Allow the epoxy to cure for at least one hour. Refer to the product instructions for specific curing times as they may vary.
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Initial Sanding: Once cured, sand the epoxy evenly using 220 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. Wet sanding helps to reduce dust and achieve a smoother finish.
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Repeat Filling and Sanding: Repeat steps 2-4 as needed until you achieve a level and even surface. Multiple thin layers of epoxy are preferable to one thick layer for better control and curing.
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Fine Sanding: Refine the surface by polishing it with 500 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. This will smooth out any remaining imperfections and prepare the surface for texturing and coloring.
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Texturizing (Optional): To match the original dashboard texture, you have a couple of options:
- Spray Grain: Apply a spray grain texture product in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for at least 10 minutes. Gently polish with 500 grit sandpaper after drying.
- Super Glue and Baking Soda: For a more DIY texturing approach, apply tiny dots of super glue to the repaired area. Pat and disperse the glue with a paper towel. Immediately sprinkle baking soda onto the glue to catalyze it and create texture. Sand lightly after it dries. For best results, follow with spray grain.
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Color Application: Once the texture is satisfactory, apply color to match your dashboard. Rub ‘n Restore® colors are designed to dry with a low-luster finish suitable for dashboards and generally do not require a sealant. Apply in thin coats and allow to dry between coats.
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Final Polish: After the color has dried completely, you can gently polish the repaired area with 500 grit sandpaper for a seamless blend with the surrounding dashboard.
Conclusion
Repairing a car dashboard crack can significantly improve your vehicle’s interior aesthetics. For a quick and easy solution, dashboard caps are highly recommended. However, if you are comfortable with a more involved DIY project, repairing with flexible epoxy offers a cost-effective alternative. By following these steps and using the right materials, you can effectively repair dashboard cracks and restore the look of your car’s interior.
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