Recapping my previous post "04 R53 Top Dashboard"...
As I explained in my previous post; My upper dashboard cracked due to cold weather. Rather than going through the intense drudgery of replacing the entire dash - I decided to repair it.
I decided to take my time until I was comfortable, assuming the weather would stabilize and I can move forward with the repairs.
Here are some progress pics:


^^The original sustained damage. Multiple cracks and micro cracks. Note the massive hole just below the windshield.


^^Gluing and fitting the cracks and broken pieces with JB Epoxy Plastic Weld. Larger areas were filled and feathered with Apoxy Sculpt (a water based 2 part modeling compound. Cures rock hard but easy to sand).


^^Leveling out the cracks and Apoxy compound filler.


^^Dashboard repaired. The next phase will be 320 grit sanding and final color match pigment and painting.

 

Wizardry!

 

Indeed.

Wizardry!

Good work nicely done.

Looks great.

 

Dang that looks great!
Good job!

 

That's a fantastic result. Well done.

 

Thanks guys.
I just feathered the surface, mixed up some pigment and applied this evening. Panther black is a bit tricky to get just right.
Will post a pic when I think I've gotten it right.

 

Color matching is an art in itself. Being as the dash is sometimes in direct sun or shade, under the windshield, can really throw you off.
That's about as close to color matching 'Panther Black' as I'm going to get for now.
I'll live with it for a couple of weeks. If I'm finally satisfied; When the weather warms up a bit, I'll spray/clear coat it with a matte UV urethane sealer (Verathane - a durable, water borne urethane clear)...

Thanks for watching.
We now return you back to our regular program...

 

Your result is truly impressive, Awesome work!

 

Awesome results!

 

Nothing exciting to share....
Just an update as to my how my dash repair has survived below freezing temps.


The dashboard is pretty dirty, but - No new or re-occurring cracks