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Post Info TOPIC: Dimple in a dash pad. Can it be removed?


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Dimple in a dash pad. Can it be removed?


While searching, I came across a near perfect 65 dashpad at a super price. Problem is it has a dimple in the right upper edge, from something laying on it for a long time.

Last summer I had it out in the sun for some time, and it seemed to relieve a tiny bit, but no further. While not too bad, it obviously stands out like a sore thumb.

Anyone have a tried and true method to tease out a dash dimple? Any ideas? Thanks, Mark.

IMG_3722[4486].jpg

 



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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 
 


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Gentle with a heat gun?

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars



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I think it could be heated like you say Carl, but it would have to be pulled outward in some manner while pliable. Don't think it would expand out on it's own.

But I'll try local heat. Thanks.

 



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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 
 


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Little interior patina is not a bad thing Mark!

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars



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Try a low wattage light bulb under it with an extra heavy weight on top or use your press to direct the force.

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If it were mine I'd be a little nervous about being too aggressive with it, as a 55-year old dash pad might be a little on the brittle side.

Maybe pop it in the car and see what it does in the summer with the greenhouse effect from sitting in the sun with the windows closed up.  It might just gradually return to original shape.

I've never had this issue to correct so I don't know if my method would work or not, but I have caused cracks in an old dash pad by manipulating it a little too much.

Any thoughts on softening it up with Armour All?  I recall spraying it liberally on my old vinyl seats and letting it soak in when the vinyl became stiff - it would soften vinyl somewhat at the time but have heard people say it will stiffen it up when it dries - never had any info to confirm or deny so I don't know if it's true.



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Any way to make a small access from the backside and give it a small shot of expanding foam. I use that stuff for all kinds of things. I have a gun where you can just use a shot without using a whole can.

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Jerel


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Send 'er out to Just Dashes. In for a penny, in for a pound! biggrin

http://www.justdashes.com/



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Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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Surprisingly, the dash is actually still pretty pliable. I know when the car is done I'll be trying to keep it out of the sun as best as possible. I actually got a quote from Just Dashes Todd. I think it was 900 USD. Nope.

I like the idea of try to get something in behind it, but it would be tough as the underside is vinyl as well.

How about heating the local area, then trying to gently tease it out with a small tube attached to a vacuum? Or attach some strong tape along the centerline of the dimple with a couple of strings up the center. Warm it and gradually pull it up. Remove tape.



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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 
 


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When I worked at the dealerships in Ontario there was a company called Fibrenew that did all kinds of vinyl and upholstery repairs. I suspect they are still in business. Might be worth contacting them.

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Canadian Poncho wrote:

When I worked at the dealerships in Ontario there was a company called Fibrenew that did all kinds of vinyl and upholstery repairs. I suspect they are still in business. Might be worth contacting them.


I've used Fibernew here in Calgary to repair a cracked dash.  They inject something into the foam to make it more firm, so they can work on the cracks of the plastic cover.    I don't think they'd be able to do much with the indentation. 



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Technique that looks like it works. 6:50 minute of video

 



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Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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Good video George, that seemed to work.

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seventy2plus2 wrote:

Good video George, that seemed to work.


 x2 Patience and awareness is key.



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MC


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Good stuff!



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Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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Thanks for that George. I'll give it a shot today and report back. Have to be careful as I don't have an adjustable heatgun.



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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 
 


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It worked! Thanks to all!

I think the trick is to just heat the area just until it's still bearable to the touch. Any hotter and it might begin to smooth the grain. The feel will be your indicator.

So gradually warm it, then smooth across it with your fingers. A couple of squeezes along the front edge, and with poking down on the heated vinyl along both sides of the dent (pulls the dimple tighter), and it's all but gone but for a little scuff or scratch. The ice afterwards might not even be necessary, but doesn't hurt.

There were also a few more outward protruding bumps on the underside that pulled in easily with the heat.

 

Now we work on finding some appropriate colour die to paint it with.

Cheers, Mark

IMG_3722[4486].jpgIMG_3725[4887].jpg



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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 
 


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I think you found your calling Mark.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars

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Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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Wow, nice end result.

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Good job.

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Jerel


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Nice. Too bad it doesn't work on fenders.blankstare

I do wonder how well you can "pop out" a newer car's plastic bumper by heat gun.



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Prince Edward Island

'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.

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