I am repairing my dash pad as unable to find relacement that is not damaged in the same manner.
As already stated this appears to be a common affliction for dash pad on R65.
I am utilizing a technique learned doing restorations & repairs of very old items. Specifically architectural millwork & furnishings. The process is also used by artists to prepare canvas for painting. Also in bygone days this process was used for pressing garments. So they were stiff as a board.
Process is called Sizing. Basically it fills pores with material to allow application of additional material without the additional material wicking & bleeding.
The material the dash pad is made of, whatever the composite, does not like adhesive.
So I sized it first. Here is the process:
I chose JB Weld Quick as it closely matches the color of the dash pad.
Apply a thin coating of adhesive to both faces & mate them together.
Using painters tape ( not masking tape - use the colored stuff that comes off clean ) I held the part together without distorting the form.
Allow adhesive to patially cure. JB Weld Quick States 4 minute. Not. More accurately 20 - 30 min. depending on temp. You tell by a light touch with a finger / toothpick whatever. If tacky wait longer till cured past tack stage.
Pull apart & repeat as before. I used four repetitions to produce a very strong bond.
Then if you chose you may go the ultimate in repair / restoration. Produce a template for the finish, to allow you to reproduce the pattern on the repair. This is done by using Bondo / Plaster of Paris or another product to make a copy of the textured finish. You lay down a film of plastic wrap on a portion of the finish, first having treated with thin coating water or WD ( some type of release agent. You decide. Depends on project ). I sometimes do not use a release agent for this step, again depends on item. Then apply plaster / bondo whatever with enough pressure to fill the texture of the finish.
Once the plaster etc cures you have a negative copy you can reverse using same process. Or you can use as is.
Next apply coating of adhesive or whatever final coat will be. Place the textured film on, use a release agent if necessary, then rub to transfer the pattern.
Hope you get the idea of how it works. It is invaluable technique to replicate / restore / repair intricately or unusually detailed items.
I have not road tested my repaired dash pad yet. As am only as far as finish sanding my bonded piece.
Still have some reconstruction filler work. Not sure if I will texture it as it will be under the RS fairing anyway.
Oh! Caution, the clips for the indicator lights on the dash pad are very fragile. Mine were already gone on one side & I broke one that remained. A little drop of JB on the collar is my choice with a dap of painters chaulk on the bulb socket to hold it back in. You can easily snap the JB to remove & chaulk stays flexable.
Hope this helps. For what its worth, I have used these techniques on various projects ranging from fancy moldings / gilded furnishings / window sashes / fabricating machine parts & tools.
Sorry no before pics. This where I am so far.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z318/tagordon/P1000088.jpghttp://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z318/tagordon/P1000086.jpghttp://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z318/tagordon/P1000085.jpgHTH
Troy
