I have a 08tl Is there any way to repair a crack in the dash

 

https://www.google.com/search?client...ashboard+crack


Tons of threads on this, it's a very common issue, and the only true "repair" is the replace the whole thing. Ask @gatrhumpy about his ordeal replacing it himself..


Most people either live with it, or get an ugly dash cover to cover it up.

 

I replaced the dash myself. Took me about 12hrs total, but that's because I'm god-damned meticulous when it comes to every screw, bolt, and nut. Plus I also insulated the shit out of the HVAC tubes to mitigate expansion and contraction, plus rubber O-rings around the attach points. Got the used dash off eBay for $200 shipped.

 

Good advice TKS

 

I have also replaced a couple of dashes. It's a big job, and you should get a helper to remove and replace the dash itself.

Some recommendations:

1. Try to get a dash with the brace, wiring, and airbags intact so it's less stuff to take apart. You must get a dash with the same options (i.e. navi, Type S) if you go this route.
2. No need to remove the steering wheel. Just unbolt it from brace under the dash and let it lay on the floor.
3. Unbolt the seats and slide them towards the back. Just a precaution so you don't rip the leather and it gives you more room. Also, put a sock over the shifter.
4. Cut out your VIN and superglue it on top of the donor dash VIN. I just superglue them at the rivets.

I am not meticulous as gatrhumpy so it only took me about 2 hours to pull them out. I will always opt to replace them over living with it or an ugly dash cover.

 

It's been one year this month since I replaced the dash, and I could not be happier. Even if I have to replace the dash every couple of years, I would gladly do that over getting an ugly cover. I HAVE thought about putting leather over my old dash just to see what it would look like.

 

I hope mine never cracks! Always use sunshade when outside and car has a garage now. I know on my other car, 05 Neon SRT-4 I can take the dash off in 5 minutes or less! Had no idea the TL's dash was a pain to replace!

 

Yeah I've thought about DIYing my dash but after looking at the video of a replacement...it's more than what I can comfortably do at this time. And given stories of used dash cracking and then the cost of new OEM + labor (new dash is basically 1k, and then labor is probably at LEAST another 1k)...I'll just live with some "artistic" rendition on the dash board....lol