How to Fix a Cracked Dashboard in Your Car

A cracked dashboard is more than just an eyesore; it signals a deeper structural problem that typical leather or vinyl fillers can’t solve. Dashboards are usually constructed from rigid ABS plastic or vinyl layered over a thick foam padding. Repairing these cracks demands a flexible epoxy, a task that’s often tricky and not always recommended for beginners.

For most car owners, especially those seeking a simpler and more reliable solution, installing a vacuum-molded dash cap is the preferred approach. Dash caps, like those from Coverlay Manufacturing, offer a custom-fit overlay that neatly covers the damage. These are straightforward to install and can significantly refresh your car’s interior. You can see how these are fitted in this video demonstration. If finding the exact color match proves difficult, custom color services are available, such as our custom color option, or through various online suppliers.

DIY Dashboard Crack Repair Using Epoxy

However, for those determined to tackle the repair directly, using a flexible epoxy like SEM Problem Plastic Epoxy can be effective if you follow a careful process:

1. Preparation is Key: Begin by carefully trimming or shaving off any loose or raised edges around the crack. This creates a smoother surface for the epoxy to adhere to.
2. Epoxy Application: Apply the epoxy into the crack, slightly overfilling it. Use a stiff card or applicator to smooth the epoxy across the crack, ensuring it’s level with the surrounding dashboard surface.
3. Curing Time: Allow the epoxy to cure for at least one hour. This hardening process is essential for a durable repair.
4. Initial Sanding: Once cured, sand the area evenly using 220 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. Wet sanding helps to keep dust down and provides a smoother finish.
5. Repeat and Level: Repeat steps 2-4 as necessary until the repaired surface is perfectly level and even with the original dashboard.
6. Fine Sanding: Refine the surface by polishing with 500 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. This step prepares the area for texturizing and coloring.
7. Texturizing for a Natural Look: Achieving the original dashboard texture is crucial for a seamless repair. Since epoxy doesn’t emboss well after curing and sanding can remove texture, a spray grain is recommended. Products like spray grain for leather repair are designed for this purpose. Alternatively, for a more DIY approach, you can use tiny dots of super glue, patted down and dispersed with a paper towel, then catalyzed with baking soda and sanded. This technique, demonstrated here for Tolex repair, can be adapted for dashboards. Following with a spray grain will further enhance the texture match.
8. Spray Grain Application: Apply spray grain in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the next. Gentle polishing with 500 grit sandpaper between coats can refine the texture.
9. Coloring the Repair: Finally, apply color to blend the repaired area with the rest of the dashboard. Rub ‘n Restore® colors are ideal as they dry with a low-luster finish, perfect for large surfaces like dashboards, and do not require a sealant.

While DIY repair is possible, remember that dashboard crack repair is a challenging task. For many, dash caps offer a quicker, easier, and often more visually appealing solution.

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