I have a 1 1/2 in. long crack in the vinyl dash on the passenger side of my newly acquired 69 olds cutlass.. It is about 1/64 in. wide. Does anyone have advice on how best to repair, or best way to stop it from getting worse, if repairing is not a good option. Thanks for any ande all input.

69 olds cutlass

 

There probably isn't a person frequenting these forums that would not like to have had an easy and inexpensive solution to the cracked vinyl dash problem. Unfortunately when molded vinyl begins cracking there is no stopping it or repairing it. There is actually only one solution and that is replacement.

http://www.justdashes.com

 

I actually had some luck with liquid nail then sanding lightly and brushing touch up lightly (interior touch up to match trim from Tower) It's not noticeable unless you look for it. Not perfect but it was rather cheap and is not in a very visible place

 

Thanks for the advice, I will probably try the liquid nail. Should definitley help to stop the split from getting worse.

 

Liquid nails or some similar adhesive might well temporarily stop a vinyl dash crack from becoming worse but nothing is going to prevent either additional cracks or chunks of vinyl simply separating from the foam beneath it and falling off. The vinyl cracks because it has fully cured out from age and has begun to disintegrate from continual exposure to UV rays, heat, and silicone based products like Armor-All. There are no topical products which will slow, stop, or reverse the disintegration process when vinyl and other plastic materials have become fully cured and brittle.

 

Thanks for the info. Tex.....I appreciate it.

 

like my grandfather used to say, nobody get out of this alive (not us or the cars either)

 

I apologize if this thread is dead and ran its course, but I noticed you mentioned Armor All. I didn't realize it was that bad for dashes! Is there anything better to use?

 

My detail guy and a lot of websites recommend Mcguire's vinyl care products[see their website] I've used it and find it doesn't leave a tacky,shiny residue. I think they have the real R&D into their product line,and many show car owners use nothing else.May be time for you to start the search for a replacement dash before these increasingly rare parts disappear forever!..........Derek...69 442

 

Thanks Derek, appreciate the advice. I will look into it.

 

Don't know why that thumbs down symbol apperared in my response, I didn't put it there?

 

I have heard about a guy who used a piece of a old vinyl record, he melded it with heat and used the material as a fill in the crack.

Does that work?

 

I wouldn't think so. The temperature of the melted vinyl would likely be high enough to melt the foam underneath the surface material of the dash.

Only real solution is Just Dashes.

 

OK, I thougt someone maybee have tried.

Regards

 

There is a guy in my area that will come to you & fix any damage to your leather seat or cracked dash. When hes done its invisible. Molds the correct pattern into the repair so it can't be seen.

 

my dash pad has many cracks over 19 tears of storage and being moved and bumped aroundhas anyone ever used just dashes??

 

Personally, I have not, but I have seen some of their work and it's generally top notch. Not cheap, tho.....

 

I've also heard that Just Dashes is quite expensive. You get what you pay for though. I've never heard any complaints about their work.

 

For what it is worth, here is a link to an interesting "vynil care" article. Note, it is note for repair of a crack. It simply mentions the autoparts store kits.
http://www.roadrunner-region-pca.org/tech/leathe.htm

 

I agree with the above. But if it's a band aid that your looking for ,then go for the liquid nails - sounds fairly doable, although there are not many adhesives that bond well with vinyl. I recently used a vinyl repair kit with some decent results (found at my local auto store) - but if you look close enough it is far from flawless (regardless of what the ads say).

There's 303 Aerospace Protectant. In the many years of living in the hot Arizona sun, and being a boat owner with vinyl seats - nothing comes close to 303. It not cheap, but well worth the money and can be purchased at most marine supply stores, as well as some auto stores. It can also be ordered on line.

 

this 69 pad is to brittle now after 40 years in florida sun! BOP show this weekend at Old Town in Kissimmee fl... look around there for possible replacement there.... thank you

 

Just noticed your question. Sorry. Actually, Just Dashes sells a protectant that I plan on getting. It keeps the vinyl soft, without putting a disgusting, shiny, greasy film all over your dash.
http://www.justdashes.com/vinylLifePreserver.htm