Cracked dashboard can be a major eyesore, decreasing the value and aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. These unsightly blemishes can also pose safety hazards, obstructing visibility and potentially causing distractions while driving. If you find yourself with a cracked dash, don’t despair! Repairing it is a manageable task that can be accomplished with the right tools and techniques. We’ll guide you through a step-by-step process that will restore your dashboard to its pristine condition, saving you the cost of a costly replacement.
Before embarking on the repair process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials. These include a cleaning solution, a degreaser, sandpapers of varying grits (120, 220, 400, and 600), a plastic filler, a putty knife, a sanding block, and a color-matched touch-up paint. Additionally, wearing a dust mask and safety glasses is highly recommended to protect yourself from harmful fumes and debris.
The first step involves thoroughly cleaning and degreasing the cracked area. Use the cleaning solution to remove any dirt or debris, followed by the degreaser to eliminate any oils or waxes that may interfere with the repair process. Once the surface is clean, sand the damaged area using 120-grit sandpaper to create a smooth and even surface. Follow up by sanding with progressively finer grits (220, 400, and 600) to refine the surface and prepare it for filling.
How To Fix Cracked Dash
A cracked dashboard can be a major distraction and eyesore. It can also reduce the value of your car. If you have a cracked dashboard, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
The first step is to clean the area around the crack. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could get in the way of the repair. Once the area is clean, you can start to fill in the crack. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to use a two-part epoxy adhesive.
To apply the epoxy, mix the two parts together and then apply it to the crack. Use a small brush or toothpick to spread the epoxy evenly over the crack. Once the epoxy is applied, allow it to dry for the amount of time specified on the package. Once the epoxy is dry, you can sand it down to make it flush with the rest of the dashboard.
If the crack is large, you may need to use a filler in addition to the epoxy. Fillers are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your dashboard. To apply the filler, mix it with the epoxy and then apply it to the crack. Use a putty knife to spread the filler evenly over the crack. Once the filler is applied, allow it to dry for the amount of time specified on the package. Once the filler is dry, you can sand it down to make it flush with the rest of the dashboard.
Once the crack is filled, you can paint it to match the rest of the dashboard. To do this, use a small brush to apply a thin coat of paint to the crack. Allow the paint to dry for the amount of time specified on the package. Once the paint is dry, you can buff it to a shine.
