Dash repair

[Bill E.]

Hello All, has anyone had experience with Dr. Vinyl in Hartford Connecticut in repairing a cracked dash?

Bubba (that would be me) managed to crack the left side dash panel on my '74 at the lower screw mounting while replacing the switch for the courtesy lights. Don't ask how I did this, I feel dumb enough admitting I did it in the first place. You can only see the damage when the door is open but I know it's there and would like to fix it.

Anyone other that Dr. Vinyl I should consider? Since I'm in New England and the car will be out of service from December to March super fast repair time is not a factor. Thanks, Bill

[Bill Richards]

Re: Dash repair

Bill, I too have a cracked dash, self inflicted. I dont live in your area so I cant help with your question. I was wondering how these dash repairs turn out. Perhaps someone answering your post can advise.
Bill

[Jack H.]

Re: Dash repair

We had several 'invisible' vinyl repair specialists work on cars in our shop with EXCELLENT results! Much depends on the skill a particular person has, his 'eye' for blending color + whether or not he has that specific grain pattern on-hand in his repair kit. If he doesn't have the proper grain pattern, he has to send a tracing out to a supplier and wait to get the correct pattern (a couple of weeks delay).

Most of these guys are darn proud of their work and will readily give you references to check with. Their biggest client segment is restaurants needing seat/booth repair work done. Beware one who won't give you references!!!! There are some newbie 'hacks' out there too.

[Grant M.]

Re: Dash repair

Unless it's a different "Dr. Vinyl" from the one(s) we had in Canada, I believe it's a franchise operation. I had excellent results back in 1989 on my passenger side '65 dash pad which had cracks and small pieces of missing surface layer. The grain match was very good, and since it's a black dash, colour matching (with a curious, mouth-siphoned small bottle "air" brush to apply the dye) was perfect. Sixteen years later on a 'driver' and it still looks very good. I won't say it's "perfect", but it doesn't get noticed by casual observers and it sure was cheaper ($40 vice $225-250) than a new pad.

Good luck!

grant