Dash crack

[SteveT]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a good way to repair vinyl dash cracks? I have a small, approx. 1" crack above the choke knob on a TR6. I have researched and there seems to many "fixes" from silicone rubber to epoxy to "can't be fixed." It seems there should be a clean and permanent repair. Any ideas?

Thanks - Steve

 

[Exotexs]

there are vinyl repair kits but at best, it's a temporary waste of time. There used to be mobile vinyl repair experts, but I haven't seen them in a while. There's a company called Eastwood who has or had a promissing vinyl repair kit. If none of those work out, I also read about a company who applies a new vinyl dash cap using a vacuum-forming process. I found their site while surfing/searching the web.

 

[SteveT]

Thanks for the input; there must be a way.

Steve

 

[Exotexs]

here's the company, they might help with your dash:

https://www.autointeriors.biz/Dashes/Dashes_and_Columns.htm

Ex

 

[SteveT]

Just an update. I used a product similar to the vinyl repair kit at Eastwood on a seat tear. Took a couple of applications of the "goo" which is cured by using a heated tool. Although you can see the repair, one must look for it. I am impressed; we'll see how long it lasts, but it is very pliable like the vinyl around it and seems durable. I have not used it on the dash yet, but will attempt later today. The kit cost $9.95 at a local auto parts store. An upholster wanted $200.00 to fix it.

Steve

 

[Exotexs]

the upholsterer would have probably used the same product you got.

 

[BIBBER]

Steve..this is going to crack you up (no pun intended)...but I had a gallon of rubberized Stop Leak Roofing patch setting in the corner of garage. One day when I was looking at a couple of cracks right up under the windshield on my e-type... I had replaced the main area with new covering but tried it on those cracks...it actually did a pretty good job. Goes on gooey so you can spread it in the gap...smooth it and it dries flexible...the color is black so limits it's use but black worked in my case....they don't call me a SHADE TREE MECHANIC for nothing!!

 

[SteveT]

Bibber,

Thanks for the remeady; the vinyl repair kit did a good job on the seat and I am going to try it on the plinth crack. I'll look into the Stop Leak item however. Too many "professional" fixes for too much money!

Steve

 

[Exotexs]

I just unearthed an old company who has a vinyl repair kit for dashes and other vinyl products, I bought their leather and vinyl products years ago. I still have the Quarts of the stuff. It did wonders for my old leather seats in both my Jags. It was run by a woman, the owner, who actually invented the products:

https://www.colorplus.com