I figured i would steal an idea from the Bad Obsession Motorsports playbook and try using a material similar to spandex and some fiberglass resin to repair the dash pad

 

Interesting. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this.

 

Yes, as high as these things are it would be worth repairing. Looking forward to seeing it myself

 

I am interested in the final result. Do you plan to use SEM Texture Coating after you get done sanding it down to restore a texture?

 

I'm watching!!!

 

i honestly havent thought that far ahead. Just wanted to see if it covered the cracks and didnt look like crap. So fa it seems to be working. Alot of sanding tpo smooth it out now

 

so this is dash pad number two from one of my other cars. the first one got thrown back in the car so wife could drive it. I still think this is a great option the only trick is to trim down where the cracks are so it can fill it in rather than have a raised area. Ordered some SEM trim paint to try on these also


trying to layer the resin so minimal filler is needed to smooth it out

the cracks tend to raise back up. smashed them down and added another layer of resin

 

why not just grind the cracks into a v shape and fill?

watching!

 

I actually did, but i did not realize how much they sloped towards the cracks. You have to go back 4-6 inched on each side to have the top flat. So i am having to build up to them so it don't look warped. I have one more to do when this one is done and i am going to try and remove more area around the cracks so i don't have to build it up and sand as much. I was trying to show that in some of the recent pictures. Still think the out come is looking very good

 

I kinda figured you did, and yes I can see what you have to v shape over 4 to 6 inches. I think it looks pretty good as well! Looking forward to see how it comes out!

 

Finally was happy with the flatness enough to put a second layer of fabric and resin. Once i resin the fabric on the underside and trim off the extra it should be ready for some final sanding

 

so i was wondering how much small imperfections the textured paint will cover? I am trying to decide whether or not to use some filler to smooth it out even more. It currently is all fabric and resin and very solid with no fear of cracking so do i leave it and shoot it with the paint or use filler to try to get it perfect? Any thoughts?

 

you're already this far. i would use filler and make it perfect. i know if it were me, i would eventually regret not going that one extra step.

 

Finished with the bondo and sanding. primered for now but texture paint soon

 

I for one am very curious how this turns out. Looks really good so far!

 

I know I’m late on this but...

The dash pad is looking great, if that SEM paint is just an average rattle can paint it’s not going to cover anything (Imperfections) and I’d be a little scared of it holding up sitting directly in the sun. Worst case scenario you’ll have to repaint it when I faded so I know it’s not the end of the world.

If it was me I’d spray it now with a good 2 part surfacer to fill any imperfections and then try to find a 2 part semi-gloss black and not have to worry about it ever again.


Another thing, if you were to use a 2 part surfacer it will probably be full of orange peel and if you don’t knock it flat before covering it with your color it might would give off a slight textured finish.

Either way, looking good.

 

Any update on this?

 

i decided tio test fit it before finall paint and glad i did. I am having an issue where the pad doesnt want to go all the way back to the windshield tosit in its position. I believe i have to take a little off where the piller meets the dash pad as it seems to be hitting. Put it aside as work has me alittle busy but will get back to it very soon. This is where its at

 

Looks nice! Cant wait to see it done!

 

been 5 years....
when are you getting back to it?