dash crack getting worse

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Ron C

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Hello,

I have that typical dash crack in my 2013 SSV. at first it was a crack that opened up a bit in cold weather and closed again in warm weather. Did anyone find a better solution, even not perfect? I heard about there are shells one could put over it, to cover the top of the dash all together. Are those still sold? (are there places that install them.

I can post a pic later, if needed.

thanks,

Ron
 
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Ron C

Ron C

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I heard that those shells are hit and miss? and takes work to make them fit exactly right?

I was wondering, did anyone try this?:


since I "only" have that one crack, I think I might try that first. Instead of using the "corvette epoxy", would something like JB weld work? (I have tried that on different kinda plastics). I don't know what kind/type of plastic dash is made of. (and don't want to create a big hole in case it dissolves that plastic)
 

iamdub

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I heard that those shells are hit and miss? and takes work to make them fit exactly right?

I was wondering, did anyone try this?:


since I "only" have that one crack, I think I might try that first. Instead of using the "corvette epoxy", would something like JB weld work? (I have tried that on different kinda plastics). I don't know what kind/type of plastic dash is made of. (and don't want to create a big hole in case it dissolves that plastic)

J-B Weld Plastic Epoxy is awesome stuff. If you go a little heavy on the black part of the mix, you can make the color a nearly-perfect match to the color of the dash.

I'd highly suggest stuffing something, if even a folded junk towel under the center area to support it. I don't recall if it's accessible with the radio out or not. But, that's the problem- It's a cheap plastic that doesn't age well coupled with a poor design that can't support itself. Over time, the wide, insufficiently supported center area that's been bouncing for years eventually stresses those points where the dash cracks first. Then it's all downhill from there.
 
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Ron C

Ron C

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the front part can be taken out too, between the dask and windshield (I know since I had to replace it because that one broke/shattered too). JB weld plastic is different then "regular" JB weld?
 

iamdub

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the front part can be taken out too, between the dask and windshield (I know since I had to replace it because that one broke/shattered too). JB weld plastic is different then "regular" JB weld?

Yes. Very. There are other epoxies, but this stuff is ~$5.

Excuse me- it's Plastic Bonder:



I've reattached broken mounting tabs of two rather heavy headlamp assemblies with this stuff with not even a hint of failure.
 

RichardCranium

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1000% recommend Daskskin.

 

Jbirdstruck

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Hey Ron, the dash on my 2011 DPS Tahoe was so full of cracks a repair like the video shows was a no go. After researching dash covers I decided that was more money and time than I wanted to spend, especially with the varying reviews of that method. So I went with a very easy and relatively inexpensive dash mat. There are a couple of options but it is basically a carpet for the dash. I just covered the whole thing up. It looks nice and was cost effective and fast. Here is a pic. Good Luck
 

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Ilikemtb999

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I’ve had a dash skin for about 3 years (cmc installed it) and leaning towards just buying a new dash for $500. It may “look” ok but man it still makes noise when it gets cold….or hot. Just sick of the squeaks.
 

Fubar0715

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Hey Ron, the dash on my 2011 DPS Tahoe was so full of cracks a repair like the video shows was a no go. After researching dash covers I decided that was more money and time than I wanted to spend, especially with the varying reviews of that method. So I went with a very easy and relatively inexpensive dash mat. There are a couple of options but it is basically a carpet for the dash. I just covered the whole thing up. It looks nice and was cost effective and fast. Here is a pic. Good Luck
Mine has the same thing. Out of sight, out of mind at this point...KINDA! I hot stapled and epoxied my NBS dash right before selling it and it worked okay....Not sure I want to pull this out and repair but I have done far more stupid and frustrating things before! :)
 

RichardCranium

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I’ve had a dash skin for about 3 years (cmc installed it) and leaning towards just buying a new dash for $500. It may “look” ok but man it still makes noise when it gets cold….or hot. Just sick of the squeaks.
Sounds like not enough silicon was used. After a confident dry fitting on mine, I knew the skin was to never come off again (intentionally), so I didn't spare a drop in the tube they sent with my DashSkin. I did have a little left, only because I didn't want it oozing out of any ends. I put PLENTY around every crack, in fact I gooped up the progressive cracks so the silicon would contact and bond between all of those surfaces well.

I am in the armpit of the south, we get below zero and well over 100 degrees (even higher with our humidity and heat index). Probably not as cold as you get regularly, but we get a fluctuation which I'd think is worse. Hell, its 70 degrees today....Dec 28th. Not normal by any means. :p
 

Ilikemtb999

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Sounds like not enough silicon was used. After a confident dry fitting on mine, I knew the skin was to never come off again (intentionally), so I didn't spare a drop in the tube they sent with my DashSkin. I did have a little left, only because I didn't want it oozing out of any ends. I put PLENTY around every crack, in fact I gooped up the progressive cracks so the silicon would contact and bond between all of those surfaces well.

I am in the armpit of the south, we get below zero and well over 100 degrees (even higher with our humidity and heat index). Probably not as cold as you get regularly, but we get a fluctuation which I'd think is worse. Hell, its 70 degrees today....Dec 28th. Not normal by any means. :p
Unfortunately I didn’t get to install it (even though that was supposed to be the deal). The other issue I’ve got is where the piece at the base of the window clips in is mostly broken too so it doesnt hold that piece tight anymore.
 

Rocket Man

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I tried pretty much everything on my Silverado and it ended up cracking in 2 new places. I ended up replacing the dash.
 

Ilikemtb999

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I ordered it and had it shipped for cheaper than my local thief of a dealer. I bought it from www.gmpartsnow.com . They do a 50% off shipping for orders over $299 so I only paid about $100 for freight.
Oof, doesn’t appear that way for me. $200 shipping which comes out to $630 or so. Same as everywhere else
 

Rocket Man

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Oof, doesn’t appear that way for me. $200 shipping which comes out to $630 or so. Same as everywhere else
Do you see the banner at the top of their webpage where it says half off shipping on orders over $299? You have to click that, copy the code, and enter it in the promo box at checkout.
 

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