If you've had a car for several years, one problem you may encounter with respect to the interior is a cracked or damaged dash. Since the vinyl-covered dash is exposed to direct sun and high temperatures for much of the time, it's fairly common for a crack to develop in the vinyl. Once a crack starts, it's likely to keep getting larger. Your dash, as well as the molded door panels, may also suffer damage from other sources such as accidental tears, gouges, or rips. Fortunately, there are premolded dash covers made to fit most vehicles. These can be purchased in a color that matches your existing dash, and once installed, they conceal the old dash so perfectly it's almost impossible to tell a cover has been installed. Likewise, replacing the plastic panels on the door interior, including armrests and other attachments, is a fairly easy repair. If the crack or damage is small, an inexpensive option is a vinyl-repair kit ( figure A). These come with a vinyl filler-paste in a variety of colors. If necessary, the colors may be mixed to get a shade that matches your vinyl closely. A color chart, texturizing pad and heating tool (figure B) allow you to apply and harden the filler so that it has a textured finish, making for a repair that is almost imperceptible. If you have more sizable damage, the best solution is a dash cover. Some people opt for a carpeted dash cover in a color to match the floor carpeting of the vehicle. For our demonstration we opted for the molded-plastic type to approximate the look of a factory dash. We also took the opportunity to replace the interior door panels at the same time. It's advisable to purchase door panels from the same manufacturer as the dash cover to ensure a perfect color match and uniform appearance. Materials: Prefabricated dash-cover kit
Replacement door panels
Cordless drill with screwdriver attachments
Socket wrench
Utility knife
Sandpaper
Silicone adhesive
Installing a Dash Cover
- Prepare the dash prior to installation: Use a utility knife or razor blade to trim away any raised edges in the vicinity of the crack or damage (figure C). Once you've cut away any raised portions, sand the area so that it is completely smooth. Finally, clean the surface of the dash with an ammonia-based window cleaner to remove any dust or chemical residues from old vinyl dressings, preservatives, etc.
- Once you've prepared and cleaned the existing dash, set the new cover in place to ensure a proper fit.
- If the fit is good, apply silicone adhesive to the underside of the cover (figure D). Use silicone sparingly to allow for expansion and contraction of the dash due to temperature changes. Applying too much may cause the cover to warp. Use dime-sized spots at about 12-inch intervals along the outside edges. Keep the spots about an inch in from the edge so that no sealant will ooze out when you put the cover in place. Avoid applying silicone to the center surface of the cover.
- Carefully position the cover over the original dash and press it in place (figure E).
- Press all areas of the cover to ensure a good seal, and use heavy objects such as phone books to weight down the cover while the silicone dries (figure F). If necessary, use wooden or StyrofoamB. wedges to press down the corners between the windshield and cover.
Installing Replacement Door Panels Replacement door panels often come as an all-in-one unit that allows you to replace the panel, armrest, door pull, door-latch handle and other door attachments as a single piece. Some replacements, however, require that you buy the attachments separately. Check to make certain that you have all necessary elements before beginning the installation. Since this project involves disconnecting and reconnecting some electrical wiring, disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin. - Remove door lock and the screws holding the door panel in place. You'll need to remove screws along the bottom edge and other locations such as the door latch and door pull (figure G).
- With all of the screws removed, lift off the old door panel (figure H).
- Disconnect any electrical plugs on the back of the panel. In our case, we disconnected the power supplies to the switches for automatic windows and locks (figure I). We removed and retained those switches for installation in the new door panel.
- Install any necessary electrical hardware onto the new panel. In our case, this included the power-window and power-lock switches. Reconnect these to their power sources.
- With electrical connections reattached, position the new panel in place (figure J) and reattach it using the original screws and hardware.
Repeat the process for the other door.
RESOURCES :
Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Replacement dash-cover and door panels
Replacement dash-cover
and door panels from
Coverlay Manufacturing Inc.
4017 Hwy 67 N
San Angelo, TX 76905
Toll-free: 800-633-7090
Fax: 915-658-8885
Web site: www.coverlaymfg.com
Vinyl and leather repair kit
Vinyl and leather repair kit from
Permatex
Phone: 877-376-2839
Toll-free: 888-562-8483
Fax: 800-432-2067
Web site: www.permatex.com
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