Cracked Dashboard Repair - Padded Dashboard

This Datsun 280Z dash has a large split in the vinyl, exposing the underlying urethane foam. The vinyl is puckered at each edge, which will require a fairly wide repair. This video shows the step-by-step procedures for restoring this dashboard.

At the end of the video, we demonstrate how to use Polyvance’s 3803 Flextex VT to re-texture the dash after it has been repaired.

Look below for links to some of the products from the video.

Chapters:
Intro: 0:00
Overview of repair process: 0:10
Cleaning & grinding the v-groove: 1:11
Laying down FiberFlex rods: 2:09
Sanding the FiberFlex: 3:02
Applying adhesion promoter & Padded Dash Filler: 3:49
Sanding & applying more filler: 4:36
Applying adhesion promoter & primer: 5:19
Texturing options: 5:53
Final look: 6:26

⚠️ Important ⚠️
- Always wear proper safety gear while working!
- The length of this video is in no way representative of the actual time required to perform a complete repair and therefore should not be used for estimating purposes.

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[frasercocks]

I used this product for the first time today. I must admit, I went into this somewhat skeptical. And the results were impressive. It works! I will use this product again and recommend it for this type of repair.


My approach...I reinstalled the dash on my car and it seemed to have shrank somewhat since it has been sitting for some time. I re-fastened it and had to warm the plastic with a heat gun and stretch it back into place. Once it was in place I did the repair. I expect it will fit much better having done the repair in this way. I plan to paint it out of the car and then install it permanently.

[benjaminnielsen]

Wow! Finally, someone made a proper video of an old Z dash repair, professionally done, and yet possible to be done at home by a do-it-yourselfer. Well done! Thank you.

[Mondo]

Has to be the best demo of how to do a dash properly. Need to redo mine so I’ve watch a ton of videos and this is the first professional well done how to video I’ve seen. Thanks

[austint]

Came here to learn how to fix a patch and now I'm rethinking career paths. Love this

[rootin-vgxp]

I was totally sitting here thinking "there's no way they're going to be able to completely hide that split". Wow was I wrong. That was too cool to watch! Amazing job, came out looking brand new

[nkmao_]

I'm new to working on cars, and I started with a complete teardown and motor swap. I'm looking to restore my interior with the parts I have, but wow, I didn't know we could do this sort of work either. Thank you so much 🙏

[rizball]

lol I did this repair on my 76 Mercury capri back in 83... only I jumped straight to Bondo and used a can of rustoleum... used a piece of vinyl with texture and pressed it into the primer to match the original dash then sprayed it plack a few times... cost me less than $10 and looked great!

[prakashdayanandan]

the most proffesional job ive ever seen

[wellnessforall]

This is magic. I couldn't believe my eyes. Awesome craftmanship.

[ambushby]

I'm glad I can watch it done right and properly instead of trying it with my current knowledge and messing it up, all these videos are satisfying

[hawgdawg]

This process is bad to da bone. You've just given me some great ideas on repairing my truck dash, as well as a side business in restoring these types of components. Woot! Woot!

[Kewrock]

Fixing the dash is the easy part. Getting it out and putting it back in is the project.

[arborinfelix]

I would give a thumb up for the tutorial but I have already gave it away for the heavy metal riff at the beginning. Great tutorial and great craftsmanship.

[LionTree]

I'm looking to restore a Datsun dash as well! Great tutorial.

[FALLOUTrads]

I've been doing custom interiors and repairs for 17 years. I came up with a procedure almost identical to this. Using products from the auto paint store originally designed for repairing rubber and plastic body panels. The only real difference is the heated plastic filer you guys use other then that it's the exact same process. I can attest to the fact that this is the absolute best way to repair a dash even if it's going to be re wrapped with leather or vinyl. Good job guys #greatmindsthinkalike

[joeweaver]

Thanks to this video I am now content to live with the cracked dash in my old truck. Too much work and too expensive to fix!

[masmainster]

I thought when I first started watching this video it was going to end up looking like crap, but it turned out very good, i had a 260z with a damaged dashboard just that one.

[HLDAY]

That looked so easy.My father owns a body shop and I have a old 2007 Honda accord and the dashboard wrecked.Im gonna try this before I buy a new dashboard.

[mitchellpatterson]

Really good tutorial, if a little overproduced. Appreciate the materials list in the description.

[pngman]

Wow, didn't realize you could repair those. That saves me time (and money) looking for a maroon '86 Vic dashboard...