dash pad restoration help

**Baloo** · 03-24-2003, 06:38 PM

Hi folks.

I have 2 Q's:

1. What is the best way to fix cracks in the dash pad? I have one crack about 3 inches long and another about 2 inches. Would one of those upholstry kits work, like the ones you can get at the auto parts shop?

2. What is the best way to change the color of the dash pad? Mine is blue now and I want it to be grey. I guess spray paint would work, but I want it to look nice. Or are there dyes for this purpose?

Thanks

Elliott

jeepzoob · 03-24-2003, 10:48 PM

Look on ebay you can find dash pads for cheap in all diffrent colors

CJOOP7 · 03-25-2003, 04:48 AM

I'm interested in the best way to fix cracks myself, but as far as changing color I plan to use vinyl spray paint. I changed the color of my seats using just that and saved a ton of $$ over buying new seats. You can buy vinyl spray paint at most auto parts stores. I wanted a tan color which was a little harder to find but just about everyone at least has black.
The only thing about painting the dash pad is the raised letter JEEP insignia is usually a slightly different shade than the rest of the pad. I'm not sure if that will take care of itself when painted due to it's different texture. We'll see and I'll let you know if I get to it soon.
You can buy these off ebay or other websites but its hard to find one in excellent shape and they don't give them away. Besides to me owning a CJ is about finding a way to make what you've got what you want (and being married means you do it as inexpensively as possible).

**CJeep** · 03-25-2003, 07:40 AM

My dash pad is in great shape. but I've always been a little bummed that the raised letters were a little faded. Now this guy on ebay sell stick-on letters AND lets you make the logo R,W & B. I'm on the fence, but kinda liking it.

**Baloo** · 03-25-2003, 07:52 AM

CJOOP7, Thanks for the help. Let me know how it turns out. As far as the cracks, I may just pick up one of those repair kits where you mix colors and spread it on, then use vinyl spray paint.

CJeep, Thanks for the help also. I have seen those one ebay and was considering trying it.

Elliott

cinnamonbelle · 03-28-2003, 08:07 AM

A thought and a question.

I'm not so sure those little vinyl repair kits are any good... might be worthwhile to experiment on a white piece of paper to see how it looks first. This is an off-the-wall suggestion, but I wonder about clear 'Shoe Goo' (or is it 'Shoo Goo')... or some other polyurethene-type gooey stuff. Might be worth a deep browse in a good hardware store as well as picking up one of those little repair kits.

The question:

>I'm interested in the best way to fix cracks myself, but as far as changing color I plan to use vinyl spray paint. I changed the color of my seats using just that and saved a ton of $$ over buying new seats. <

Does it look fine vs. an obvious do-it-yourselfer? Wow. Hmm.

(My most-successful-use-of-DIY-product has to have been using spray decal remover when it was finally necessary to take off the 'Laredo' and striping from my Jeep years ago... was able to buff the hood down after that, apply a little black spray paint carefully and some spray clearcoat, and people kept asking me after that if the Jeep was new.)

CB

**Baloo** · 03-28-2003, 10:15 AM

Damn! There's a decal remover spray? I spent over 8 hours scraping mine off with razor blades. Ah well, it's over and done now.

I haven't seen that shoe goo stuff. I'm gonna take a good look in the hardware store and the auto parts stores, too.

Elliott

twmattox · 04-01-2003, 07:46 AM

The cracks on mine were significantly larger. The problem with the Vinyl repair kit is the limited amount of filler (you have to fill the cracks with a filler then bring to level with the color stuff). You can't buy additional filler, and sillicone doesn't work.

I decided to use the 2-part epoxy putty, kneed together, and fill the cracks. Then use a small nail to trace slight vinyl lines, and sand smooth. Then used the Vinyl Paint to paint black. Worked great so far.

mikeonbike1962 · 01-08-2011, 01:57 PM

I just picked up a dash board this week and used the permatex repair kit (i've had it in the garage for like 20 years). It's difficult to get it to stick to the existing pad without roughing up the area some. I used krylon fusion for plastic black spray. This is great stuff and also works excellent on the rubber wheel fenders of the older jeeps after sanding wet 320.

I need to find those decals..

mikeonbike
orlando

benullman · 01-08-2011, 02:45 PM

holy 8 year old thread batman!!

Ben

mikeonbike1962 · 01-08-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJeep

My dash pad is in great shape. but I've always been a little bummed that the raised letters were a little faded. Now this guy on ebay sell stick-on letters AND lets you make the logo R,W & B. I'm on the fence, but kinda liking it.

Help me!! I did a seach for cj dash decals... found nada. post a link for these Please!

mike