Is it possible to repair a cracked dash?
Apart from cracks the dash is in a good condition.
Does someone has an advice?
I have a full face dash cover (MSA) but I would like to restore the original.

Thorsten

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T. Link
Germany
1971 240z (HLS30-16506)

Hi, Thor, long time!

I'm not sure this is the right thing, so I inquired of the person who
asked the question which began the thread. The location is:

ZCar.com
70-83 Technical Discussion Forum
6 threads down: "Anybody ever try this: padded dash filler"

My question had to do with whether the purpose of that product was
to repair dashboard cracking and damage such as seems so common
on our early Zs.

All Z Best,.................................Kathy & Rick

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All Z Best,.......Kathy & Rick

1969 Z.CAR (#00013 10/69) 8/30/76
1969 ITSA.Z (#00171 11/69) 8/24/73
1970 OLD.Z (#06289 6/70) original owner
1971 510 2dr since 12/31/75
1969 1600 rdstr (our 160-Z)
1971 (#19851 1/71) sold
1975 75.Z (#01343 1/75)

I have heard of ways of doing this, I wish my dash looked as good as yours,lol. I have a full carpet now, that at least looks better, but someday I'm going to look into having it wrapped in leather. Yes it has been done, and even in sued, and it looks so good, I know it's not original, but it seems that is how it should of been from day one. Talk about a vintage look. Just a thought there. Those dashes go for $1,500 at MSA.

Hello Thor. I have never seen a Z dash "repaired" that looks as good as new. There are folks out there that do the repair, but don't expect perfection.

JUST DASHES in California will take your original dash, strip it and re-mold a new vinyl pad to it. Not inexpensive, approximately $1200 plus shipping. The result is very good.

My suggestion would be to install the MSA full dash cover. It is inexpensive, easy to install and you only know it's there if you are looking for it.

My 2 centZ!

_________________
John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

John, I have a MSA full face dash cover already here. It's a good part. But I'm - to be honest - a little bit unconvinced.

Thorsten

_________________
T. Link
Germany
1971 240z (HLS30-16506)

Thor, if I had a 240Z that I was preserving as an absolute original 100 point stock example, then cost would not be an issue and I would pay whatever necessary for a NOS perfect dash OR have the cracked one properly redone.

If my car was a driver, or even a nice #2 or 3 car, then the dash cover would suit me just fine. Fortunately my 240 dash is still original and uncracked, but I have one in my 280Z and believe me, no one notices. It looks great.

But if it would bother you to know that it is there, then by all means explore other options. YOU have to be happy with your car!

_________________
John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

OR, I think I found a perfect dash, but have to buy the whole car, $1,700. 72, red with white interior, and looks pretty darn good.

[ YOU have to be happy with your car!)[/quote]

Oh yes John, I am, it's like a "holiday" every time I enter the garage or rather the workshop where the car currently is. And the weather seems to predict: spring is not far, guy.

However: I think I will try to eliminate the cracks as good as possible. After all I have a good option with the MSA-cover.

BWT: My family and me will come to the US in summer. The flights are already booked. Would be so glad to meet you all!

Thorsten

_________________
T. Link
Germany
1971 240z (HLS30-16506)

We are DEFINITELY looking forward to meeting you!!!

I would meet you at the airport if you don't have anyone else already arranged!

Frank

.....and your going to bring some Mozart candies and some real German beer right. Well I've seen the full dash covers, and I think it's not a bad option at all. The half ones I don't like.

I have a full-face dash cover on my car, and I have recently learned I can't change my broken tachometer without pulling the dash cover off, which will destroy it because it's epoxied on.

Which means I simply have to buy another full dash cover or a new dash.

I would try and repair it first . I had had to take the dash out a few times because of the cover to change bulbs and such. It is a pain but the up side is it now only takes me about 20 mins or so to remove it . Jim

Yeah, because you left half the bolts out?

Well, I have also heard of people that would shave down the cracks, fill em with bondo, and repaint the whole thing, it looks more like a plastic dash now. My dash, clearly shows, that is what someone did, they used fiberglass mesh instead, for I can see it, and what happened was the sun baked the paint they used and it all bubbled up, so who knows, maybe it did look good at once.

Naw,no bolts left out . First time took me over an hour .So in the many times it's been out to try and repair the heater system messed up by the po it's gotten easier but no less painful. Jim