Cracked Dashboard Repair - Padded Dashboard

This Datsun 280Z dash has a large split in the vinyl, exposing the underlying urethane foam. The vinyl is puckered at each edge, which will require a fairly wide repair. This video shows the step-by-step procedures for restoring this dashboard.
At the end of the video, we demonstrate how to use Polyvance’s 3803 Flextex VT to re-texture the dash after it has been repaired.
Look below for links to some of the products from the video.
View this video on our website for more information and product suggestions for this repair: www.polyvance.com/video/dashb...
- 5210 FiberFlex Repair Kit: www.polyvance.com/Airless-Wel...
- 2050-9 Padded Dash Filler: www.polyvance.com/Padded-Dash...
- 3043 All Seasons Black Jack Waterborne Primer Surfacer: www.polyvance.com/Waterborne-...
- Texture Spray: www.polyvance.com/Flex-Tex-1/
Chapters:
Intro: 0:00
Overview of repair process: 0:10
Cleaning & grinding the v-groove: 1:11
Laying down FiberFlex rods: 2:09
Sanding the FiberFlex: 3:02
Applying adhesion promoter & Padded Dash Filler: 3:49
Sanding & applying more filler: 4:36
Applying adhesion promoter & primer: 5:19
Texturing options: 5:53
Final look: 6:26
⚠️ Important ⚠️
- Always wear proper safety gear while working!
- The length of this video is in no way representative of the actual time required to perform a complete repair and therefore should not be used for estimating purposes.
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Check out Polyvance's plastic welders and welding rod:
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- Hot air welders: www.polyvance.com/Hot-Air-Wel...
- Airless welders: www.polyvance.com/Airless-Wel...
-Plastic welding rod: www.polyvance.com/Welding-Rod...

[@frasercocks]

I used this product for the first time today. I must admit, I went into this somewhat skeptical. And the results were impressive. It works! I will use this product again and recommend it for this type of repair. My approach...I reinstalled the dash on my car and it seemed to have shrank somewhat since it has been sitting for some time. I re-fastened it and had to warm the plastic with a heat gun and stretch it back into place. Once it was in place I did the repair. I expect it will fit much better having done the repair in this way. I plan to paint it out of the car and then install it permanently.

[@polyvance]

That's great! We're glad you were able to repair your dash!

[@prakashdayanandan3176]

@@polyvance actually i havent. Perth is the most isolated city in the world so i contacted the best in the eastern states. In the US they only have lhd skins which was my next best option. So for i just ordered a dash mat and will keep searching for arhd 2007 wreck of a lexus rx 350

[@benjaminnielsen4288]

Wow! Finally, someone made a proper video of an old Z dash repair, professionally done, and yet possible to be done at home by a do-it-yourselfer. Well done! Thank you.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@armandob5251]

Has to be the best demo of how to do a dash properly. Need to redo mine so I’ve watch a ton of videos and this is the first professional well done how to video I’ve seen. Thanks

[@polyvance]

Thank you! Feel free to call us if you have any questions while you are doing your repair!

[@kewrock]

Fixing the dash is the easy part. Getting it out and putting it back in is the project.

[@scottb7600]

Agreed!

[@rodriquehenry9964]

That's exactly what I was thinking.. How to get it out

[@thesunflowchannel1995]

Yeah I've done it to many trucks and for the newer ones it's probably 4 hours of labor to remove the dash because of all the wiring and airbags. It's not as bad as you think this is an older car so there's less wiring and no airbags. I imagine probably 2 hours but who knows.

[@slobkaags]

That's what I was thinking!

[@cranki6316]

Not in an 84 Chevy pickup!

[@wellnessforall6663]

This is magic. I couldn't believe my eyes. Awesome craftmanship.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@rootin-vg4xp]

I was totally sitting here thinking "there's no way they're going to be able to completely hide that split". Wow was I wrong. That was too cool to watch! Amazing job, came out looking brand new

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@prakashdayanandan3176]

the most proffesional job ive ever seen

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@prakashdayanandan3176]

@@polyvance we got a heap of losers here in perth look at my job which is 20% as cracked as yours and say" its too difficult. Itl crack again, get an off market skin..... where?a rhd 2007 lexus rx 350 dash, pfft! Even the wreckers be like , i aint taking the dash out of the wreck.. ill wait it to fall out...tell him ... we all out..." stupid and lazy mfs"

[@joeweaver9913]

Thanks to this video I am now content to live with the cracked dash in my old truck. Too much work and too expensive to fix!

[@masmainster]

I thought when I first started watching this video it was going to end up looking like crap, but it turned out very good, i had a 260z with a damaged dashboard just that one.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

Damn that's a clean repair. Only thing is you lose the factory texture, so if there's other plastic/vinyl trim in the cabin you're going to mismatch.

[@scottb7600]

That is one of the downfalls, but many times the dash has a unique texture anyway. This will just convert it to a different unique texture...Others will do the repair, sand off most of the texture then stretch a layer of new vinyl on top of the old repaired layer.

[@chriserickson6099]

I have a 1970 Ford Falcon with a cracked dashboard just like in this video. Finding a brand new dashboard it self is literally impossible so this method seems to be the only way to restore the dashboard

[@nkmao_508]

I'm new to working on cars, and I started with a complete teardown and motor swap. I'm looking to restore my interior with the parts I have, but wow, I didn't know we could do this sort of work either. Thank you so much 🙏

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@wilkas159]

This is how repair video should look like. Good back ground muzic and really clearly explained repair. Great work. Thanks for video

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@ambushb0y]

I'm glad I can watch it done right and properly instead of trying it with my current knowledge and messing it up, all these videos are satisfying

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching! We're glad you like our videos!

[@rizball1]

lol I did this repair on my 76 Mercury capri back in 83... only I jumped straight to Bondo and used a can of rustoleum... used a piece of vinyl with texture and pressed it into the primer to match the original dash then sprayed it plack a few times... cost me less than $10 and looked great!

[@vincevegacustoms754]

Then every times you wipe it down it makes it look like shit rustoleum paint way to soft.avoid it on cars.i would hate my car knowing its got rusto shit on the dash

[@peterg8554]

William Felix you can use the rostoleum bedliner spray for the texture. Fairly cheap and you can find it on Amazon.

[@griffparker1466]

Yea, I’m looking for a cheaper alternative since I’m doing this in my work truck. I’m gonna try using bondo like you did.

[@Charlieswag9000]

yeah rustoleum paint on a dash is not correct, but dont blame rust oleum, they have good spray paint for cheap right?@@vincevegacustoms754

[@scottb7600]

How long did it last though? Old, hard bondo next to a flexible vinyl will crack quickly. The padded dash filler cures soft so the intersection between the two is more forgiving.

[@pngman4635]

Wow, didn't realize you could repair those. That saves me time (and money) looking for a maroon '86 Vic dashboard...

[@alex052993]

Got my dash out of the junk yard!85 lincoln tc.

[@briannorton8747]

Look at coverlay dash caps

[@tykellerman6384]

That is nothing short of amazing

[@polyvance]

Thank you so much!

[@pommernscherwolf8469]

Me: Oh come on, I can do this at home *Watches the video* Me: Oh Lord.

[@MischeifMakerz]

ahahah literally me!!

[@hawgdawg556]

This process is bad to da bone. You've just given me some great ideas on repairing my truck dash, as well as a side business in restoring these types of components. Woot! Woot!

[@Kurtlammon]

Thanks for the accolades! We sell dash repair stuff, so it's helpful for our customers to know how to use them!

[@arborinfelix]

I would give a thumb up for the tutorial but I have already gave it away for the heavy metal riff at the beginning. Great tutorial and great craftsmanship.

[@polyvance]

Thank you so much!

[@allaboutaudioforallyouraud9966]

PLAIN BAD ASS!!!!!! Dude , you are the man!! WOW if only I could accomplish a task like this. thumbs up.!!

[@mrmanontherock]

An artist. Great work

[@yev9210]

Excellent tutorial on dashboard repair! For the cost of all the supplies and the time/skill required, it may be more affordable to go out and buy a used dashboard if available.

[@polyvance]

Glad you liked the video! "If available" is definitely the key phrase!

[@TimmyP1955]

I loved my old Z - until the dash cracked and the rust set in. A beautiful fix.

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@lanky9093]

This would be useful if I had my own shop with all the thousands of tools I need to fix a crack

[@eksine]

Harbor freight

[@polyvance]

You don't need thousands of tools! Lots of DIYers have used our Padded Dash Filler and other products to fix their dash. You can do it :)

[@krishpererafrozior]

The best dashboard video available in the KZbin ever

[@chrislewis1258]

A load of work but definitely worth it, freakin' amazing!

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@mitchellpatterson1829]

Really good tutorial, if a little overproduced. Appreciate the materials list in the description.

[@bluexiong3492]

I would pay you to teach me all this in person at a reason price. You got my vote on plastic repair.

[@polyvance]

We actually do hands-on training for our nitrogen plastic welders! We have our one-day PR-01 course that is taught at your shop's location: www.polyvance.com/Training-2/PR-01/ We also have a two-day, in-depth class at our factory: www.polyvance.com/Training-2/PR-02/ These courses are on the use of the nitrogen plastic welder, however. The FiberFlex in this video uses the airless plastic welder to make an adhesive bond. Our nitrogen plastic welders are used with the welding rod that matches the plastic you are repairing, which provides a complete fusion weld (a cohesive bond). Our nitrogen welders do have airless welders attached. Just something to check into if you are interested!

[@rap31264]

Dang! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes...I wouldn't have believed there was a crack there before...NOICE!

[@polyvance]

Thank you so much!

[@garrettdlouhy5531]

Looks clean i must admit. I was hoping the experts could recreate the oem texture. That would be a game changer. A very nice repair non the less. Thx for the thorough explanation!

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottb7600]

Recreating the OEM texture is the white elephant. Unfortunately, its pretty much impossible, but sometimes second best ends up being pretty good and acceptable when there is no other alternative.

[@Op117]

I have none of these tools but I’m still gonna watch the video

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Grenadieros]

Great work and fantastic Metal song congratulations sir, greetings from Greece.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@H0L1DAY1]

That looked so easy.My father owns a body shop and I have a old 2007 Honda accord and the dashboard wrecked.Im gonna try this before I buy a new dashboard.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching, and good luck with the repair! Feel free to call us if you have any questions.

[@Nobious2]

Wow. I'm completely impressed that this technology and the skill to do it exist. I wonder what people charge for this sort of thing.

[@scottb7600]

A bucket of nickels. Haha. Just kidding, or maybe not. It will depend on the severity of the cracking and the ease with which the panel can be removed from the car.

[@chockes1]

That's is so professional 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻good job

[@antonios4926]

Brilliant work well done. From UK

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@brewskytrucker]

A lot of work but it looks brand new, awesome job

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@SirEpifire]

I wish my old F150 plastic dash was a bit more flexible (less brittle) as more akin to vinyl rework. Gonna have to do this method for the dash top on my Pontiac Ventura though. Fantastic video, I really didn't think this was a viable fix when I heard about it. Definitely changed my mind!

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@FALLOUT20rads]

I've been doing custom interiors and repairs for 17 years. I came up with a procedure almost identical to this. Using products from the auto paint store originally designed for repairing rubber and plastic body panels. The only real difference is the heated plastic filer you guys use other then that it's the exact same process. I can attest to the fact that this is the absolute best way to repair a dash even if it's going to be re wrapped with leather or vinyl. Good job guys #greatmindsthinkalike

[@polyvance]

That's awesome!

[@lAMCANADlAN]

Similar experience here, fallout - been in the business for over 30 years, and discovered by accident that expanding polyurethane glue, covered by flexible body filler and textured paint yield the same result. Been doing it for over 20 years now, have given all the the repairs a lifetime guarantee, and have never had a single return.

[@bodeine454]

@@lAMCANADlAN That textured look might be OK on some cars but it wouldn't look right on my '95 Buick Riviera, it has more of a crinkle finish texture...

[@ps-ff6yx]

@@lAMCANADlAN what brand or part number of the expanding polyurethane glue do you use?

[@ScottDLR]

Amazing repair!!!

[@polyvance]

Thank you so much!

[@bullyngan5026]

Caramba o melhor canal de dicas automotivas que eu conheço. Vourecuperar um painel do Vaz-2105 graças a vcs. Parabens

[@polyvance]

Thank you! And good luck!

[@bullyngan5026]

@@polyvance 😉😉😉

[@SuperMechguy]

Great work boss! Thinking of doing the same to my zx dash

[@polyvance]

Thank you! Good luck with your dash! Feel free to call us if you have any questions about our products!

[@mermaidknows]

Awesome video,thanks.Very helpful.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Einer.Rodriguez]

this is the video I've been looking for

[@polyvance]

+Einer Fonseca Happy to hear we could be of help!

[@paantapo]

Amazing work

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@hakanyasar8718]

Awesome work!

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@charlesbutler4646]

Amazing product

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@c0ntag10n]

This was fantastic!

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@scrapplepig]

Looks great. I'm going out to F- up my dash so I can try this, thanks.

[@benitomojicamartinez2041]

Great video!!!!! Congratulations is a excelent job!!!

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@MiamiLeatherRepair]

This is awesome guy's Great job.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@daniejvincentii]

MiamiLeatherRepair hhuhgg

[@brianlehmkuhl8162]

Good work, like a body shop for interiors. Easiest way I know is to just apply a vac formed dash cap with OEM leather grain finish.

[@mgrella63]

Amazing job

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-in4jj5kg5x]

Good job thanks for sharing

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcelogiorgio]

Que belíssimo resultado. Impressionado.....

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@gercast82]

Amazing job.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@fc1jz51]

Nope thanks to your master skills. Thankyou Sir!!!

[@carslover3509]

nice work

[@ernestespinosa1853]

Great video

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@marioficcio7008]

Good job!

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@jeffreywin584]

Excellent. Think I'll give it a go on my 1974 BMW.

[@polyvance]

Good luck! :)

[@jeffreywin584]

Thanks! @@polyvance

[@papamono67555]

quedó como nuevo, un resultado muy satisfactorio :)

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@cameronalexander359]

Outstanding!!!!

[@polyvance]

Thank you so much!

[@zolitariglussey6302]

That's Gorgeous!!!!!

[@polyvance]

Thank you, Zolitar!

[@dumankolik269]

Polyvance what is the song name playing background bro ?

[@josearroyo7512]

Zolitar Iglussey uh

[@19491Tommy]

that was the best repair I've seen !

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@antonioreyes8752]

Yo no se inglés pero quedó muy bien el arreglo del dash. Yo creía que eso no se podía reparar, porque hay personas que vende el automóvil, porque el dash está roto. Me gustó su información. Buen video.

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@dougjones4987]

I wish i would've taken my dash out when I did mine-the fumes where incredible

[@zero_to_1000]

Wow that's awesome.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@juanguevara7219]

very good job.

[@user-gz4ul3hc2x]

Good job

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@togzinnhla6747]

OMG good job guys

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@fiatspiderpolska2069]

Looks incredible good!;)

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@dtchevy7317]

Niiiice, gotta do my 88maro dash

[@b_aleman]

That looks absolutely amazing.

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@morrismckinnon6047]

Good work though I didn't like the finish with that texture paint. Looked like sandpaper! I'd give it a heavy polishing to smooth it down a bit.

[@TheCoralSniper]

That texture finish is the only way this will even work, like guys spraying bedliner over cars with terrible prep work, hides a multitude of sins,

[@polyvance]

Visit this video page on our website to see the full list of products used and other helpful tips: www.polyvance.com/video/dashboard-repair/cracked-dashboard-repair-padded-dashboard

[@polyvance]

There isn't one uniform answer to this question. Just like how know one really knows how long an OEM dash will last before it cracks. It will depend on how you take care of it. Where and how you store the car is likely a big factor. It should last a long time being stored in a climate controlled area. Sun is the killer of dashes, so limiting its exposure like that will reduce the rate of shrinkage on the original vinyl, which is the weak point.

[@platinumbenzman]

Cool I like that!

[@travlnman55]

Stumbled across your video, very interesting. Do you offer a kit that would allow an individual to do his own dash pad repair? I looked at your website, but everything I saw there was geared to the professional level. The one exception was the plastic radiator tank repair kit. Could make something like that for people to do their own dash pad repair?

[@faroukmallah7685]

now this is interesting! thanks

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@donaldhollums3278]

I needed to see this. The dashboard on my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado is cracked in three places and there is a large triangular piece broken out in the middle of the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. An OEM part is not available any longer, a part from the salvage yard might be just as bad, and I would like to attempt a better result of a restoration of the dashboard panel instead of a quick repair with just a cover.

[@polyvance]

Good luck with the repair!

[@DanielMartinez-hc8im]

@@polyvance hola ,podrias decirme el nombre de los materiales que ocupas para esta reparación por favor.

[@polyvance]

@@DanielMartinez-hc8im They can be found here: www.polyvance.com/video/dashboard-repair/cracked-dashboard-repair-padded-dashboard

[@nicosnicolaou8768]

Seems like a visit to the scrapyard or ebay is so much easier. This looks great, but so much effort. I would only consider if a replacement cannot be found

[@polyvance]

That is more or less what this is for...it will really help you if a replacement cannot be found, the replacement is too expensive, or you want to keep the original part that came with the car.

[@scottb7600]

The problem with a junk yard, is they have been sitting in the weather and are generally worse than what you find on a typical driver. Ebay has its pros and cons. the cons would be that shipping a "good" dash may not arrive good, than to the folks in the brown and white trucks!

[@bcbp14]

I used wood glue on an 84 volvo when I was a kid. Actually looked less noticeable then a massive crack.

[@vinnygoombatts1458]

wow....very nice

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@carslover3509]

you are the king

[@polyvance]

Haha, thank you so much!

[@v.e.7236]

I'm officially impressed! Nice to find a product to save the dash of old cars that may not have the after-market following of others. Unfortunately, this product is not inexpensive, nor is their little "airless welder" a drop in the bucket. About $35 for the rods and nearly $200 for their "airless" welder. Ends up costing about the same as a new dash. I'll go new, when able. Good sell until I did a bit of research on pricing.

[@polyvance]

We're glad you were impressed with our technique, at least! Although, the airless welder can be purchased at a more do-it-yourself-friendly price if you use the FiberFlex Repair Kit ( www.polyvance.com/Airless-Welders-1/5210/).

[@michaelmeisman4731]

Try finding a new dash for a 87 Pontiac Fiero. They dont exist. This is for restoring those things you cant just go and buy.

[@madmade6877]

Agreed and there's many other cheaper products you could use as well hell if you're going to repaint the whole thing there are plenty of polymers out there that are strong as hell. No welder needed . done it and it lasted 16yrs so far

[@nfsfreak1234]

The welder is just a soldering iron

[@attilahavasi6987]

wow that music. awesome!

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonj8632]

Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration opened up a second business I see

[@iranforever2546]

Awesome 👏

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@tankeryankercruz7795]

Good company I used their hood repair kit for kenworth .

[@polyvance]

Thank you! We're glad you liked our KEN T800 Kit!

[@scottb7600]

Polyvance will have a plug for the Kenworth w-900 as well, coming shortly!

[@adeishahumber6694]

Freaking amazing

[@polyvance]

Thanks for watching!

[@earthur0407]

This is great. Must the dashboard be totally removed to do this repair?

[@scottb7600]

In most cases yes. Although it doesn't seem like it, its easier remove it to do it outside the car than trying to do it inside.

[@earthur0407]

@@scottb7600 thank you for responding. My Kia Cadenza dashboard removal process is way too complex for me as a beginner. I’ll take my chances. Thanks.

[@elcodreamin5280]

Damn I wish I can rip my dash out right now.... Im thinking of ordering a dash molded cover, we'll I do plan on fixing cracks first. Definitely need some of the materials used here. I was planning on using some foam in can n trim or shave to right thickness n maybe a coat of resin. The dash bondo you used is nice! Came out super clean nice work

[@polyvance]

Thank you!

[@nativejuicevapors]

That’s badass ty

[@polyvance]

Check out our other videos to see more tutorials on our plastic repair and refinishing products. The first part of this video shows us using FIberflex with an airless plastic welder. Did you know we also make nitrogen plastic welders? We introduced nitrogen plastic welding to the automotive collision repair industry in 2006. In 2016, we introduced our fifth-generation line of nitrogen plastic welders with a full range of product features that make them the most versatile and easy-to-use on the market. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications!

[@TheRealZJE313]

Polyvance. What can I put on it so it doesn't start cracking

[@scottb7600]

Anything that keeps UV light from hitting the plastic will help slow the aging process.

[@syloluon4969]

@Polyvance hello any tips with a dash with the foam only existing? the black vinyl on the dash has been removed due to being to fragile and brittle of age and heat. Any tips , material that could be used to help. Thanks

[@lesliechow9973]

Oh okay got it! 👍🏼

[@almalki146]

realy it amazing result and perfect work. Thank you so much

[@polyvance]

Thank you so much!

[@IFlySRQ]

How long did it take to repair this dash and how much did all of the products cost?

[@artgoat]

Costs a lot less than a new dash, I'm sure-assuming you could even find one.

[@Kurtlammon]

This is pretty time consuming, no doubt. I'd say, all told, about 6 hours. Products cost about $300.

[@FALLOUT20rads]

Kurt Lammon if the dash is already removed. If the dash is still in the car you can double that price.

[@DeeegerD]

Auto wreckers

[@MontanaHillcountry]

I got a new dash for my 68 mustang for 100 bucks so I would hope it was cheap

[@davidgriego8722]

Looks great. My only issue is what about the rest of the old foam and vinyl? Won’t it just crack somewhere else do to it’s age?

[@scottb7600]

Its possible...but generally once they crack bad enough to need repair, the cracks alleviate the stress over the rest of the dash for quite some time.

[@jacksonchai2414]

its amazing! do you ship your product internationally? I got a 240z dash board to be repaired.