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[JMasters]

I noticed recently that the stereo (centrally located) console trim facing on the dashboard no longer seems to fit over the indentations made for it. (see top of arch in picture, just ignore the dust )

The trim hasn't slipped, leaving me to think that something is causing the dashboard to lift. The dashboard has no cracks, and it appears to have foam underneath it. Does foam expand over time as it ages? Any other ideas?

I tried pressing it down to see if maybe a clip had worked loose, but there didn't seem to be any "give", and the lifting appears to be happening (upon closer inspection) on the left and center sections of the dashboard.


How could I address this issue and bring the dashboard back down? (do I slip a blade under there and trim down some of the foam?)

Just curious, given no cracks in the dash.

[Cale]

Unfortunately, most modern vehicles are made with materials that are not designed to last over time. I have seen this same issue predominantly in Asian cars. the board itself warps over time due to either being outside all of the time and constantly subject to sun and temperature extremes or the material in general.

That I know of there is no simple fix or repair to this issue without opening a Pandora's box. All that you can do is to try to prevent it from getting worse.

Always clean the dash with a microfiber towel and clean water. Some chemical cleaners will break down the plastic further.
Keep it clean in general. Dirt and dust are to these dashes like moisture is to metal , it just speeds up the decay process.
Keep the dash out of the sun as much as possible.
Avoid extreme temps and temp changes.

You could try to heat it and use weights to push it down then let it cool there. But, I am afraid that you might ruin the vinyl or leather before the plastic gets hot enough to remold. Also, every time that this stuff is heated and cooled in extreme it degrades, so, be careful it trying to attempt ANY kind of repair.

I am pretty sure that my information is correct. But, in the event that it is not please correct me so that I will know and change my view on this subject.

[JMasters]

Cale, thank you for your info. I don't have experience with this area, and you're probably right. This last summer the van was parked in the driveway in a locked up condition for several months due to an expensive repair being needed. Prior to that I typically would park it with the window cracked to let heat escape.

I appreciate your answer. Thank you.

[John]

Yep Cale is right to the best of my knowledge as well. Those molded foam dashes are pretty much a replacement once they start to go. I don't know of any repair methods that arnt a massive amount of time. It might be worth asking a vinyl repair specialist. They may have some tricks.

[Joemcglynn]

I was actual;y just going to ask about dash pad repair. I spent today driving three hours each way to pick up a 1965 Dart GT as a Christmas present for my son. The body is very solid, the only rust-through is on the bottom edge of the trunk lid. It runs and drives and is mechanically decent - although it needs some TLC before any road trips. The interior needs to be re-done (yeah!).

Like many old cars, the dash pad is split and cracked. I don’t believe replacements are available for this car, so we will need to repair the original. I’d like to wrap it in vinyl to match whatever we use on the seats...but first I need to repair the pad.

I found this place https://www.polyvance.com/Repair-Cracked-Dashboard/, looks like I could use that plastic welding rod to fix the cracks, and the flex filler to blend it in before wrapping it. I also thought about using a soft urethane casting compound like this https://www.mcmaster.com/8644k51 to fill the cracks.

Anyone have any advice to experience to share?

The factory interior was blue, but it might be fun to do it I red...

[JMasters]

There are actually no cracks in my dashboard, so I was wondering why it was starting to lift up, and wondering what others might know. I figure it was like Cale was saying.... that the heat may have caused the foam inside to lift up/deform.

[Bondo497]

@Joemcglynn
Cool Mopar!

[Cale]

@JMasters No problem.
Great topic though. This is one of those grey areas that needs some attention. In several years, when hopefully, people will be restoring our modern cars, they will need a definitive solution to this problem. Well, other than just replacing a part.

@Joemcglynn Way back in 1989 I helped a friend of mine repaint one those Guards Red. It was an amazing looking car. If can remember correctly, I think that the car was originally white with a blue interior as well. We redid it in black and left all of the original chrome trim on the inside.

[BigRig]

@Joemcglynn ,

Nice Lightning! We have one just like it.

[John]

@Joemcglynn If you plan on warping it with vinyl then you can just fiber glass the cracks and then body work the dash smooth and then wrap it. Its a lot of work though.