cracking dashboard
 

I have a 1980 240D that is great in all resects excpet for the dash. The dash has six or seven cracks that go from the windshield all the way to the front of the dash, and there is a rip by the ignition. What are my options for a fix?

I have heard of a reskinning the dash, is that possible?

Thanks.

I have used a repair kit that includes a vinyl type chemical & glue with a heat wand to repair small cracks (less than 1/2") in dashboards. However, I am unsure how well this repair kit would work on long cracks such as yours (plus it would take several repair kits to get enough chemicals).

There are replacement overlays for dashboards. Perhaps FastLane has them - so check with them. I do know other aftermarket suppliers have them for about $110 without the climate control sensor cut-out or about $125 with the sensor cut-out. If FastLane does not have it, let me know and I will give you info on where to find one.

Tom

Go to dashhugger.com
I just bought a cover for my sons car and it was only $45. I haven't got it yet but I have seen one on a newer VW Jetta. They look very nice.

I have a brand new black dash cover for the 123. I'll sell it for $50.

Thanks for the offer, Matt. It sounds like a deal, however, my interior is blue.

How does the dash cover work? Does it just glue over the old one? Is it obvious?

Thanks!

TxBill

The dash topper stay in place without the glue? I would think it would move around alot

I got a quote for 189.00 for my 300SDL do you rec any good dealers or are they all about the same quality.

Thanks
MikeSDL

MikeSDL

I

My dash has the same type of cracks and it is also blue. I read somewhere that for some reason, it was common for the blue dashes to crack. My father owns an '85 300D with a black dash and it's in perfect shape with only 1 small crack at the base of the windshield,

Cracking dashboard
 

If you have a good bone yard nearby, you can sometimes find a very good dash with no cracks. Lots of work, but better than the other substitutes. And while you have the dash out, replace all those leaking vacuum actuators that you otherwise can't get to---without removing the dash. I have an excellent dash from the local pull-a-part---total cost $10 bill--- that I am getting ready to install in a '76 300D. A good time to get acquainted with everything under there.
Ken

to kweimer...
 

Is your car list real???
Man, my family would kill me to have that many cars hanging around running or not!!!! But I would love it;)

It's real!
 

That list is real! And that is just the Mercedes---I collect Nissan 200SX's and 300ZX's from 1984 to 1988. In total, I have about 70 cars in my back yard. I have a big back yard---20 acres---although my cars take up only about 2 acres. When you are retired, you have to have something to keep you busy! My wife and I have reached a compromise---I told her it's either play with old cars or wild women---so it's old cars. :D

Cracks
 

Darrin,

The blue dashes always crack before the black ones as black resists U.V. attack far better.

Get a good used black one at your local junkyard and put it in yourself. The job goes best if you remove the steering wheel. Both the old one and the new one come out or in easier. You'll love how it looks afterwards and it'll problably cost less than a cover.

Ben

Black may be better.
 

Darrin,

For what it's worth, my 82 240 had a new dash installed (in Germany) about 6-7 years ago. It cracked within 3 years or so afterwards. It too is BLUE.
The other colors are longer lived I've heard.

Anyway, I have gone to the cover system, and I actually don't mind the look, keeping in mind the car is 20 years old. (My need for profile may be less than yours)

two velcro strips hold it in place.
good luck