Read How To Repair Or Replace A Car's Dashboard?

View PDF | Print View
by: ChrisHartpence
Total views: 5
Word Count: 360
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 Time: 3:39 AM
0 comments

While working on any old car, you will possible have to repair or change the dashboard as part of a custom auto interior improvement. It is one part of every vehicle which gets too much abuse either from the sun coming by the windscreen or hot air from the heater. This could cause cracking in the surface and depending on how bad the break is you may have to replace the complete dash rather than only refurbish the cracks. If you have a friend to assist, it will make life much simpler.

Before you complete any custom auto interior work on a car, you must always disconnect the battery. You do not want any nasty accidents. You will then have to remove everything you could i.e. the steering wheel, glove box, instrument cluster as well as any screws you can see. Go slowly and carefully when removing the dashboard because it might still be attached by some screws you failed tosee. Taking care not to damage anything now will make your task easier in the long run. A flathead screwdriver will help you to finish the job.

You will need to remove the VIN tag (vehicle identification number) from the old dash as it should be shown on the new one. Fix the new piece into the car by reusing the existing brackets and screws. You may require few new ones if the old ones are out of order.

Refit the pieces you removed before i.e. the instrument box and steering wheel. Ultimately, re-connect the battery to ensure everything works well i.e. lights, radio etc.

If there are only neglible cracks, you might not have to replace the whole dashboard. You might be able to repair the existing one using a special kit. You will have to paint over the entire surface when you have done but to be true this technique only works on extremely minor cracks.

Even if it appears like more work it is someties easier to merely replace the dashboard than to try and repair it when doing custom auto interior work.

About the Author

Find out more about custom auto interior services from an expert who's been doing quality work since 1974! Join us at: http://www.custom-auto-upholstery.com/custom-auto-interior-services/