Dash Repair Process/Pictures

[BD240Z]

The dashboard in my car had some serious cracks along the top but I couldn't pull the trigger to send it off for rework because of the cost. I wanted to try to repair it somehow though, I had to try something!

Here's a few pictures of the cracks. Because of the limit on pictures in each post, I'll upload the balance of the pictures and the materials used after this.

Bruce

[BD240Z]

I beveled the edges of the cracks on both sides, this would enable the filling materials to get underneath the crack and have something to hold on to. I backed the cracks with simple masking tape and filled the cracks with Great Stuff, insulating foam sealant, available at Ace Hardware of course.

Here's a picture of the cracks after I sliced down the foam and the materials I used. I was concerned with all the voids in the foam. I had expected something solid but realized all those open holes would provide an excellent base for the SEM plasticized bumper repair which was applied next. I had to apply two coats of the bumper repair plastic. It was easy to work with and feather edged nicely.

[xray]

Very interesting work so far. I've used that Great Stuff on other applications (none automotive) and it is as advertised.

How do you plan on replicating the grain pattern?

Keep us updated!

Steve

[BD240Z]

After the repair areas were finish sanded, I scuff sanded the rest of the dash with 220 grit paper and cleaned the surface with SEM plastic/leather prep.

After that, I sprayed the complete dash with SEM's texture coating. I followed the directions on the can. I kept the spray nozzle approximately 20 inches from the surface and when the coating was finger dry, I knocked down the texture with scotch-brite.

I let the dash dry for 24 hours and then lightly scuffed the complete surface. I cleaned again with the plastic/leather prep and then applied two wet coats of SEM's Trim Black for my finish coat.

Here's some pictures of the finished product, it isn't perfect but it exceeded my expectations. I don't think I would have attempted this repair if the dash was in the car. Total cost was approximately $60 and maybe five hours of labor total.

Bruce

[ggarrard]

Bruce - I think you've done an amazing job of resurrecting your dashboard - The end result appears well worth the effort you put in. Congratulations.

GWGarrard

[hls30.com]

Very sharp for what you have in it! Looks better than it cost!
Now for the real tests, time, heat, and UV.
You are in agood spot for all three!

Will

[Red-Eye]

That came out great! Can I drop off my dash this weekend?

[Arne]

Very impressive, Bruce. Maybe you should moonlight and do a few dashes in your spare time? I bet you could sell that one for good money on eBay!!

[Galaxybj]

That is amazing! Very good job. My Z is an Arizona original and the original owner put on a dash pad to cover the cracks - then the dash pad cracked. I may just have to try this, especially if it proves tough enough to withstand the heat.

[7T1240]

Hi Bruce,
I've used SEM product to renew the carpets, center console and ash tray/fuse cover on my '71. However, I was not aware of these products. Great job! As Will said, it'll be interesting to see how it holds up.
Gary S.

[Arne]

You know, that SEM texture finish looks like it would be great for repaired 240Z consoles, too. Like Gary, I've used SEM in the past with excellent results, but not these particular products.

[Nutz]

Where do you get SEM products?

[MarkDixon]

WOW!!

Great job. I am a big fan of SEM products. You did an amazing job.
I would have never thought to use Great Stuff to fix a Dash.

I guess my Dad was wrong.

He always told me there are only two things you need in your tool box.

1.) Duct Tape - If it moves and it's not supposed to... Apply Duct Tape

2.) WD40 - If it doesnt move and it is supposed to... Spray WD40

I guess now you can add:

3.) Great Stuff - If it cracks fill it with Great Stuff

[240ZX]

Excellent job of blending in the contours and applying the finish!!! My guess is that with exposure to the regular exspansion and contractions of heating and cooling, you will likely start seeing cracks develope in or next to the repaired areas over time. In the event this does happen, just purchase a full dash cap ($100.00) and put it on. Nice work however!

Tom

[Arne]

Where do you get SEM products?

Typically at auto body supply shops, or sometimes at better upholstery shops.

[BD240Z]

Very sharp for what you have in it! Looks better than it cost!
Now for the real tests, time, heat, and UV.
You are in agood spot for all three!

Will

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Yep, this repair has to pass the test of time here in the desert proving grounds. By this time next year I'll have an initial idea on how well this will holdup.

Since I plan on keeping THIS Z for the rest of my life, I'll post if/when the fateful day occurs, I realize it's probably only a matter of time. My plan "B" is a Dashcap.

Bruce

[mlc240z]

looks great, Bruce!
i wonder how tight the foam will hold the pieces together.
let us know how it holds up in the Az sun.
if it lasts, i would definitely consider following your lead.
good work!!

[7T1240]

Where do you get SEM products?

Use this link to go to the "Where To Buy SEM Products" page.

http://www.sem.ws/where_to_buy.php

Gary S.

[Mike]

Excellent job!! Your dash looks great in the photos. Thanks for sharing with the club.

You can get a dash redone for approx $400. New dashes, unfortunately, are around $1,500.

[Go240Zags]

I'm impressed, especially as the cracks in your dash were huge, much larger than in the two Series I dashes I have. I might have to give this a try. I have a full dash cap standing by, but might try your method first. Thanks for posting. Gary D.

[gsr355]

any updates on how the repairs are holding up? i'm thinking about do this to my dash. thanks

Simon

[BD240Z]

Simon,

The dash looks the same as when I made the repairs back in November. I'd take some pictures but the car is masked for painting, (again!).

Our winter weather lows range from the mid 30's to the low 40's at night but the car is stored in my garage so it never got exposed to the cold.

The real test is coming up because the "mean" season is right around the corner. I'll post what happens to the dash sometime this fall.

It's an economical repair in both time and money, you might want to just go for it!


Bruce

[donaldjones]

man that dash is awsome! I have tried other methods to no avail now I have to find a bad dash to practice own good job

[jackwarnock]

G'Day All

I have the original dash from my 1973 car in my garage. It was replaced with another some time ago. I have been wondering how to repair the original dash.

Being located in regional Australia could present a problem, but can someone enlighten me on what can be done to "renew" the old one. I could then have it ready for the inevitble replacement of the current dash.

I would not have the skills that Bruce has shown in doing his dash!!!

Thanks for your help in anticipation.

Regards, Jack

[g260]

Jack,

There are several companies around that restore dashes, such as Dashboardresorations in Queensland(http://www.dashboardrestorations.com.au/index.htm) or Dept of the Interior at Carlton (http://www.consoles.com/). There was another company called Restoradash at Milperra, however I am not sure if they are still operating.

Hope this helps.

Geoff

[=Enigma=]

Wow Bruce! I'm not sure how i missed this thread the first time around. That is some impressive work. Nice job. At the moment, I have a nearly perfect un-cracked dash, but if mine does crack in the future, the plan is to have it covered in leather or a UV resistant faux leather. In any event, I look forward to hearing how yours holds up through the hell of high summer in AZ.

[Nissanman]

Hi Jack in regional Oz.
Another possibility is Winner Products in Adelaide.
http://www.winnerproducts.com.au/index.htm

We used Serge to do my sons' 1973 240Z dash some years ago.
He did a brilliant job, it is still ace looking.
At the time he had a completed 240Z dash hanging up on display but Ben opted to have his own re-skinned.

Can't hurt to give him [Serge] a call.

[zpizzaman20]

Excellent job!! Your dash looks great in the photos. Thanks for sharing with the club.

You can get a dash redone for approx $400. New dashes, unfortunately, are around $1,500.

Mike,
I have never heard that we can get a dash done that cheap, where?
Fred

[D240Zu]

This has given me some encouragement to remove the dashcap and attempt a repair on my recently acquired 72Z. I don't know what I will find when I remove it... If there is one thing I hate is that hairpiece cap!
Thanks for the idea!

[Obewon]

Bruce,
Great job, I'm impressed. I have a spare dash and I think I'll give your method a try.

[MAX]

Fabulous job on your dash..

I'm one of the lucky ones as my dash hasn't cracked so far...but it has faded somewhat and I would like to restore the blackness.

Would that SEM Trim black be the thing to use.? Does it come only in spray.

I would like to apply it with the dash still in the car?

Would that coating make the dash less likely to crack in the future?

[AZhitman]

Hey Bruce - What part of the Valley are you in? I'd love to meet up and have you have a look at my 72 project, or just grab lunch and talk shop.

[jackwarnock]

Geoff

Thanks for that feedback. I shall follow up on those leads you have provided.

Regards, Jack

[jackwarnock]

Nissanman

I missed your post first time round. Thanks for your feedback and leads. I will follow up on them when I can.

Regards, Jack

[BD240Z]

Fabulous job on your dash..

I'm one of the lucky ones as my dash hasn't cracked so far...but it has faded somewhat and I would like to restore the blackness.

Would that SEM Trim black be the thing to use.? Does it come only in spray.

I would like to apply it with the dash still in the car?

Would that coating make the dash less likely to crack in the future?

Randy,

To my knowledge, the SEM Trim Black comes only in a spray can. I don't know what product(s) help prevent cracking, hopefully someone else here does know and will pipe in. Since yours hasn't cracked, I'd be concerned with coating it with the wrong type of product.

There's a company thats makes car care products called Forever Black. www.foreverblack.com

I use their Bumper Trim and Tire Gel on all my cars. They don't attract dirt or have silicone. It comes in bottles and can be applied with a rag. You might want to call them and get their feedback. Good luck with your car.

Bruce

[xray]

Eastwood (I'm sure not the only seller) has SEM vinyl dye in black that looks promising...says it works for vinyl and plastics. Any opinions?

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

[Nissanman]

as a follow on: -
After having his dash re-done, my son asked the trimmer what product[s] to use to keep it in A1 condition.
Answer: - NONE. Just wipe it over with a damp cloth to remove to dust, THAT IS ALL FOLKS!
So he has done exactly that with no problems.

[CoastGuardZ]

Well Bruce... I don't know how I missed this one the first time around but, Dude! That looks awesome!!! I'm not really interested in a cap myself, so this looks like the perfect alternative until I decide to have the dash redone. Please keep us informed on this Summers evil doings. Thanks.

Nate

[Surfsup]

looks very nice man. thanks

[Panamared]

WOW. Fantastic job Bruce. My 73 original dash is craked and i found your method a very good way to go.

[TravRMK]

Your dash looked almost identical to mine. Although my cracks might be a bit bigger. I think I'll have to try this. Thanks for the Idea.

[yor5150]

This is a link to one of several videos of a rust bucket restoration. The first few minutes of the one below shows some interesting dash work.

http://www.voodoo-people.com/~daz/mu...ull@hugo06.wmv

This is from HybridZ if you want the other vids.

1971 Datsun 240z resto.project (pics/vids) [56k warning]

[Caen Fred]

BRA....VO

I am using a cap right now, and I am happy with that, as my toy is for track day fun. I have a question, I plan to cut one or maybe two holes in the dash under the cap, to have esay access to the tach, speedo and gauges. Is there anything wired on those parts of the dash that would prevent me of using my DREMEL to cut in the meat with the dash in the car?????

Lazy Boomer

[RBZ 260]

Hi guys, new to this forum i did a similar dash resto like Bruce

For guys from Australia check these forums for details on localy available materials:

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php?topic=1618.0

http://www.thezgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=980

Pitty that i havent seen this post prior doing mine. could have saved bit more time on experimentation. but like Bruce i was amazed how well it came out.

though my texture is more similar to modern car like suade leather finish

sure beats paying $500+ for a resto.

[DeMoore]

Great job! I would never have thought of all that, and for the money, that's a good price. I have to fix cracks in my dash that the previous owner put padded upholstery over, which makes no sense, but I'd like do to do a fix like that like that from under. Thanks for the thread, very helpful.

[tstewart]

Just wanted to post my results repairing a spare dash I had around using the method described here. I am quite pleased with the results. Hopefully I'll get around to getting it in a car soon and see how it holds up in the Gulf Coast heat.

-Tony

[240dkw]

Bruce, awsome work, I have four cracked dashes and can't wait to try it on one of them.

[MrZ]

This is great!!!!!!!!!!

[skunkteeth]

This is awesome, im going to be refinishing a dash I picked up off ebay.

For a final coat, has anyone tried a UV resistant coating? I found this but I will have to experiment on how it looks
http://www.krylon.com/main/product_t...roduct_details

[EScanlon]

You might also consider that it is a paint for HARD surfaces and it doesn't mention Vinyl. Many of us have discovered that the SEM brand does quite well without additional topcoating.

2¢
E

[skunkteeth]

Alright cool, I was just wondering how it will hold up in the long run

[Derek]

Well add my name to the list of successful dash repairs.
I followed Bruces instructions to the "T" and couldn't believe how nice it came out. I did my repair with the dash still in the car but with the windshield out. Not the best but it was workable.
Here's a couple things I found during my repair.
I drilled tiny holes at the ends of the cracks to check the crack from spreading.
Make sure you remove enough of the black dash material next to the crack. Mine was warped upward. I didn't cut it far enough back and when I started to feather out the filler I broke through immediately.
Make sure you have a thick enough layer of bumper repair over the crack. I sanded it too thin and when I pulled the car out in the sun it cracked again. I would try and leave at least 1/32" thickness over the crack and feather it out 2" or more on either side.

I'm still amazed at how good the dash looks and how easy it was to do. I keep looking at the dash and just can't believe how good it looks.

Thanks again Bruce!
Derek

[justinr54321]

Bruce, how did this hold up to the Arizona weather? I'm thinking about doing this to my own dash, for the 3 cracks I have are getting bigger, and starting to get another...

[duffman]

Bruce, it has been well over a year since you have done your repair, any update? I am planning on following your process this weekend, but want to make sure that there isn't anything else I should know. I share the AZ sun and the damage it can cause!

Thanks!

[24TZ8]

Can anyone that's done this repair speak for its long term results? Definitley interested in this method but want to make sure it holds up. Thanks!

[Derek]

Can anyone that's done this repair speak for its long term results? Definitley interested in this method but want to make sure it holds up. Thanks!

I know it's not long term but mines still holding up fine from January. I'll emphasize again that the SEM bumper repair has to be at least 1/32" thick over the crack. If not it will just crack again. I speak from experience.

Derek

[74260zt]

Very nice finished result!



j.

[Diseazd]

Someone wanted to know how it held up? I can tell you.........beautiful 'cause I now own the car that Bruce fixed. I didn't even know it had been done! Great job Bruce....just like the entire resto you did on the rest of the car. Guy

[Nick56289]

The bumper repair just looks like regular old epoxy to me.

[EScanlon]

The bumper repair just looks like regular old epoxy to me.

That's surely due to this picture:
http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/a...5&d=1163612617

But I can assure you that it isn't "regular old epoxy", regardless of what the picture seems to portray. SEM Bumper repair, IS mixed from two halves, but after curing it does retain a rubber type feel to it and does bend to a degree.

"Regular old epoxy" and I presume you're referring to something such as JB Weld, or the like, cures HARD.

2¢
E

[Nick56289]

Thats good because if it did cure as hard as epoxy it would definitely crack. However I still think it must be some special form of epoxy, may just not "regular old" epoxy. Anyways I guess the results speak for themselves.

[skunkteeth]

I was able to finish my autometer install in my dash that I repaired using this method









I repaired it about 2 months ago and it has not cracked again.

[Teg2Kgsr]

I am planning on doing this to my Dad's dash. The problem I have run into is that the previous owner had a dash cap on it and there is a bunch of 3m type strip calk that held it on. Does anyone have any tips for getting this off. I have used a plastic paint scraper to get most of it off but there is still some on there and the dash is so dry that I keep getting little cracks in it.
Thanks
-GB-

[EScanlon]

If it's Strip Calk, acetone will remove it as the calk is tar (asphalt) based.

If on the other hand it's some other form of adhesive, you may have to resort to a 3M Strip discs, they come in different colors, maroon, blue and brown. They'll be the least agressive method to removing that other than other solvents.

Additionally, you could use some of the Rotor "finger" discs and be careful as to how much pressure you use.

FWIW
E

[mlc240z]

hair dryer to soften and gentle scraping with a nylon scraper?

[dhoneycutt]

I was able to finish my autometer install in my dash that I repaired using this method









I repaired it about 2 months ago and it has not cracked again.

What sizes of gauges are those that you installed?

[snag point]

I ordered all me SEM stuff to do my dash repair. When I got going, I found many places on the top of the dash that looked good, but when you pushed hard on the plastic, it cracked. So I went carefully went over my dash hammering the plastic cover to find hidden areas that would develop cracks over time. Of course I ran out of bumper epoxy. None in town. Only two weeks to go till Walla Walla, car show weekend (Wheelin Walla Walla) and I,m sign up. Crud!!!! Well I ran down to my NAPA store and talked to a guy I know that works in the paint and body section. He said use NAPA flexible bumper repair. That this is what allot of body and restoration shops are using.
I would just as soon stay with what is proven to work, But I really was in a fix.
I know the following:
1. It soaks into the foam better than the SEM bumper repair epoxy.
2. It is allot more flexible when cured.
3. It is easy to sand.
4. It adheres to the plastic dash as good as the SEM epoxy.
5. It cost $32.00 vs the cheaper SEM but your get about 4x as much.
6. And only time will tell if I made a mistake by using this product.
At least my Z will be ready for the show.
Jon

[Jaspendlove]

this is a great thread. I have been doing some looking around in order to fix my dash. you guy have done a great job. thanks

[Jaspendlove]

out of curiosity, it has been over a year since the last post on how the dash is doing from the repair. Any news on how it is today?

[Mike B]

out of curiosity, it has been over a year since the last post on how the dash is doing from the repair. Any news on how it is today?

Diseazd owns the car with the dash that was repaired (at the start of this thread). This was his update as of May 2008.

-Mike

Someone wanted to know how it held up? I can tell you.........beautiful 'cause I now own the car that Bruce fixed. I didn't even know it had been done! Great job Bruce....just like the entire resto you did on the rest of the car. Guy

[Jaspendlove]

^^thank you

[palladin]

Real good info. I make sure I have a windshield screen to block the sun when not driving. At the very least, place a towel over it when parked. I think the UV rays cause as much damage as the heat.

[Diseazd]

The dash is still "as new". No problems at all......the car is kept in a temp controlled garage....that may not be a good test lab vs. a car left outside. Bruce did an awesome job and an awesome thread. Guy

[BD240Z]

The dash is still "as new". No problems at all......the car is kept in a temp controlled garage....that may not be a good test lab vs. a car left outside. Bruce did an awesome job and an awesome thread. Guy

Thanks Guy!! Glad to hear the repair has stood up so far, keep us updated so we'll know if this is a long term solution/repair.

Bruce

[Diseazd]

Bruce- Everything done to the car was first class.......I hope my 71 resto turns out as well. Guy

[madkaw]

Pretty much have finished my dash resto and I am happy. I used the NAPA repair stuff and finished color was duplicolor vinyl black. The duplicolor has a lot of shine so I should only have to wipe off with rag when it gets dusty. Only thing I wish I did better was the sems texture paint. Don't try outside if there is any wind since you have to hold 20" from the object your painting. I was able to sand it until it looked pretty uniform. I will happy if it does't crack and if it does it will be cover time. I spent a lot of time polishing the chrome and I was pleasantly suprised how well the chrome came back to life. Use some 00steel wool and you will be amazed how well you can get the finish back. I also polished all the gauge plastic. Here are some pics

[Pharaohabq]

Okay, this has about convinced me to repair mine rather than cap. I already bought the cap, so it might be on Ebay soon if this works. These dashes look amazing. I expect this method should work well for dash modifications too, not that I have any planned unless my Carputer will require...

nice work, it's almost 3 years since that original repair and so far so good, I'm sold.

Phar

[virtualorgasm]

hmmm i think im going to try this

[Jeffrey]

I have 4 260z dashes here. I'm going to cap the dash in my car for now and try this on the spares I have. Can't wait to see the results.

[onuthin]

I don't know if this will work on dashes,But it worked great on repairing a few consoles and a lot of ashtrays.After filling the holes and cracks with JB weld I bought some silly putty and flattened it out while a little warm,then laid on flat part of console.I rolled it out until it left a good impression of texture and put in refrigerator until it became stiff.When the JB weld was almost hard I pressed the silly putty firmly but evenly over area I was working on for a few seconds and evenly lifted it back off.It left a perfect texture look.After the JBweld hardened I used the correct paint to match.It has been a couple years and I can't tell where it was repaired.I don,t know why this won't work on a dash? Ronnie

[lonetreesteve]

Someone wanted to know how it held up? I can tell you.........beautiful 'cause I now own the car that Bruce fixed. I didn't even know it had been done! Great job Bruce....just like the entire resto you did on the rest of the car. Guy

The dash is still "as new". No problems at all......the car is kept in a temp controlled garage....that may not be a good test lab vs. a car left outside. Bruce did an awesome job and an awesome thread. Guy

Guy,
Bruce really did a remarkable restoration job with your '70 and I'm glad to hear the dash repair that he did (that started this great thread) is holding up so well. I really like the new wheels you put on the car and I also like what you and your Dad have done with the '71 car. I'm not sure if Bruce ever told you the story when he rescued the '70 from the Arizona desert or if you ever read the old thread, but it's a great story:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=21629

[Jeffrey]

I was ready to put the final coats of paint on my restored dash and I turned my back after wiping it down with cleaner and it fell off the work bench. . It didn't crack in the same place but in three new places. Very small hairline cranks. It was looking amazing to. I was so excited to be almost finished.

Well I guess I start over...

[ChrisZ]

Jeff, have a look at this New 260Z dash

Chris

[Diseazd]

Steve....Thanks so much for pointing out that thread.....Bruce did an incredible job of restoration....he didn't cut any corners! Bruce is also an incredible person ( I still stay in touch ) The car is absolutely beautiful and has won 1st at every show I've entered it in! Ask Fred (PIZZAMAN). He's a national judge and knows his stuff. I did build a modified L-28 engine for it ( it really hauls the freight now ), but saved the beautiful original engine that Bruce had built. Wait till you see the finished product on the 71 I'm restoring now. It will be be equally impressive. Thanks again Guy.... By the way...I'm the Dad

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=31001

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=25643

[lonetreesteve]

Guy,

Yes, your '70 is truly an incredible car and I'm not surprised that she takes 1st place in every show you've entered her! From a neglected old car baking in the Arizona desert (see pics below) to multiple award winner, she certainly has come a long ways! I'm sure Bruce is also proud of her as well. I saw your thread with the pictures of the L28 -you did an incredible job -the engine looks absolutely beautiful and I'm sure that it runs great too. I look forward to seeing the pics of you '71 product once it's finished.

[Diseazd]

Steve.....Thanks for all of your kind words.......Bruce gets credit for this resto.....wait till you see the 71......it'll blow you away....I'll take credit for that one.

[DHunt592]

Does anyone know how he restored the wood steering wheel??? In the pictures of Bruce's car (I think the green one) the steering wheel looks brand new along with the dash... I'm curious to know the steps of making the wheel look as good as new with the very bright red/brown glossy finish.... -Thanks --Dan

71 240z, 72 240z, 72 240z. 2000 tacoma and one very understanding girlfriend...

[Bonzi Lon]

DHunt592: The steering wheel IS NOT wood, but a resin that is painted to look like wood, so good it fools everybody. Search 'steering wheel restoration', several good threads.

Bonzi Lon

[esmit208]

I must agree BD
It looks SWEEEEEET! Patience and a little craftmanship can go a long way. I have several dashes in various stages of wear so I can have a few practice tosses. Thank you for sharing the pics. I live in Florida so I will be tested by both heat and humidity. I am thinking of using a few dowels to connect and strengthen the area to be repaired.

[Inf]

DHunt592: The steering wheel IS NOT wood, but a resin that is painted to look like wood, so good it fools everybody. Search 'steering wheel restoration', several good threads.

Bonzi Lon

Not this again!

It's not painted to look like wood:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...steering+wheel

[grungedude42]

I'm in the process of attempting this procedure myself. However, now that I have my dash out, I've noticed a particularly weak spot above the center of the three small gauge slots. If I were to use flexible bumper repair below the dash foam and reinforce with a fiberglass square or two, taking up about a 3" by 3" area, would that be an effective means of protection?

[stony]

Very cool i was just looking for repair methods for my drag Z. gonna try this soon.

[WildmaN]

Been a long time since I posted or been on this site. But this looks quite interesting. And I may give it a go, sometime in the near future. I own 4 280zx's. And I plan to fix them all up. Thanks for the detailed pics, and information.

I am currently getting my '82 slicktop running, and roadworthy. Just still have some minor things to do to it. I have a fuel dumping problem, and still need to troubleshoot. I am sure I can get it figured out.

[ZCurves]

I am in the process of putting in a new dash in my '78 and I would really like to replace the old AC Duct-Work with fresh new stuff. Does anyone have a lead where I could get a complete set? Please let me know!

I have been looking at old school breather hoses from the parts store, and they would work if I wrapped them with insulation. The problem is finding the smaller 1 inch hose to the floor area...

I plan to post pictures of the process.

[kenz240z]

I recently repaired the dash in my '71 using the process initially described in this thread. I started by repairing the deepest cracks with fiberglass. I then filled the cracks and low spots with the spray foam and cut it down with a hacksaw. I began covering the cracks with the SEM bumper repair epoxy, but soon ran out. Too many cracks! I switched to the NAPA bumper repair kit.

In my experience, I'd say the NAPA epoxy is easier to work with. The NAPA epoxy has a slower cure time, which allowed me to mix up bigger batches and cover more of the cracks at a time. Both products seem to provide a similar flexible coat when cured.

I ended up spraying the dash with Duplicolor truck bed liner. It provided a grainy finish with a nice semi-gloss finish. There was no need to spray it with the SEM trim black afterwards. I think it turned out pretty good!

[Gary in NJ]

Outstanding. After all is said and done I'm sure you saved over $750 from what the "pros" charge. You'll have a lot more pride in your result then from writing a check.

[geezer]

That really looks great Kenny! It looks like you have achieved a very nice textured finish, that suits the car just fine. Even the guys spending the big bucks for proffesional recovering cannot get the texture exactly like the original. I have been considering doing mine before reinstalling it in the car. I don't have any cracks yet but looking closely, I can see where its only a matter of time, likely after the car is back on the road. Looking at a successful repair like yours, makes me feel better about attempting it myself. Thanks for the pics!

[CoastGuardZ]

Wow Kenny! Spectacular. I get updates on this thread via email which previews the text but doesn't show pictures... well when I read 'Duplicolor truck bedliner' I was like, Geez what a bad idea. But boy was I wrong! That looks great and I can't wait do mine. Thanks for posting!

[mlc240z]

Excellent Kenny!
I'm assuming that the truck bed liner has more UV blockers since it's for exterior so that should wear really well and resist sun better than OEM.

Do you think you'll have a problem with cracking since it's on a flexible dash as opposed to a metal truck bed?

Looks like you used the spray can and not the roller from the evenness of the finish.

[kenz240z]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Barring any direct blows to the dash, I think it will hold up well. I did use the spray can version of the Duplicolor truck bed liner and it went on kind of thick. Plus, I broke off quite a bit of the top of the dash by tapping with a hammer. The old vinyl was almost like an eggshell and it didn't take much pressure to crack it and peel it off.

After I repaired all the cracks with the foam and bumper repair epoxy I initially sprayed it with the SEM texture, but wasn't happy with the way it turned out. I followed the directions and held the can 18" inches or so from the surface, but it went on real dry and most of the texture rubbed off. So I sanded the dash back down and sprayed the bed liner on. The bed liner route also saves a step, as it has a nice semi-gloss black finish that looks good for the dash. Thus, there is no need to spray it with the SEM trim black.

Maybe with a bit more practice I could get the SEM texture to work. I'll be repairing another dash for my '73 240Z V8 project.