DIY repairs are one of the best ways to save big on vehicle maintenance costs. Do you have scratches or cracks in your vehicle’s dash? There are several ways to repair them without bringing your car to a shop. You’ll save a ton of money on labor costs.
Most scratches and cracks in dash panels happen as a result of:
- Sun exposure
- Intense temperatures
- A side effect of repairing something else
- Scraping something else against the dash
- Improperly removing something that was mounted on the dash
Everyone faces the dash in the vehicle, so scratches and cracks on the dash are quite noticeable. They can be an eyesore, too. The good news is there are some different ways to repair damage on your dash.
Let’s talk about some of the best ways to repair (or cover up) damage on your vehicle’s dash.
1. Remold The Plastic
This sounds like something only professionals can do, but it’s something the average Joe can pull off. That is, after a lot of practice. This method is good for repairing light or deep scratches.
The process involves the use of a heat gun to somewhat melt down the plastic. Next, you would need to retexture the plastic to get it to match the original pattern. This step can be very difficult and tricky. You need to use an interior grain pad to achieve this.
This method is a great way to fix scratches on a dash, but it’s not easy at all. If you have no experience doing this, we recommend trying another solution.
2. Use A Car Dash Repair Kit
Depending on the damage you have on your dash, a car dash repair kit may do the trick. You will find many different car dash repair kits available at local auto parts stores or online. Some car dash repair kits come with putty. Others come with epoxy.
If you decide to use a car dash repair kit, be sure to do research. You want to get the right kit for your car dash. For example, you need a kit with:
- The right color
- The right material(s)
- The right purpose
A quick search will reveal details like the material used to repair the car’s dash panel and other things the kit comes with. For instance, if you need a car repair kit for dents and scratches, be sure to get one that’s made for that type of damage. There are even kits for fixing dents and dings on the glass in the dash (the instrument cluster glass, for example).
There are also kits for cracks, chips, and other types of severe damage. These kits usually come with special epoxy resin-based materials that can resist acid and heat. You can paint over these materials (once dried and hardened). If done well, it can be a long-lasting repair job. Yet, such a cover-up can be pretty noticeable. It can be hard to find a kit with the exact same paint color as your dash. You also have to worry about matching the pattern of the dash if it’s textured.
3. Replace The Dash Panel
If you don’t want to spend time fixing your dash, you can replace the entire dash panel. Replacing the dash is quite easy. Some of the products sold on the market are pre-assembled pieces that require no special tools or skills to install.
The majority of dash replacement parts are designed to fit certain makes and models. All you need to do is carefully measure the spot where the damage exists and then buy the correct replacement dash panel. Before putting the new dash back into place, test it out to see if the edges are sharp and clear of cut lines. If they are not, you will need to apply some filler to fill in the spaces.
This solution makes sense when your dash has a lot of damage, such as large and wide cracks. If your dash has minor damage, it makes more sense to repair it. You’ll save a lot of money that way.
4. Install All-Fit Gap Trim
If you have minor scratches between the gaps on your dash, a set of All-Fit Gap Trim will cover it right up.
All-Fit Gap Trim is a strip of durable rubber that can be fitted between the gaps on your dash. It’s a great way to cover up minor damage on the panel edges. You can choose from a few different colors:
- Carbon fiber
- Chrome
- Red
- White
Hire A Professional As A Last Resort
Sometimes you would be better off having a professional do the work for you. Maybe you don’t have time to repair your dash. Or maybe you’re a little anxious about getting the job done yourself. A professional can repair or replace your dash.
If you decide to get a professional to do the work for you, be sure to choose a company that has plenty of experience in car repair kits and dash replacements. This way, you will be assured that the job is done right the first time.
