Fixing cracked dash pad with fiberglass, 86 ranger

[Dlillie87]

Just wanted to share my progress on this project so far. Like a lot from this era, my dash pad was dry rotted and cracking Everytime it was touched. I looked into the aftermarket plastic replicas, but the reviews werent good. Figured I'd give this a shot and it's going great! I'm covering my vent holes because I've gutted the entire HVAC system. This is also my first time doing any glass work.

This is what I started with, not in horrible shape, but would have just kept getting worse. The first thing I did was took a box cutter and opened the cracks up so that I could get Bondo down into them pretty good, then sanded everything smooth

Cleaned everything with denatured alcohol real well, I don't think acetone would be good for this. I also used epoxy resin, not the poly stuff typically used with fiberglass. The glass work I've been doing in stages with small pieces to get around all the curves. This same thing can be done and keep the original vent holes as long as you're careful not get too much resin where they sit into the dash

I have made more progress than this, but don't have more pictures at the moment. But I only have a little more glass to add the the vent holes to get them close to flush, then Ill sand everything, Bondo everything to fill any small holes, sand again, and paint back the original color. All in all this might cost me $100. I'll post more pictures Monday

 

[RobbieD]

Thanks for sharing this, and I'm interested in how it turns out. Good on you, for taking a shot at fixing one of these old dashes.

 

[Shran]

Nice. Also curious to see the finished product! Most of the interior resto shops will put vinyl over them. Looks good but not quite OEM.

 

[franklin2]

Here's a good video on the subject.

 

[Dlillie87]

Here's a good video on the subject.

Good video. I was hesitant to use Bondo by itself since it has a tendency to crack, especially when it's applied thick. But I basically did what he did before the glass work. I like having the comfort of knowing my dash won't crack anymore, and I don't have to baby it

 

[Dlillie87]

Progress pictures. Got the vent holes filled in. Should just need a good sanding, a little Bondo to smooth it out, and paint. All in all I'm really happy with how it's turning out.

 

[dvdswan]

Very cool.

Although its obviously for a boat engine, one might get roasted for posting images with a Honda in it.

 

[Dlillie87]

Very cool.

Although its obviously for a boat engine, one might get roasted for posting images with a Honda in it.

Its not mine I swear

 

[Dlillie87]

Primer coat. Turned out pretty good I think. Itll be the original blue when done

 

[RobbieD]

That is looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing it installed back into the truck.

 

[Dlillie87]

That is looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing it installed back into the truck.

It will be a while before it gets put back in. I'm pulling the body off frame and going over everything.