Dashpad repair

[bdpalace]

I've searched and searched and haven't found any information on successfully repairing the back of a dashpad. I have a black dashpad that is in pretty good shape except for the mounting area...it's rusted and fell apart when I removed the dashpad.

What would be the best way to re-mout new metal or, at a minimum, tabs so I can re-install?

Here's what I think my options are:
1. Epoxy new tabs with extra metal bent in to penetrate the foam.
2. Step 1 + fiberglass covering tab anchors
3. Pitch it and save the time and hassle.

If anyone has successfully replaced tabs on the back of a dashpad, how'd you do it? :dunno:

Thanks!

 

[bdpalace]

With no sage advice from the crowd, looks like it will be option 2. I'll take pics and let you know how it turns out.

 

[PaRenegade]

I'd have to look at mine, but what about riveting those tabs to the metal backside of the dash. It will be covered up by the windshield's bottom frame. I don't think just jamming metal up into the foam would last too long.

 

[bdpalace]

The problem is that I dont' have anything on the back of the dashpad to rivet to. It's all foam. I'm counting on the epoxy to provide adhesion and the fiberglass to provide support and additional adhesion.

Other than that, I'm looking at the trash bin and $200.00 to replace so I figured it was worth a shot.

 

[PaRenegade]

I see. Mine has a metal backer on it that's why I suggested that. Maybe then make your "L" bracket and attach it with screws but epoxy the screws into the foam. I just think that if you don't make it a solid anchor, that the vibration is just going to wear any slip fit out quickly and then it starts to bounce out of place.

 

[bullseye]

I would go buy a long dowel, maybe 3/4" in diameter at ACE or wherever, push it through the foam until it hits the back(front) of the dash pad, mark it flush, then cut it to length.

Pre-drill a hole in the end of the dowel, then epoxy the dowel back into the hole. wait until dry, then attach the L bracket to the dowel with a wood screw.

You might need a long bracket and use 2 dowels per.

Whatever you decide, if you're prepared to buy a new dash pad, then you got nothing to lose messing with the old one...

 

[bdpalace]

Bullseye, that dowel idea is great. It's got me looking at those corkscrew type drywall anchors as well...something with a little more bite to it. I'm sure what I end up with will be a hybrid of all the ideas pitched out there. Thanks again for all the feedback. I'll knock this out over the weekend and post some pics of the repair.

 

[bdpalace]

Dashpad is installed. I took two self-drilling metal drywall anchors, slathered them with Gorilla Glue, screwed them into the foam and let them sit overnight. I created new tabs out of sheet metal, drilled to match the anchors and cowl holes and slathered the back of the tabs before screwing into the anchors. I also used the Gorilla Glue between the remaining metal and foam and clamped it with ratchet straps while the others were setting up. 24 hours later and the moment of truth was upon me. I was amazed at how well this stuff holds. It's always been hit or miss for me when trying to glue to foam.

I've still got a couple of the lower mounting holes that were rusted through that will get new metal fastened in a similar manner.

I'm just happy that $6.00 and some guesswork saved me $200.

 

[PaRenegade]

Cool Gotta love saving $$ Post some finished pics. I like the spiral drywall anchor idea.