[redhorse]

Does anyone know what type of plastic was used to cast the dash trim on the Porsche 944/968 models? I am referring to the trim pieces that go across the dash from one side to the other, holding switches the cigarette lighter and A/C controls for example.



I want to modify some of the pieces before painting to fill unwanted openings such as for the cigarette lighter and clock. For the work planned I need a good chemical bond and will need to use fillers to make the modifications "invisible" through the top coatings. Therefore I need to match the repair products to the OEM plastics. Odds are it is ABS, but Audi might have used some other harder plastic for those pieces to ensure stiffness and secure mounting for the items mentioned. I am hoping the plastic is one that lends to chemical or heat welding and will bond chemically with the appropriate plastic fillers. Otherwise, I cannot make the envisioned modifications.



Any information, ideas or suggestions are appreciated!

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[xrad]

Buy used pieces on ebay and test them before final version.

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[SILVY968]

Another idea might be, if you open to it, a dash kit. They will not cut the holes if you tell them. I did this on my center console to cover the unused switch openings.

Brian

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[redhorse]

[quote name='xrad' post='66238' date='Jan 27 2009, 08:04 PM']Buy used pieces on ebay and test them before final version.[/quote]

In terms of "test" are you talking about doing a chemical test or trial and error? If you mean a chemical test can you share how to do that or identify a kit or product for the test? I am willing to perform such a test if I knew how and had the products to do it. Any information or knowledge you can impart is appreciated.



But in terms of trial and error...well, if time, money and extra parts were essentially free it might be an "interesting" project. However, those circumstances are not the case for me so I want to do this project with more of a scientific approach, and have it work when all is done. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



I really only want to invest time, parts and money once. And, I want to have peace of mind from knowing the products used work, and that filler pieces will not pop out a few months down the line when it gets hot outside or enough vibration shakes it loose. Some plastics do not properly bond to anything once they are cast.

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[redhorse]

[quote name='SILVY968' post='66242' date='Jan 27 2009, 09:20 PM']Another idea might be, if you open to it, a dash kit. They will not cut the holes if you tell them. I did this on my center console to cover the unused switch openings.

Brian[/quote]

Hi Brian,



I was going to use a metal dash kit originally, but after viewing a number of cars with those installed, I felt that the result was too much of an 'add on' layered effect and with too many exposed edges. I have invested significant money on other unique items to give the car an updated and newer look, but one that is consistent with the quality of a high-end German or Italian sports car. With a black dash, the trim pieces just seem to disappear, and are definitely an area for improvement. Well, that is my my taste anyway.. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[968Syncro]

Interesting question I wanted to try to learn about, here is some stuff on the Internet that popped up from searching "how to determine what type of plastic"



Discussion: http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?q...534&page=1



Home plastic detection method if you don't own a spectrometer: http://www.modernplastics.com/how_to_ide...astics.htm (and possibly increase your chance of nasal cancer).



How to weld plastic (but first check what type) http://www.plasticsmag.com/welding.asp?fIs...01&aid=3325



As usual, do more searches, read and learn, the above is just a sample.



Roland

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[PorscheDude]

Look at the dash kits from jageng.com. The quality is much better than most.



I would say if you want stock looks, find a good set of used dash trims. You should be able to find a complete set in nice condition for under $100. This saving lots of time and unwanted results.



Dash trim from 85.5 944 and later, 951 and S2 are the same as the 968.

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[redhorse]

I know about JE's dash covers, but do not want a dash cover....for various important reasons just do not want to go that route. The desire is to cover all the trim including the exposed edges (which covers do not) that you would see once installed -- with either an appropriate dye, paint, film transfer or something similar. However, before refinishing the plastic trim I want to remove some of the clutter from the long piece that goes from the passenger door to the A/C control panel, and also hide unused switch hole plug fillers (except those that hide mouting screws of course) in the others.



The desire and intent is to do away with the cigarette lighter, digital clock and emergency flasher from that one trim piece. That will undoubtedly involve using sheet plastic to fill those large holes, some gluing or welding technique to bond the pieces together -- and some kind of filler for the inevitable gaps and seams. And, since any system I am thinking about using to refinish the plastic afterwards will "shrimp wrap" to the substrate and reveal lines, seams, holes...everything -- I want to find the "right" plastic repair kit, products, methods, tools, etc. Basically, the repair has to be invisible under the finish just like prepped sheet metal for a first rate paint job.



Reading about plastic welding and other appropriate forms of mending and repairing, it is clear that some plastic types will not accept such attempts. Some will work with the right product. So, it is necessary to identify the type of plastic actually used so that modifications can be made that I know will work and not pop put a month later, or that will not result in a ruined piece of plastic that is not throwaway. I did in fact do research on the web before posting here but did not find the answer, and did not find a test kit (that could be used outside a lab) to determine the plastic type. That is when I decided to post here. For all I know, some existing or former Porsche/Audi engineers might read this forum. Well...I hoped for something like that anyway!



I did in fact collect a second set of trim from various sources on eBay; some are not in great condition and they are the ones I intend to modify. I am keeping my clean original set "virgin" in case I want to go back to the stock look. The intent is not to modify a second set to get a stock look, just a redesign that does not show the original holes that I want to go away.....



Thanks everyone for your help.

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[flash]

getting material is not difficult, and any plastic shop can do that for you and even make the parts from drawings - however, half of those plugs cover up screws, and that is where i think you will find the problem



i seriously doubt that any glue will hold enough to accommodate the twisting and flexing that happens to a dash - i think that is going to become a constant and frustrating thing



stopping short of that, you can fill the hoes with switches - i moved many of mine around - the blanks also bugged me almost as much as the locations of the switches they did use - also, you can change the hazard switch to the black 944 switch - that helps clean it up a LOT more than you might think



take a look at the thread "switch switching"

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[biotechee]

Bob-



Do you have the part number for the 944 hazard switch?

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[flash]

lol - yeah - somewhere - you'd probably have an easier time though just calling sunset - that's what i did



straight swap too - no rewiring at all

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[PorscheDude]

Or look on RL or Pelican, you should be able to get a 944 hazard switch for $15 including shipping.

I may have one, and if I do you can have for free.

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[flash]

i think that's about what i paid for it from sunset too, but yes, pelican should have it listed

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[T-Bone]

Flash is right. The black 944 switch makes a huge difference in my opinion. That's one of the best little mods I have done so far.

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[flash]

yeah - i could never figure out why they did that - they had a great thing and then changed it to that hideous red thing - it's not like it was a DOT thing or anything

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[SILVY968]

I'd like to make the change to a black hazard switch as well.



I just went to Pelican Parts and this is what I found:



944-613-235-00-01C-M100

Emergency Flasher Switch, 944 (from 2/85), 944S/S2/Turbo, 964 Carrera 2/4/Turbo $ 71.25



What gives? Way more than $15. Am I looking at the wrong part? <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/mad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Brian

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[flash]

i'll dig up my invoice - i sure don't remember it being that much, but then i tend to forget about prices a lot when i want something - i'm sure there is therapy in my future for that

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[PorscheDude]

[quote name='SILVY968' post='66521' date='Feb 3 2009, 10:26 PM']I'd like to make the change to a black hazard switch as well.



I just went to Pelican Parts and this is what I found:



944-613-235-00-01C-M100

Emergency Flasher Switch, 944 (from 2/85), 944S/S2/Turbo, 964 Carrera 2/4/Turbo $ 71.25



What gives? Way more than $15. Am I looking at the wrong part? <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/mad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Brian[/quote]



I gave a price for a used switch.

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[biotechee]

Thanks fellas.



Smoke- I'll buy it from you if you have one in good condition. Just let me know.



Thanks.

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[SILVY968]

I'll take the second one, if anyone has one.

Brian

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