Dash Board Scratches

[Tom Servo]

I've got a black dash board and I was trying to get a tape out my tape player because it wouldn't eject it right. so I used some screw divers to pull it out and I put a few sctraches in the dash board. I was wondering what I could use to fill the sctraches in and make look good. Also I have another question the side of the panel that has the radio and heater/Ac controls the sides are starting to peel is something to prevent that happening?

Tom Servo

[FineExampl]

nothing to prevent i think. sounds like a good time to remove and paint it if you ask me. filling them in? probably not a good idea. probably wouldnt match up.

[SMG]

You have 4 options:

1) Deal with it.
2) Remove the rubber coating and paint it, either yourself or have it done professionally.
3) Raid a junkyard, the used part would be less than the painting.
4) Buy a new center dash new from the dealer (about $140).

I think #3 is your best bet, that's how I recovered from my Audi TT vent fiasco.

Good Luck!

SMG

[TampaDub]

paint it....it will be beautiful!

[calvinist]

You can try Novus Plastic Polish, which comes in three different abrasive grades. You might need more than one (that is, if you need the most abrasive, you might also need the least abrasive for "polishing").

I also read a thread on Autopia that suggests the use of a heat gun (not a hair dryer), which causes the plastic to even out. It might leave the affected area a bit shiny, though.

[bigcanoe]

Good to know. My dog (all 6lbs pounds of her) got on my dash and wreaked havoc last week :(

[CoriBug]

Mine is scratched too - a reminder of my first real DIY - changing the pollen filter.

[SMG]

I'd rather have a scratched-up dash than own that eyesore.

[SMG]

If I was in the minority I would leave a lot more hateful comments in the photo section than I do now.