I had originally posted this in the detailing forum, but it doesn't seem to get much action, so I've reposted it herein. Any advice is appreciated...

Does anyone know of a good, reliable, and perhaps somewhat discrete means of stopping a crack in the dash before it gets too far along? Starting at the back right corner of my left front speaker grille I have a crack in the dash that is currently less than an inch long. I have seen various "dash repair" products around. Are some better than others?

Thanks,
-Ken
1984 300SD

I've heard of drilling a small hole at the end of the crack. This supposedly gives it a radius and prevents it from going further. I haven't tried it myself. But really there is not much you can do except to park in the shade to slow down any further damage.

__________________
1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

a hole works for metal. i would think the dash cover would laugh at it. don't actually know though.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I would use epoxy, smoothing it out --- and then painting it the proper dash color ... you can buy paints to match. Just one thought. One of the patching kits may work, but they still need a solid base to apply the top patching in that case -- depending on the open area that may exist under the crack, etc.etc. BC

__________________
Ben Harrison Carter
1999 Mercedes ML320 87K
1992 Mercedes 300CE 89K
1995 Corvette 29K -- Sold Dec 09
1989 Mercedes 420SEL 99K -- (Sold 4/08)
1968 Mercedes 230S (106K) (Sold 9/06))
1976 Mercedes 450SEL 130K (Just sold - 06)
1961 Mercedes 220Sb (sold years ago)

Judging from my experience with drywall work, the repair might look worse than the crack itself!

__________________
1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

I believe a small, nicely drilled hole may work in plastic as I have seen Airframe and Powerplant mechanics often do this to small cracks in the very lightweight plastic panels and trim in light aircraft. Call your local airport and ask the mechanic perhaps...?

Instead of drilling a hole... maybe heat a pin and make a hole with that, the heat will make a hole and should also push some plastic into a lip around the hole..strengthening it?

Anil