Repairing G-body dash, Ideas?

[86Cutlass383SR]

I have an 86 Cutlass with a cracked dash. It is currently out of the car. I'm looking for a fix it at home repair and not a send it out expensive repair. This is going in a driver and I just want to make it look a bit better before I reinstall it. I have the correct dye to re-dye it with.

Yeah, I could replace it but most dashes are just as old as mine and probably as brittle.

Any ideas are welcomed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv199/86Cutlass383SR/?action=view&current=CIMG0049.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv199/86Cutlass383SR/?action=view&current=CIMG0048.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv199/86Cutlass383SR/?action=view&current=CIMG0047.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv199/86Cutlass383SR/?action=view&current=CIMG0046.jpg)

[Crossupbill]

I know that it has prolly been suggested already but the only feasable option in my opionin is a cover. I
used one on my malibu and it worked great. if you take your time and make it fit well it is hard to tell that it is a slip over cover.

[exwestracer]

We've done a number of those (have a 70 Impala in right now) by using crack fill compound and gluing on stretch vinyl material. If you want, I'll take some pics and post as the wife does this one... I'll see if I can get the names of the materials as well.

[Steven]

Check out this months popular hotrodding. They have an artical. Due a search on montecarolss.com. They should have an artical or a company listed that would help you.

[jocko124]

Check out this months popular hotrodding. They have an artical. Due a search on montecarolss.com. They should have an artical or a company listed that would help you.

The article's about Just Dashes. I think that's the "expensive repair" he's trying to avoid.

[Steven]

Ya, I just looked the artical up. Either way, fix and reskin or buy a new one from an g-body supplier will be the only way to make it look nice. A dash cover will fix things for a while. Of course this is comming from a guy who's dash is still looking like new.

[86Cutlass383SR]

We've done a number of those (have a 70 Impala in right now) by using crack fill compound and gluing on stretch vinyl material. If you want, I'll take some pics and post as the wife does this one... I'll see if I can get the names of the materials as well.

That would be great Ray.

Yeah, the Just Dashes is what I was refering to. I'm sure they do good work but I can't justify the kind of money they want for a daily driver. If I had a low mileage car I was restoring to stock, maybe. But, who here has a stock vechicle.

I've thought about covering the dash is some type of material. I just wasnt sure of what to use and how it would look finished. I have zero upholstery experience.

I apperciate the responses. Keep em coming. :cheers:

[DoABarrelRoll]

Cheap and Easy? Fiberglass.

[mc84_zz4]

The dash caps are available thru www.mikesmontes.com or www.dixiemontecarlo.com
Since you already have the dash out, you can wipe it clean well and get good adherence of the pad, which is one reported aggravation when doing it in the car.
I would also spray the dash vents area prior to adhering your new cap, or paint the entire thing once done (caps are black, IIRC) the vent is one area where I have seen some unremarkable work.
Several members on montecarloss.com have posted threads on theirs, and it will probably be the next little project I do to mine, I also cannot see 1K for a dash repair. A very fine dash repair, but I'd rather spend money elsewhere.
HTH

[MCMLXIX]

check the local junk yards. even if they are all cracked like yours, buy one to practice on. Fiberglass or filler will get it fairly smooth and then try covering it or bring it to a few places for an estimate... stay away from tweed or it will look dated as soon as you install it....

[86Cutlass383SR]

I've got an extra dash to practice on. I just had no idea what material to use to try to repair the vinyl covering with. I just didn't want to get it repaired and then 6 months later start cracking again and end up looking worse than before.

I never cared for the tweed look, even when it was popular.

[youngdeezy]

get some 3 part plastic epoxy and fill all the cracks. let it dry over night and paint/wrap the dash the next day and bam done deal. this method worked well on my console. i have pics if you would like to see