How did everyone else deal with the cracked dash?

[StreetGlider1]

Hi all, new to the TahoeYukon forums. My Tahoe has a cracked dash board. It looks like this is a fairly common problem. How did everyone else address this? I see that there are several different CAPS available. It doesn't appear that there is any real fix for it. What is the best manufacturer for the caps and why?

 

[Amanda4461]

I started using an expandable windshield shade to keep heat off of the dash over a year ago, once my second dashboard had been replaced in 2015. The first dash replacement didn't last a year before it cracked. So far, the second dash replacement looks brand new, no cracks. Texas heat is a killer. I wonder if the newer models still have the same problems? Mine is a 2010. I haven't heard or seen much about cracked dashes in 2015/2016 models.

 

[indigent]

I started using an expandable windshield shade to keep heat off of the dash over a year ago, once my second dashboard had been replaced in 2015. The first dash replacement didn't last a year before it cracked. So far, the second dash replacement looks brand new, no cracks. Texas heat is a killer. I wonder if the newer models still have the same problems? Mine is a 2010. I haven't heard or seen much about cracked dashes in 2015/2016 models.

I have a '15 PPV from work and while we're supposed to use a sunshade, mine seems to have disappeared...... The dash seems to be of a different material than my '09 LTZ, almost like it's thicker and not as flimsy as the '09. My RADAR readout and front antenna are mounted up there and it's held up well.

My LTZ has 2 cracks and I guess I'll mix up some black epoxy and make it look as good as i can. Luckily they're not more than 1" in length.

 

[2011SSVHOE]

I have a '15 PPV from work and while we're supposed to use a sunshade, mine seems to have disappeared...... The dash seems to be of a different material than my '09 LTZ, almost like it's thicker and not as flimsy as the '09. My RADAR readout and front antenna are mounted up there and it's held up well.

Oh good they must have fired the engineer that designed the 07-14 dash, what a idiot! must of graduated at the bottom of his class.

 

[indigent]

Oh good they must have fired the engineer that designed the 07-14 dash, what a idiot! must of graduated at the bottom of his class.

The best way I can describe it is that it has a leather look and feel, and it's not hard like the 07-14 dash.

 

[2011SSVHOE]

Someone learned from the past, give them an "A"

 

[MichaelSE]

The dash seems to be of a different material than my '09 LTZ, almost like it's thicker and not as flimsy as the '09.

Can you take a pic when you get a chance? I thought all 07-14 had plastic dashes made of the same material.

Edit: Nevermind, just saw that you have a 15. Glad to hear the dashes are improved in 15+.

 

[ddubdb3]

i just put a dash mat on top of the dash to cover the crack and its good to go

 

[NGAneer]

i just put a dash mat on top of the dash to cover the crack and its good to go

Have a pic? I've tried dang near everything on mine and I'm ready to move on.

 

[DenaliEd]

I had the dealer replace mine when I got it. Nearly 2 years and it's just fine, lol.

 

[sumo]

Carbon Fiber Weave bandaids. Makes cracks heal faster, or that what i keep telling myself

 

[ddubdb3]

What cracked dash... lol

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[Tonyrodz]

Carbon Fiber Weave bandaids. Makes cracks heal faster, or that what i keep telling myself

Where do you find those? Do they get put on with an epoxy?

 

[Graystone_OG]

I've been looking at this as an option. Every time I look at the dash, I feel like there's a new crack. They have it on eBay for $148 plus $30 for shipping. There's also one where it only cover the top. Just search dash cap or plastic skin cover.

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[ddubdb3]

I've been looking at this as an option. Every time I look at the dash, I feel like there's a new crack. They have it on eBay for $148 plus $30 for shipping. There's also one where it only cover the top. Just search dash cap or plastic skin cover.

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Idk I feel with those dash caps once it's on you'll be able to tell the dash really has a cap on it because of the fitment with all the other dash trim..


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[Graystone_OG]

Idk I feel with those dash caps once it's on you'll be able to tell the dash really has a cap on it because of the fitment with all the other dash trim..


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I agree, but I guess it's better than nothing. I think it looks a bit better than those carpet covers.

 

[iamdub]

^^^ I agree with "better than nothing".

My plans are to remove the dash, reinforce and epoxy the cracked areas, then wrap it with a thinly-backed vinyl of matching color and grain. I'd probably wrap the thin piece up by the windshield, too.

If I can find a wrecked truck being parted out, I'd like to get a dash from that and fix/wrap it so I can just swap it in. It'll give me more time work on it and minimize my Tahoe's down time. I don't wanna be rushed with forming the vinyl to all those compound curves and the epoxy will need time to cure.

 

[Graystone_OG]

^^^ I agree with "better than nothing".

My plans are to remove the dash, reinforce and epoxy the cracked areas, then wrap it with a padded vinyl of matching color and grain. I'd probably wrap the thin piece up by the windshield, too.

If I can find a wrecked truck being parted out, I'd like to get a dash from that and fix/wrap it so I can just swap it in. It'll give me more time work on it and minimize my Tahoe's down time. I don't wanna be rushed with forming the vinyl to all those compound curves and the epoxy will need time to cure.

Sounds like a lot of work, but will look as if nothing happen. I think someone had posted this repair on YouTube, but can't seem to find it.

 

[iamdub]

Sounds like a lot of work, but will look as if nothing happen. I think someone had posted this repair on YouTube, but can't seem to find it.

I saw a video where they used special staples that are heated by a gun and melted into the plastic to join the cracked halves together. Then they used stainless metal strips from old wiper blades to reinforce the crack-prone areas and squirted a bunch of epoxy on them to prevent future cracking. The cracks on the surface were barely noticeable. I'm sure I could get away with doing this. But, I don't wanna take it all apart, fix the cracks, then be bothered by seeing the hairline cracks that were repaired. Or worse, new cracks form elsewhere. I could go ******* on reinforcing the underside so it won't crack anywhere and maybe add a thin layer of epoxy to the topside of the cracked areas. I wouldn't have to worry about the appearance since I'm wrapping it in vinyl. It'd be a one-and-done deal.

A lot of work? Maybe. But better than removing the dash more than once and I'd never have to worry about it again. Plus the backed vinyl will have a softer, flexible feel to it rather than the hard molded plastic shell that's there now.

 

[Graystone_OG]

I saw a video where they used special staples that are heated by a gun and melted into the plastic to join the cracked halves together. Then they used stainless metal strips from old wiper blades to reinforce the crack-prone areas and squirted a bunch of epoxy on them to prevent future cracking. The cracks on the surface were barely noticeable. I'm sure I could get away with doing this. But, I don't wanna take it all apart, fix the cracks, then be bothered by seeing the hairline cracks that were repaired. Or worse, new cracks form elsewhere. I could go ******* on reinforcing the underside so it won't crack anywhere and maybe add a thin layer of epoxy to the topside of the cracked areas. I wouldn't have to worry about the appearance since I'm wrapping it in vinyl. It'd be a one-and-done deal.

A lot of work? Maybe. But better than removing the dash more than once and I'd never have to worry about it again. Plus the backed vinyl will have a softer, flexible feel to it rather than the hard molded plastic shell that's there now.

Seeing that the dash has cracked in a bunch of different places for some people, maybe go the underside reinforcement route and have that piece of mind that it won't happen again.

Good luck on this and share your progress.