Car dashboard repair

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momopi_IHB

momopi_IHB

New member
My car's dash vinyl (correction: PLASTIC) on passenger side got scratched up from a propane gas tank. Multiple thin shallow scratches 2-3 inches in length on passenger side. I need to have it repaired/restored. Does anyone know of a good auto dash vinyl repair service in Irvine or nearby area?



Does anyone know if Novus would work? That product is made for clear plastic and I'm uncertain if it'd work on colored vinyl.



If anyone knows if a good vinyl scratch kit that doesn't involve color mixing, I'd love to hear it. I've never had good luck with those little color mixing kits.
 
1998 Toyoda Camry. I tend to keep my cars for long time and in very good/clean condition.



I tried some "plastic scratch repair" liquid thing from the auto supply shop and think it made it worse. I tried it in a small area and it discolored it.



I've also been told that the dash might be just plastic and not vinyl. Not certain. I've been suggested to use a very fine steel wool to try and remove the scratch, but I suspect that'd discolor the plastic (?) too.
 
That's why I asked. They haven't had vinyl dashes since the 1980's.............



You can attempt to fix the scratches with a torch (I'm not kidding). My suggestion is to not sweat it. IMO you bought that car to take care of you, not to take care of it.
 
[quote author="no_vaseline" date=1246959588]That's why I asked. They haven't had vinyl dashes since the 1980's.............



You can attempt to fix the scratches with a torch (I'm not kidding). My suggestion is to not sweat it. IMO you bought that car to take care of you, not to take care of it.</blockquote>


I have the little metal heating pad thing with texture pads, but am hesitant to use it.



I did find one mobile repair service that quoted me $60-$65 + travel expenses (less if I go to them):

http://www.leatherrestorepros.com/index.html



If they do a good job, I'll give them a recommendation here on IHB.



I keep my cars clean and scratch free as much as possible. Some people consider the detailing expense to be a waste of money, but I'm the type who'd drive to Lakewood or Yorba Linda car wash to have my cars cleaned the way I want it -- with real steam cleaner and not chemical wash.



On the flip side, I'm willing to settle for a cheap $200 Earl Scheib paint job, plus extras to take all the dents out. Typical Honda and Toyoda paint only lasts about 10-12 years. My '96 Accord (I keep 2 cars) has 260k miles on it and I had to repaint it.
 
The paint materials alone to spray my project car (OE color, OE quality) are almost $3000! I only expect it to last 10-12 years in normal usage. It will likely last forever because the car will never ever be parked outside for any length of time again.
 
[quote author="no_vaseline" date=1246964272]The paint materials alone to spray my project car (OE color, OE quality) are almost $3000! I only expect it to last 10-12 years in normal usage. It will likely last forever because the car will never ever be parked outside for any length of time again.</blockquote>


I recall some years ago, i was at Solesbee in Yorba Linda, and their manager told me that a 'factory quality" paint job would cost at least $2,500. I like that shop a lot and consider their workmanship to be superior to Moon Nissan in Cerritos. But they're just as expensive as the dealer shops. >_>



Wish I had paid more attention in autoshop back in school... would've saved plenty in minor repairs. ;p
 
[quote author="momopi" date=1246967126]I recall some years ago, i was at Solesbee in Yorba Linda</blockquote>


(I went all through school with the Solesbee kids in Y.L.)
 
[quote author="momopi" date=1246960950]I keep my cars clean and scratch free as much as possible. Some people consider the detailing expense to be a waste of money, but I'm the type who'd drive to Lakewood or Yorba Linda car wash to have my cars cleaned the way I want it -- with real steam cleaner and not chemical wash.

</blockquote>


Do you go to "Yorba Linda Car Wash" on Imperial past Rose, right near Solesbee? I work near there and have used them a few times but haven't been impressed. If you have a suggestion for me, I'm all ears.
 
Hello,



I go to the one by Yorba Regional Park on La Palma. If you're driving east on La Palma, it's the car wash situated just before the park, not the "Riverbend" one after it.



They use real steam cleaner and not chemical wash for the interior, but you have to ask for it.
 
I called a scratch repair service:

<a href="http://www.leatherrestorepros.com/index.html">http://www.leatherrestorepros.com/index.html</a>

<a href="http://www.leatherrestorepros.com/photo.html">http://www.leatherrestorepros.com/photo.html</a> <--- see photos of his work here



Bryan (909) 419-0095



He came out in a van and did the scratch repair on-site for $60 + $20 travel expense. If you go to him you can save the $20.



IMO he did a pretty good job. He sanded down the scratches and re-dyed the plastic. Did a very good job in color matching. He gives 1 year warranty on all work.



On his 1st visit he accidentally over-looked a hard to see spot on the glove compartment. I called him and he came back the following week to finish the job at no additional fee. Very polite and responsible guy. He also gave me some extra dye, just in case.



After he was through with the dashboard, I could hardly see the scratches. You have to look very carefully to see the feint marks. The surface is slightly rough to the touch from the sanding, but unless if I point it out to you, you'd never know.
 
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