Crack in Dash

[OCNORB1974]

Thank you for this link because I know looking at that crack will make me angry every time I drive.
Will the vinyl overlay prevent the airbags from deploying should I get in an accident?

Please don't rely on an answer like that from just somebody on a forum.

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[Twister22]

You should take it to Ford for repair and hand your son the bill!!!!

 

[Carnutdallas]

I am sure the son is dealing with the entirety of the situation. Sorry for your loss. I own a Ford certified collision center. There is the Corp legal and engineering answer and the practical, truth reality answer. The airbag system is self contained and only flooding up and over dash would allow water or debris in the crack. That is no issue. #2 the force and power of the airbag should overcome a vinyl overlay, but it is not designed to. That seam splits where as an overlay does not work that way and no vinyls are the same. I am sure it is fine, but I know the vinyl maker did not deploy 10 airbags to prove it is safe. And I hate being a nanny or even considering these issues, but that is the truth after 30 years in the Collision business. I say live with the crack, and if you put the overlay, know that in an accident, it may not work 100% as designed. Now, I don’t drive around worrying about accidents. And lots of people drive motorcycles, scuba dive and race cars that are much more dangerous than the overlay, but that is only a decision you can make. It would be more expensive to replace the dash for cosmetic reasons, but list price for the part needed is $655.70, wholesale is $445ish and labor can vary wildly, but I see about 2.3 total time to replace - might be less, my software makes some assumptions that would not apply for a cosmetic only and could be higher than actual. If you were near me, I would do for cost only as a courtesy.

Anyway, that’s the facts and my knowledge. If it was mine, I would replace the cover. Better off living with it or replacing than doing an overlay. But that is me. Note, I would paint one all day long if it was undamaged. Paint does not change the performance of that component. Cheers!

 

[Reiningrl]

I am sure the son is dealing with the entirety of the situation. Sorry for your loss. I own a Ford certified collision center. There is the Corp legal and engineering answer and the practical, truth reality answer. The airbag system is self contained and only flooding up and over dash would allow water or debris in the crack. That is no issue. #2 the force and power of the airbag should overcome a vinyl overlay, but it is not designed to. That seam splits where as an overlay does not work that way and no vinyls are the same. I am sure it is fine, but I know the vinyl maker did not deploy 10 airbags to prove it is safe. And I hate being a nanny or even considering these issues, but that is the truth after 30 years in the Collision business. I say live with the crack, and if you put the overlay, know that in an accident, it may not work 100% as designed. Now, I don’t drive around worrying about accidents. And lots of people drive motorcycles, scuba dive and race cars that are much more dangerous than the overlay, but that is only a decision you can make. It would be more expensive to replace the dash for cosmetic reasons, but list price for the part needed is $655.70, wholesale is $445ish and labor can vary wildly, but I see about 2.3 total time to replace - might be less, my software makes some assumptions that would not apply for a cosmetic only and could be higher than actual. If you were near me, I would do for cost only as a courtesy.

Anyway, that’s the facts and my knowledge. If it was mine, I would replace the cover. Better off living with it or replacing than doing an overlay. But that is me. Note, I would paint one all day long if it was undamaged. Paint does not change the performance of that component. Cheers!

My son is going through a lot right now. Thank you for recognizing that. He is a good kid and this isn’t his typical behavior.

Your response is exactly what I was hoping to receive when I posted. I do want to eventually replace the piece because I take pride and care with my possessions, but when the timing is better.

Thank you for your offer to replace at cost. If I lived near you, I’d definitely take you up on your offer and publicize your kindness.

 

[Sgt Badlands]

I had mine replaced under warranty as well, mine cracked the first time I honked at an idiot coming into my lane. They replaced it without question.

I tried to get my steering wheel replaced for the same reason and was told ford declined it, but they did replace my entire top.

 

[ABorges]

Thank you for this link because I know looking at that crack will make me angry every time I drive.
Will the vinyl overlay prevent the airbags from deploying should I get in an accident?

It is a sticker that won't interfere with the air bag.

 

[Blue Hen]

Let Sticker Fab answer the question if the vinyl will interfere with airbag deployment. I would give them a call first before ordering. It definitely is the cheapest option until you get the funds to replaced dash.

 

[Rydfree]

If I were to put a vinyl overlay over the airbag I would cut it into two pieces along that seam and install one pc over the other with just a slight overlap. Basically make a breakaway point in the vinyl design. Many factors come into play such as temperature , thickness of the vinyl , elasticity of the vinyl etc on whether or not it would stretch or otherwise deflect the airbag in a direction not designed to protect the occupant . Of course I have actually seen bedazzled dashes with glued on rhinestones and glitter, so everybody has their own limits of safety

 

[Russtang]

Not going to tell you what to do, but I would have no issues putting a piece of vinyl tape over the airbag on my dash.

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