jrs_dodge_diesel

I just recently noticed my dash has a crack on the top surface at one of the defrost outlets. The crack is maybe 3-4 inches long. Is there any way to repair it, superglue maybe?

crobtex

I went with the Dashmat Ultra dash cover. I got the grey, but charcoal would have probably matched better. The fit is really good except for in front of the passanger seat. But, maybe I'm just too particular. It does look a lot better then the cracks.

P.J

Mine started there, then it ended up at the airbag!
All it took was me rear ending someone and my passengers hand smacked the dash, and then, oh well. Te body shop took over 8 hours to put the new dash top in, over $700.00 for parts and labor.

I think some people drill a tiny hole right in fron of where the crack is heading, this way when it gets there it might stop. If mine didn't take off like it did and spread so fast I would have superglued it, it was very brittle though and not from age or sun, the truck was only about 40 months old when it started.

Do a search, I started a thread last year on the topic, I've seen about three other long running threads on the topic.

crobtex

I've been doing the hole drilling for a long time. You have to be sure you get it "right on" the end of the crack for it to work. I didn't worry about them too much, as long as I couldn't see them all the time. When I got one on the passanger side thru the dished out place, I figured it was time to cover it.

I PASS GAS

Get used to it. It is going to get MUCH worse. I have about an 8x8 section that fell in on mine. Cracks everywhere. I have a dashtop cover from Genos that I have not put in yet.

Either replace it or find a cover.

P.J

This is why I just opted to have a whole new factory top put in (now I suppose in another two years it will start all over gain?!

Ironstone

Might wanna check around. My buddy had a new dash top installed on his truck at a local mechanic for like $175 and that included the parts. I think that is dirt cheap, it looks great.

Pooter

Mine is much worse, cracked from bow to stern, and many in between...
I guess its parking outside in the Texas heat...

Anyone have any tips for cover vs. replacement?

Ive seen a replacement(at least I think it is given the limited description) for $180ish, good deal?
Id like to replace it, but at $60-80 for the cover that I might have to replace either one in a few years anyway, ill go the cheaper route....

I PASS GAS

Would love to know where he found that. I called the dealer and they wanted about $450 for a full replacement, and that was with me changing it.

This is why I went for the plastic cover from Genos. I know it's not the greatest, but it better than the 20 something cracks have now.

ds1rider

Mine's completely demolished. Cracked all over so I took the chunks out and about half my dash is missing. No joke. I have a cloth cover on it now.

elandon1201

You better get the drill out QUICK!!! I had a couple of small cracks in mine a few weeks ago and didnt drill them because i didnt want small holes in the dash. Wish i would have now i have cracks all the way to the airbag and instrument cluster AARRGGGG

BigBlue

I had one pop up in one day. One day. I dropped it off at my boss's that morning, picked it up that next afternoon and there's a split from the defroster to the passenger air bag. God I love my dodge. Guess it's time to get one of those butt ugly dash mats.

jrs_dodge_diesel

Ok, heres what I did to my crack. I pulled out my cordless drill and a small (1/8") bit. I eyeballed the crack really good and located the VISIBLE end of the crack. Heres the catch, the crack sometimes continues on underneath the surface where you can't see it. What I did to find the real end of the crack was to take the drill bit in my hand and hand drill a little off of the surface of the dash. Lo and behold the cracked continued onward. I followed the crack one drill bit width at a time until I found the end of the crack and drilled the hole with the drill. I just did that today so I will see how well it holds up. More to follow...

P.J

Ah, those carpet mats aren't so bad! You could get one from JC Jipme with your name embroidered in in it?

jrs_dodge_diesel

No thanks. I would rather have a cracked dash.