AlumaCraft Dash Repair Help

[AlumacraftPK]

Hello all!

I have an 2004 Alumacraft, and the dash panels were built with some pretty cheap plastic. In just regular sporadic use over the years, the port side has cracked in several spots, one very bad one that needs repair. I looked into getting a new full gauge and glove box panel from Great Lakes Skipper, and while they have a bunch for Alumacraft, they don't have a matching set that I can install. Any suggestions on fixing this one? If I patch it and reinforce the inside to prevent future cracks, replicating the textured finish is what I am most confused about. Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated!

Pat

 

[Scott Danforth]

use it to make a mold, then make new ones out of fiberglass. or fabricate out of aluminum.

 

[GA_Boater]

That one would be difficult make a mold for fiberglass and would need a very capable metal worker to beat a new one out of aluminum.

I would epoxy some blocks across the crack after squeezing the crack closed with epoxy inside the crack. Sand it all smooth and paint after prepping. I wouldn't worry about the texture because it's molded into the dash and will be almost impossible to to replicate. There are texture paints that may look right or even better.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

That one would be difficult make a mold for fiberglass and would need a very capable metal worker to beat a new one out of aluminum.

I would epoxy some blocks across the crack after squeezing the crack closed with epoxy inside the crack. Sand it all smooth and paint after prepping. I wouldn't worry about the texture because it's molded into the dash and will be almost impossible to to replicate. There are texture paints that may look right or even better.

Absolutely agree with @GA_Boater. Also, instead of painting you could do a carbon fiber look vinyl wrap. These wraps look great, and conform to curves with a little heat. Several patterns to choose from, including texture.

 

[GA_Boater]

Absolutely agree with @GA_Boater. Also, instead of painting you could do a carbon fiber look vinyl wrap. These wraps look great, and conform to curves with a little heat. Several patterns to choose from, including texture.

Excellent, Chuck. Wrapping slipped my mind.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the problem with plastic, is that it has a useable life of 10 years and then starts to fail. faster if exposed to UV

the dash indicated above has started to fail. no amount of epoxy will prevent that.

Plastic has no place on an engine or as a dash.