Top of dash shattered like glass in the middle

It happen to me as well. Also while trying to clean the windscreen. It broke like glass.
IMG_20221205_162244.jpg

Than i read all the posts on this forum about this problem. The majority solve the problem by replacing the dashboard. I tried something different.
Bought a plate of 0,55mm aluminum and tailor it to perfectly fit the shape of top of center console.
For this i need to bend and cut the plate, and after some time i got this.
IMG_20221205_125311.jpg
IMG_20221205_125303.jpg

I sold(glued) the cuts that allow the material to bend with epoxy. This way it was reinforced and ready for polyester putty and sanding. After some time, it looked like this.
IMG_20221205_125130.jpg

Final touch up with patty, to fill all the holes and cracks, and than some more sanding.
(NOTE - this plate was painted before, but was not satisfied with the result, so decided to sand and put putty again)
At the end i got this as result.
IMG_20221205_171816.jpg
IMG_20221205_171830.jpg
IMG_20221205_172046.jpg

Now will let the piece to dry completely, and than will glue it on top of remaining plastic. Here is one think i am not sure of, to glue it with epoxy or just few drops silicone? Just in case i need to replace the plate one day. But why should I?
Will post pictures when the job is done.
Cheers, Andrej
 

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PlasticMac said:
It's Portugal Sir.
Mac.
Click to expand...
No doubting the helpful intentions there Mac, but Dave's reply you've quoted was nearly 8 years ago now :oops: This an old thread that's been resurrected after another occurrence of the same rare issue. This current instance looks like it has a good resolution though, I'm looking forward to the photos of the finished job👍
 
Proghound said:
No doubting the helpful intentions there Mac, but Dave's reply you've quoted was nearly 8 years ago now :oops: This an old thread that's been resurrected after another occurrence of the same rare issue. This current instance looks like it has a good resolution though, I'm looking forward to the photos of the finished job👍
Click to expand...
Merely the blink of an eye, in the great scheme of things. Reminder to self, look at the date, before replying 🤔
Mac.
 
After 24hrs of drying, i put a plate on its position. It is not glued jet, just laid on.
Will wait now for a week, for paint to dry completly, and after this will glue it with epoxy.
IMG_20221206_111828 copy.jpg

after glue, the high corners will fit the surface perfecty
IMG_20221206_111834 copy.jpg

Crack in plastic was glued from below with epoxy. Than all the bottom of the plastic plate was taped with duck tape to reinforce (and stop future cracks)

IMG_20221206_112021 copy.jpg


P.S. I was hesitating, or to post a new thread, publish it in Today I..., or just continue this thread. Sorry Mac for the inconvenience. All the best, keep on replying, because this makes this forum so great. Take care, cheers, Andrej
 
I think we all need to consider placing reflective material on the dash top, when parked in the sun. I'm guessing the UK is a bit behind Southern Europe etc, but prevention is better than cure.
Mac.
 
PlasticMac said:
I think we all need to consider placing reflective material on the dash top, when parked in the sun. I'm guessing the UK is a bit behind Southern Europe etc, but prevention is better than cure.
Mac.
Click to expand...
That's what I did this summer when temperatures (outside) reached 40C. I used some white foam board that I had to hand. I had already lost the headlining and didn't want to risk loosing the dash.

I think I've hear about this happening with A2s in Greece and Australia (not sold there but a few were imported) where it just cracks (no leaning on the dash). Mind you I shall be more careful when cleaning the inside of the windscreen in future - an awkward job.

A2 Dashboard heat sheild protection 2022-07-19.jpg
 
kiklop123 said:
After 24hrs of drying, i put a plate on its position. It is not glued jet, just laid on.
Will wait now for a week, for paint to dry completly, and after this will glue it with epoxy.
View attachment 102061
after glue, the high corners will fit the surface perfecty
View attachment 102062
Crack in plastic was glued from below with epoxy. Than all the bottom of the plastic plate was taped with duck tape to reinforce (and stop future cracks)

View attachment 102063

P.S. I was hesitating, or to post a new thread, publish it in Today I..., or just continue this thread. Sorry Mac for the inconvenience. All the best, keep on replying, because this makes this forum so great. Take care, cheers, Andrej
Click to expand...
It looks quite stylish! It almost looks ‘functional’, well done, keeping these old cars looking at their best would get very expensive without innovative solutions like this.
 
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