Dash Material Repair Options

[Eskybel]

Hello,
I recently purchased my 2002 Boxster S with option 981 (Leader dashboard and door panels, if that helps/matters), and there are a few cracks in the dash material up near the windshield. It's opened up enough that I could even get a a small object like a pencil under the lifted material.

What are the options for trying to repair this, if any?

Thanks!

[78F350]

My opinion: To make a good repair the dash cover will need to be removed. Here's a DIY that Meir posted a while ago. I just checked the link and it is still good as of today:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rm1dekz5yz8sjar57j5e3/step-2-Dashboard-cover-removal.pdf?e=1&noscript=1&rlkey=wvx0a5cq71g5dqgj359ja44aa&dl=0

With the dash removed, my preferred method of repair would be to replace it with an undamaged dash. There's usually a good variety available on eBay at a reasonable price.

I think that once leather has started to split and de-laminate from the dash, it will need to be recovered with new material. I did it on one car with some similar looking leather. After about a year the leather I applied had shrunk and started pulling away at the edges. Better knowledge of the material and best adhesive can prevent that, but I have not tried again.

There's a few companies that sell pre-cut leather to apply over your dash. I have not seen any posts regarding quality or installation.



I have a couple of dashboards from cars that I have scrapped, but I don't think that I have a 'perfect one with leather. I can check if you'd like and see what shipping to Florida would cost.

[Rob175]

LOL.....back in the day, I would see some Southwestern drivers (ie: high heat areas) use carpet...lol, sometimes shad carpet. But, never on a "nice car" only on "beaters".....pretty funny!

[Starter986]

On any vehicle I've owned for the last 30+ years I've had tint applied to my windshield. Not dark tint... but the clear UV tint.

No cracks.
Cool interior.
AC functions great.

OP... when you do get that dash repaired... get the "tint".I've never paid more than $100 for the windshield. I'd pay up to $125.Don't need he fancy schmancy film.