My 74 1300 Beetle has 5 or 6 cracks in the dash. The cracks are all about 2 or 3cm but the integrity of the dash, after a bit of Armorall, is pretty good.
I have had a look at re-skinning the dash, but I was wondering how I could have a go at it myself first. If what I do fails then I'll get it re-skinned.
Any hints would be appreciated
Bugged Glove
ColumBUS ·
the worst thing you can do for a dash is armourall it!
it hardens your dash, and makes it nice and shiny... but with hot days and cold nights in summer and winter, your dash needs to have a degree of felxibility.
armourall hardens the dash, so when it shifts in the sun or the cold, the armourall makes it worse, and your cracks will spread.
velvet glove ·
What would you suggest as an alternative?
65busser ·
Fishman's right on the money. Other than vinyl welding the cracks, which looks crap and only lasts until the next hot day, re-skinning is the only way to make it look right. Or you might just find a good one on here if you ask.
Good luck
Brad
velvet glove ·
Thanks guys. The only drama I have is that I can't seem to find anywhere in Canberra that will re-skin, and I'll have to take it off and ship it interstate.......unless someone has one lying around in Canberra or nearby 😁
megalania ·
Could you buy some vinyl and try it yourself or would the vinyl warp after the first hot day?
MISS VDUB ·
I've got cracks in my dash, as most people with L Bugs i know have too. Easily solved with a dash matt. Unsightly cracks vanish before your eyes!
Ash x
h ·
shiney = johnsons baby oil.. works a treat and its cheap..
aussiebaja ·
have a look on ebay there is a dash on there ,could be the right one
greedy53 ·
lanolin just great
mscabrio ·
My 74 also had a few minor cracks in her dash. I heard about getting it vinyl welded but have seen some pretty dodgey jobs. I have sent mine to the Dash Doctor in Melb, am yet to pick it up so I can't show you the result
beerdoc ·
Would like to here and see the results miss cab
blutopless2 ·
beerdoc wrote:Would like to here and see the results miss cab
i have to ring them today to see if it ready to be picked up. will most likely get it on friday so will post pics of the finished job.
MISS VDUB ·
I managed to score an awesome dash off Ebay! So stoked! :bounce
Ash x
neonuke ·
wow ash, I found the ebay auction that you won. looks great! 👍
bus914 ·
does anyone know what owner of this white fastback that you see at every show uses? every part of it looks like it just rolled off the factory line.
MISS VDUB ·
neonuke wrote:wow ash, I found the ebay auction that you won. looks great! 👍
Thanks babe, yeah im thrilled! It's going to look schmick as, my old one was badly cracked, and now i can finally replace it. It's so hard trying to find one in a decent condtion. Even with a dash mat on, i could still see the cracks as they wrapped around the edge.
eBay is addictive though, should come with a warning label! :P