Cracked dashboard

Gary111 · 01-29-2011, 10:30 AM

I have a 2004 Dolphin. I noticed the screws that hold the dashboard down (up along the windshield) were backed out and the dashboard was loose. I started to tighten them down but noticed that by each screw hole the dashboard was cracked. There are 10 screws in a little trough that runs along the front of the dash and each hole is cracked. Has anyone noticed this problem and how did you fix it? I am thinking of 1 or 2 strips of fiberglass and some resin in the trough.
Also, what is a good product to put on the dash to prevent it from deteriorating in the sun.

Theberrys · 01-29-2011, 01:54 PM

Gary

Trying to repair the plastic by patching and drilling new holes hasn't worked out for me at all, it just cracks again.

These U-Clips aren't my favorite fasters but sometimes they are the only things that work. If the screw isn't repeatedly removed and reinstalled they hold pretty well.
Amazon.com: TX11 : 170pc U-clip & Screw Assortme: Home Improvement

Dick

Gary111 · 01-30-2011, 12:37 PM

Dick
What materials did you try to repair your dashboard with

Gary

Theberrys · 01-30-2011, 03:08 PM

I used Plastic Epoxy. Then drilled a new hole before installing the screw.

Amazon.com: Super Glue Plastic Fusion Epoxy Adhesive #15277: Home Improvement

It wasn't the dash in the same place as your talking about but same as. Check this picture of the replacement drawers I installed in place of the old backup camera. It was the screws around the edge of the plastic shroud.

Dick

Gary111 · 01-30-2011, 03:28 PM

Dick

I thinik I'll try fiberglass and resin, then get a dash mat for the dash to keep the sun off. I really like your drawers you installed. My moniter does not always work properly so I may do the same someday. Very nice.

Gary

**"007"** · 01-30-2011, 04:20 PM

Gary here is what someone did to dress up his dash deck may want to take a look.

Theberrys · 01-30-2011, 04:42 PM

I really like that dash mat the guy made. Gives me ideas

Gary, the glass should work well and make it plenty strong enough to hold.

I have since replaced the crummy felt inserts on the dash, see picture.

The top drawer is a shelf, useful for serving cookies on the road.

But it did add a good bit of weight stress on the attachment screws and thus the problem of cracking.