Dash core repair.

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RamblerReb

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Has anyone managed to re-attach broken bits of their dash core, by glassing or epoxy or plastic welding or whatever? How did you do it and did it work? I have to put back rather important bits and I'd like to know if it's feasible.

Any help appreciated, pictures or video doubly so.IMG_20190328_132406016[1].jpg IMG_20190328_132412639[1].jpg
 

Okiespaniel

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I believe that your best bet is going to to fiberglass cloth and epoxy. Adhesives won't hold and when the joints do, the plastic snaps elsewhere.
At best a squirt of liquid model cement will hold things long enough for you to cover the area with matting.
 

Rado

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Very interesting post ! Thanks Hope all goes well. I wonder what type of plastic the dash is ?
 
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RamblerReb

RamblerReb

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Very interesting post ! Thanks Hope all goes well. I wonder what type of plastic the dash is ?
The crappy kind, my friend.

Seriously, I don't know if Dodge ever gave away the secret recipe. Maybe another member knows.
 

DodgeLady

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I know this is an old post- but I am in the process of rebuilding my gen 2 dash core. I’ve found JB plastic weld to be best. I had to order off amazon. It’s a two part clay-type roll that you cut a piece off of and work it like clay until it is a homogenous color. You can form parts from it or use it to re-enforce broken parts. Can rebuild fastener clip locations.


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smokey1757

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Well how’s it going on the dash rebuild? I am dealing with the same thing. Did you figure anything out. I am curious to know.
 

DodgeLady

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Well how’s it going on the dash rebuild? I am dealing with the same thing. Did you figure anything out. I am curious to know.

It’s going great! I’ve gotten a little bit sidetracked with some unknown whine issues...
I have pretty much gotten the ( what I call the underdash or lattice) rebuilt. I have installed my new LMC truck dash for a fit check. I’ll attach pics.
I have an innovative idea on how to install/attach my dash without removing it from the truck- too fragile. I’ll be posting here as that progresses.
8b7602f01f8016eaa4dc66532273978f.jpgc378181af37a96a75aeddd3d7d8c9222.jpg

These pics I have the old bezel snapped on. I need to move the right hand radio mount down about a quarter inch or so.
I’m very happy with how it’s turning out!


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DodgeLady

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This is a pic to show how bad things were when I started!! I had no top dash at all. No radio or hvac mounting.486e90f01b35b245ddbc44e36607f968.jpg20a54f130d8a6464677c65e2c2835303.jpg


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DodgeLady

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I know this is an old post- but I am in the process of rebuilding my gen 2 dash core. I’ve found JB plastic weld to be best. I had to order off amazon. It’s a two part clay-type roll that you cut a piece off of and work it like clay until it is a homogenous color. You can form parts from it or use it to re-enforce broken parts. Can rebuild fastener clip locations.


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See above. I’ll post a pic of the JB Plastic weld package later. I had to order on amazon. Stuff is amazing!


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DodgeLady

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So how did you attach the old pieces together

I used JB Clear 2 part epoxy to glue plastic together. Then I used the JB plastic weld 2 part epoxy to reenforce where I could ( without interfering with the equipment mounting clear areas. It is tedious because you glue it in one place and it will break in a new place.
I’ve also glued pieces together by making a thin “roll” of the plastic weld and putting that along a broken edge and then fitting the edges together.
It takes patience! Some evenings I would have to force myself to do just one new “joint” so it could cure over night to be strong enough to continue.


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DodgeLady

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13103f66db1058a08ca3545c284c6333.jpg


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smokey1757

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Well I hate that you had all that trouble but I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one. This thing has been about to drive me up a wall. I thank you for your advice and I will use it. Thanks Smokey
 

DodgeLady

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Well I hate that you had all that trouble but I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one. This thing has been about to drive me up a wall. I thank you for your advice and I will use it. Thanks Smokey

I had to order the 2 part clay plastic weld from Amazon. I could not find it in the usual locations- Home Depot, Lowe’s, auto zone.



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713dodgeram

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I gave up trying to patch mine after rebuilding the ac / heater box. I am currently looking in junkyards to find the core and other parts that are good yet. It's better than buying one on e-bay for the quality and price , but I had seen where people have been doing dash swaps with other gen dodges.........
 

DodgeLady

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I wonder if Chrysler would send me a dimensioned drawing...I’d like to try 3-d printing parts of it.


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