[Seadweller23]

I have a small crack forming (about 1 inch) in the front diver side corner of the dash by the windshield. Is there something I can do to it to insure the crack doesn't get bigger? I would appreciate your ideas.



Thanks,



Joe

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[DayDreamer]

I've heard of drilling a small hole at the edge of the crack to 'break' the leading edge... Then keep it conditioned and hopefully it stops.... dunno if that works...

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[Seadweller23]

Appreciate your response. Has anyone ever tried to apply adhesive or silicone? I may just see what happens and replace it with a leather dash if it gets out of hand.



Joe

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[flash]

there are a couple of vinyl repair kits out there - also, clear fingernail polish might work

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[Seadweller23]

Thanks Flash.





Joe

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[bob blackwell]

Joe, I just noticed the same thing in the same place on "ol blue" last weekend. I think silicone may work and will give it a try soon. Also thought about getting some fender molding and pushing it in the gap between the dash and windshield all across the front just to cover up the crack. I have a dash mat to protect the dash from the sunshine but it just didn't quite cover that little area. Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

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[Seadweller23]

Thanks Bob,



Joe

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[Scott Collins]

<!--quoteo(post=60706:date=Sep 28 2008, 12:20 PM:name=DayDreamer)-->QUOTE (DayDreamer @ Sep 28 2008, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I've heard of drilling a small hole at the edge of the crack to 'break' the leading edge... Then keep it conditioned and hopefully it stops.... dunno if that works...<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I think they tried that technique a few years ago in Philadelphia...that bell never was the same...

Seriously, the dash in my '87 944 looked like the Grand Canyon! But it had already started cracking by the time I bought the car. I never tried to repair it - I just bought one of the dash caps that was a moulded piece that covered the entire dash. It fit so well that I never even glued it down. I sold that car and there went that problem.

What I do now with the 968, which has the same exact dash, is:

1. I always use a reflective sun-shade, which keeps the UV from drying it out. It's in the front windshield now with my car in the driveway.

2. I use a product, "303 Aerospace Protectant", that keeps the dash material protected and moisturized. I wipe this stuff on about once a week. I particularly like it because it dries without any shine, the last thing you want on your dash. I make sure to get it in and around all of the vents because that's where the cracks begin.
   

Good luck!

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[joeh944]

<!--fonto:Arial--><!--/fonto-->Joe -

If you're interested, there are numerous shops and services that offer vinyl dash repair. A Google search just now returned the following:<!--fontc-->
<!--/fontc--><!--fonto:Arial--><!--/fonto--> <!--fontc-->
<!--/fontc-->

<!--fonto:Arial--><!--/fonto-->http://wefixupholstery.com/index.html<!--fontc-->
<!--/fontc--><!--fonto:Arial--><!--/fonto--> <!--fontc-->
<!--/fontc-->

<!--fonto:Arial--><!--/fonto-->You may be able to find someone in your area to do this. Good luck.<!--fontc-->
<!--/fontc-->

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[flash]

clear fingernail polish can stop some cracks

the new 968 Forums Sunshade will prevent them - hehehe

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[968Oz]

To help prevent cracks make sure you don't use conditioners or protectants with silicone oil, which is in most commonly available products. Silicone oil extracts the plasticizers form vinyl and may increase rate of UV damage. 303 is OK I believe and there are other good products out there. I use Vinylex, but it does leave a shine, which some don't like, but I do.
Cheers
Ian

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[94SilverCab]

Yup, 968Forums sunshades are really "cool".....

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[Ryan]

I second the "drilling a hole at the end of the crack" deal. This can keep the crack from growing. We have crappy plastic in our dashes. I use a sunshade as well.

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[gbarrier]

Once the cracks have started it's damage control off and on from then out. Use super glue. Buy the good stuff from a model shop. I like the thick kind for this purpose. You can even use the kicker they sell to set it faster if you want. Either way if the crack has not spread very much stop it at the end with the glue. Then fill and as it starts to dry sand over the surrounding area to provide a little dust in the glue. Finish it off with a shot of vinyl spray. I like the Sem brand (landau black is about the right amount of gloss versus flat). Small cracks around the defroster vents as they pop up can be stopped for years while keeping the dash looking pretty good.

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