[MDB1056]

New to me 2000 DTS is gorgeous except part of the dash in the center where curves around center speaker in the middle is lifting due to apparently being in the sun over time, or just age, or both. Guessing mostly age as the paint on the car is beautiful white diamond and it was garaged for past 13 yrs. I've seen hints in other threads this is not uncommon but am looking for guidance on how to best glue back down. Any help appreciated! Worst case I can get glue under it and put a book or two on it and wedge it into the windshield which will push it down while drying, but I don't think I can get the lip all the way back under where it was originally. Hoping others may have solved this. Thanks!

 

[gdaquilina]

Lifting of the dash pad around the center speaker and at the extreme edges near the windshield is not unusual. The best repair is, of course, removal of the dash and a complete re-glueing of the pad to the base. The OEM glue fails over time and the foam under some of the dash pads breaks down as well.
The alternative repair involves what you suggested- applying glue under the raised sections and weighting it down. I have found that treating the dash vinyl first will help to make it more pliable and easier to weigh down. I have used Eastwood Rubber and Vinyl Restore to treat the dash vinyl. The best holding glue I have found is Gorilla Glue. The mating surfaces have to be moistened first. I use a paint brush to get some moisture under the vinyl. You can attach a piece of flexible tubing to the Gorilla Glue container to make it easier to get the glue under the lifted vinyl. Because Gorilla Glue expands when curing try to keep the glue away from the edges of the vinyl. If it does ooze out you can simply cut it away when it has cured. I use weights from an exercise set to weight down the raised sections. The more weight the better the bond. I would advise against wedging anything against the windshield. The point force could fracture the glass (I have seen this happen). You will be settling for a less than perfect repair but a far easier one than removing the dashpad.

 

[MDB1056]

Excellent information. Thanks much. Eastwood products are always good quality . I was thinking exactly that - how to best treat before gluing, including what to use, and even considering heating with a drier to get it warm / pliable for max stretching back into place. Exercise weights are good idea. I'm going to go with the less than perfect repair and pass on the entire pad removal, due to abundance of other projects requiring the greater investment of time . Thanks again!

 

[gdaquilina]

Warning! Warning! Do not apply heat to the vinyl!!! Heat is what causes the plasticizers in the vinyl to migrate out, causing the cracking and drying. The Eastwood product contains plasticizers which are what helps to soften and give back some flexibility to the vinyl. If you are in no hurry, apply the product to the entire dash pad and cover it with plastic wrap to slow evaporation and increase penetration. I have turned "crispy" dash pads to acceptable (not perfect) condition using this method. And remember, do not ever use any products with silicone on vinyl. They may make it look shiny but they suck the plasticizers out of the vinyl. When you have completed your repair invest in a good quality dash cover and use it when the car is exposed to sun. UV blocker is also important to use on all the car's vinyl.