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Cracks in dash
velvet glove - August 16th, 2006 at 05:45 PM

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 - August 16th, 2006 at 06:12 PM

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 - August 16th, 2006 at 07:40 PM

What would you suggest as an alternative?

65busser - August 16th, 2006 at 09:01 PM

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 - August 16th, 2006 at 09:54 PM

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 :smilegrin:

megalania - August 16th, 2006 at 10:06 PM

Could you buy some vinyl and try it yourself or would the vinyl warp after the first hot day?

MISS VDUB - August 18th, 2006 at 01:18 AM

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 - August 18th, 2006 at 01:20 AM

shiney = johnsons baby oil.. works a treat and its cheap..

aussiebaja - August 23rd, 2006 at 08:14 PM

have a look on ebay there is a dash on there ,could be the right one

greedy53 - September 11th, 2006 at 09:43 PM

lanolin just great

mscabrio - October 15th, 2006 at 05:58 PM

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 - October 15th, 2006 at 07:15 PM

Would like to here and see the results miss cab

blutopless2 - October 16th, 2006 at 08:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by beerdoc
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 - November 17th, 2006 at 05:38 PM

I managed to score an awesome dash off Ebay! So stoked! :bounce

Ash x

neonuke - November 17th, 2006 at 05:55 PM

wow ash, I found the ebay auction that you won. looks great! :tu:

bus914 - November 17th, 2006 at 06:07 PM

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 - November 20th, 2006 at 12:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by neonuke
wow ash, I found the ebay auction that you won. looks great! :tu:


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

Ash x