***Cracked Dashboard Action Request***

[Msivley]

Dozens of tiny cracks as expected on a 2003.

 

[Black4thgen05]

I too have the cracked dash. I have to pull it to change out my evaporator. While its out I think I'm going to try to use plastidip on it and see how it turns out. Wanted to know everyone's opinion on this...or has anyone tried this yet?

 

[momo.75]

I think it will look pretty good, but wonder how it will hold up. Can't wait to see your pics.

 

[smekas]

I too have the cracked dash. I have to pull it to change out my evaporator. While its out I think I'm going to try to use plastidip on it and see how it turns out. Wanted to know everyone's opinion on this...or has anyone tried this yet?

What about the airbag area? Won't plastidip interfere with the airbag deployment?

 

[ebg18t]

What about the airbag area? Won't plastidip interfere with the airbag deployment?

Plastidip is not strong enough to interfere with the airbag. An airbag inflates in approximately 20 milliseconds on a toyota. It requires a TON of force to do that. Plastidip is just going to peel when this happens.

 

[smekas]

Plastidip is not strong enough to interfere with the airbag. An airbag inflates in approximately 20 milliseconds on a toyota. It requires a TON of force to do that. Plastidip is just going to peel when this happens.

I understand it's going to find a way out. I just wonder if having plastidip on there might influence its direction. Has this been done before?

 

[smekas]

... are getting worse. I took it to my local dealer, who said that there is not anything that could be done by either the dealer or Toyota. I went to my car guy (not the dealer). He found me a product that we are ordering. Im going to try to get it installed next week and I will post photos as well. It appears to be better than dash replacement.

Frank
2003 4Runner SR5, 101,000 miles, in great condition.

Update?

 

[FrankA]

My local aftermarket specialist found a synthetic skin, like for your cell phone. Had to buy a set of tires For my 2003 Or I would have to order it already. Here's the link Coverlay - Dashboard Covers - Door, Instrument and Kick Panels It's only about $150.

 

[momo.75]

For some reason that site isn't showing the pictures of the skins. I have seen some on ebay and some other sites that would look pretty good, if it weren't for the airbag opening on the passenger side. Besides the opening not looking good, if there are cracks on the dash showing through that opening, it negates having done anything to make it look better.

 

[smekas]

My local aftermarket specialist found a synthetic skin, like for your cell phone. Had to buy a set of tires For my 2003 Or I would have to order it already. Here's the link Coverlay - Dashboard Covers - Door, Instrument and Kick Panels It's only about $150.

I've seen some posts on other forums where they claim that these warp in hot weather (where we live would obviously qualify) but they do offer a lifetime warranty. Also, those posts may have been dated, perhaps a different material was used at that time. Post pics if you do it!

 

[strathcona]

Wow, some of those pics are pretty upsetting. I have an '04 Sport with Grey vinyl and 120k miles. I do not have any cracks on my dash yet. I do not treat the dash with anything, in fact I don't often clean it. Not sure how I dodged this bullet, but I don't know if I should Armor All on a regular basis, or keep doing nothing.

I have an 03 SR5 and don't have any cracks either. I have had this vehicle for 3 years and armoralled it 2 maybe 3 times. I don't know what the previous owner did.

What I have noticed though, as I went through every page of this thread, is that it seems it only affects Southern U.S. vehicles. I may have missed some Northern U.S. locations and did not see any reports from Canadian owners or from other countries.

This seems strange as I thought that all 4 R's were made at the same plant in Japan?

 

[Jeremy03Sport]

My first crack arrived after sitting in detroit metro parking lot while on week vacation. The dash had seen 4 of its 8 yrs at that time in louisiana sun before this happened.

Back in louisiana, several more cracks appearing.

 

[Jeremy03Sport]

You guys are freaking me out.

Let's see:

- Cracked dash (not on mine, yet, knock wood)
- Squeaks and cracks in the seat frames
- Never ending clunk in the drive train (greasing the slip yoke helps for a while).
- Damn stupid tail light replacement design on the spoiler (just annoying as all get out).
- Rattly sunroofs.

Lots of weird little annoying things with these trucks (and some major ones). Nice truck, but once you've had it for a while you realize a lot of these.

Only thing that cost u anything was tail light. Good deal, no? Bought mine new in 2003, has140k, and has been nearly maintenance free besides brakes, tires, oil changes. I can live with a few quirks st this point. Very satsfied owner.

 

[Dye Guy Inc.]

solution for dash cracking toyota 4runner

PERFECT SOLUTION FOR DASH CRACKING
Toyota 4RUNNER - DASH

Check out the new photos. The air bag area is now covered.

check it out


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/membe...speaker-3-email-us-more-information-price.png

 

[smekas]

PERFECT SOLUTION FOR DASH CRACKING
Toyota 4RUNNER - DASH

Check out the new photos. The air bag area is now covered.

check it out


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/membe...speaker-3-email-us-more-information-price.png

Is this a Coverlay product? Does the airbag cover not interfere with the airbag operation at all? What about warranty against warping? Price? Shipping? Thanks!

 

[awdjunkies]

Is this a Coverlay product? Does the airbag cover not interfere with the airbag operation at all? What about warranty against warping? Price? Shipping? Thanks!

Here is their website: Leather Kits Page- Dye Guy Inc. :yo:

 

[Abram48]

2005 SR5 Sport

3" crack noted above passenger side airbag.

 

[Sants]

Mine developed a 3" crack two weeks ago. Now it is getting worse. 04' 48,000 miles and garage kept.

I'm ready to trade in if they can't do anything

 

[smekas]

Mine developed a 3" crack two weeks ago. Now it is getting worse. 04' 48,000 miles and garage kept.

I'm ready to trade in if they can't do anything

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee371/sants28/EE3F2CB1-F9DF-4A34-9170-689B1B587810-1855-00000107CC071448_zpsa4a7a30a.jpg[/IMG

[IMG]http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee371/sants28/425AD874-634B-400C-A931-FD63588B0EF9-1855-00000107C8BC7EEB_zpsd70d406f.jpg[/IMG

[IMG]http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee371/sants28/A7A6E01A-C15A-4AF1-8919-2DEB097BB3CC-1855-00000107C4A101DA_zpse841641a.jpg[/IMG[/QUOTE]

I think the part is around $800 new. If you're at all mechanically inclined, you should be able to do it yourself over a weekend. This is not a reason to take a huge hit on a trade in.

 

[Agriess]

Here is my crack, thank The Lord it's not as bad... Yet, I think I've been pretty fortunate! Hopefully I can get it fixed and then get a dash cover real soon...