Bunch of hot air

[boybach]

The top of the plastic dash near the windshield is sun warped upwards about 1/2" on one corner near the binnacle.

I thought by maybe using a hot air gun to gently heat it up, it could be persuaded to return to it's original shape ..it's been like this for years and the whole dash top looks like it IS 50 years old. I know it's pretty risky but has anybody successfully taken warps out of a dash with a hot air gun? Or just let it be and put up with it

TIA

Larry

 

[Wally]

The top of the plastic dash near the windshield is sun warped upwards about 1/2" on one corner near the binnacle.

I thought by maybe using a hot air gun to gently heat it up, it could be persuaded to return to it's original shape ..it's been like this for years and the whole dash top looks like it IS 50 years old. I know it's pretty risky but has anybody successfully taken warps out of a dash with a hot air gun? Or just let it be and put up with it

TIA

Larry

Emory Stora suggested glue https://www.gmcmotorhome.org/threads/changing-windshields-dash-repair.21394/post-78746

 

[boybach]

Emory Stora suggested glue https://www.gmcmotorhome.org/threads/changing-windshields-dash-repair.21394/post-78746

Thanks, it hasn't broken -it's just warped, so nothing to glue unless I break it trying to straighten it out

 

[pilondav]

I've got the same problem with the corner of the dash pad lifting. Unfortunately, the Elmer's ProBond glue that Emery recommended is discontinued (and its replacement, Elmer's Ultimate, is also discontinued.)

I know there are issues with glueing open-cell foam like that back together...certain adhesives must be used otherwise the foam just pulls apart. I assume the right glue will saturate into the foam.

Does anyone have any experience gluing this material back down? Would Gorilla Glue work? I'm hesitant to experiment lest I make the problem worse.

 

[Kendra]

I've never tried re-gluing a dash but you may want to consider Loctite PL construction adhesive - inexpensive, sold in caulk gun tubes, designed to adhere a wide range of materials (including foam insulation) to a wall or ceiling. I've seen a few dabs hold sheetrock to an existing ceiling several months before adding fasteners.

Liquid Nails brand is more popular but I avoid it - smells horrible and melts insulation. Gorilla products are generally good, but I think are marketing existing products with a markup. At some point I expect the Gorilla Truck with Gorilla Tires.

 

[Bhart]

I ended up taking my 1976 Palmbeach dash entirely out. The vinyl was curled up like you said next to the split in the window, but the vinyl also had several heat cracks. I ended up screwing the vinyl down in 5 places, fiber glassing the dash pad, and recovering the dash with new vinyl. The dash broke only once near the steering wheel

 

[pvfjr]

I'd think Gorilla glue might work. Those foams are often a urethane base, and so is Gorilla glue. It also foams up and expands a bit as it cures, so maybe it would penetrate OK. It's made to bond to porous surfaces--especially if you wet them first. Just mask off edges, as it will expand more than you expect overnight!

 

[boybach]

Well thanks to all who replied and suggested various adhesives, but there is no way that this warped section could be could be glued down. It would definitely snap - it's brittle and trying to press it down 3/4" would (IMHO) cause it to snap. I was asking if anyone had tried using a heat gun to soften the plastic so it could be pressed back into shape.

 

[pvfjr]

Well thanks to all who replied and suggested various adhesives, but there is no way that this warped section could be could be glued down. It would definitely snap - it's brittle and trying to press it down 3/4" would (IMHO) cause it to snap. I was asking if anyone had tried using a heat gun to soften the plastic so it could be pressed back into shape.

I think it's worth a try, Larry. I can't say I've done it, but if it's a vinyl type plastic, bending it with heat will be much better than bending it without. I was thinking the glue could come after, but you're right, you'll need to get it conforming to the correct shape before any glue will help.

 

[Bhart]

I guess the only way to find out is to do it yourself and then report back to us how it worked out.

 

[dsmithy]

Larry, be very cautious about your heat. I've found that the temp thresholds are very abrupt between bending/melting/shrinking. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[boybach]

Larry, be very cautious about your heat. I've found that the temp thresholds are very abrupt between bending/melting/shrinking. Don't ask me how I know.

point taken! thanks