The dashboard in a GMC Z71 truck is exposed to a lot of sunlight and harmful UV rays. These are harsh on the dash, dry it out and can lead to cracks. A new dash is expensive and costly to have installed into your truck. Dash pads cover up cracks, but look cheap and don't actually repair the cracks. Learn how to repair and paint a GMC Z71 dash top dashboard and get your dash back to almost new condition.
Use a razor blade to trim away any small pieces or jagged edges from the vinyl dashboard top, making the edges of the crack as smooth as you can. Sand along the edges and around the area of the crack using 320 grit sandpaper. This further smooths the crack edges and prepares the surface so the filler and paint will adhere better.
Use a plastic squeegee to apply the padded dash filler over the crack. Make sure the filler covers the entire crack and doesn't sink lower than the surface of the dash. If this occurs, add more filler. Let the filler harden for 45 minutes and then sand it smooth with 320 grit sandpaper. Sand until the filler is smooth and level with the surface of the dash. Wipe the dash with a silicone wash and rag.
Use masking tape to cover the windshield and the area around the dash so overspray doesn't land where you don't want it. Spray a moderate coat of plastic sealer spray over the repaired area and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.
Spray a moderate coat of texture spray over and area that has been sanded smooth. Place the grain pad on top of the dash in the areas that have just been sprayed and press it down hard. Pick it straight up, move it to a new spot and press again. Use the grain pad like a stamp to make the dash grain impressions in the spray. Don't move the grain pad around once it is pressed against the dash or the grain pattern will be messed up.
Spray 2 to 3 thin coats of paint over the repaired area, waiting 5 minutes between each coat. Remove the masking tape and paper and wait 4 hours before handling the newly repaired area.
