Topic: 67/68 dash pad issues

[Bossbill]

Many of the 67/68 dashes have issues with the radio speaker perforation area.
They develop waves and no longer lay flat.
I've thought of affixing something to the underside, but most anything will show through the small holes. Anyone have a remedy?

There are many other issues with these dashes as they near retirement age, so I'll add more to this thread after we talk about the speaker area.

By the way, I did find an epoxy that sticks well to the foam without turning it into mush, but I need to visit the shop to get the brand and it's late.

[ruppstang]

Bill first I built a 1/8 hardboard sleeve to slip in to the dash pad that will store it vertically. They do not do well just laying around. Using a heat gun or put it out in the sun I make sure the rippled area is warm. When I am ready to install I use very small dabs of black silicone at the intersections of the metal dash speaker area. Then slide the dash pad in place holding the speaker area off the silicone. After it is fully seated press down in to the silicone. I have a piece of wood the size of the speaker area that I weight down and leave for 24 hours.

I have had pretty good success with this method but it depends on how bad your dash pad is.
     

[67350#1242]

I have had good results with 1/4" hardware cloth.   Cut a rectangle somewhat larger than the speaker perforation area, lay in place on the backside of a warmed up pad and cement it in place.  believe I have used silicone in the past but might try Goop as it is strong and remains flexible.  weight the screen down while curing - can use wax paper over the screen to keep from sticking to weight.  When it is dry clean up the backside.   If you place the hardware cloth grid carefully it wont be noticeable from the topside.  This is assuming your dash still has a decent layer of foam left in the perforated area.

[Bossbill]

Thanks for the feedback. I have good foam in the radio area. No cracks or other issues.
Just not nice and flat in that area.

Let me ponder those while I sit on the backhoe and finish digging (a side project).

The compatible epoxy I've used with this foam and vinyl is JB Weld Clear Weld 5 minute Epoxy.