Crack in Cavalier Dash

[SkinnerDFW]

Hi and thanks for looking at my post. I have purchased a 1999 Chevy Cavlier for a Christmas present for my son. I have been trying to fix the little things and getting it ready to give to him.

Here is my question, there is a small crack in the dash. It is in the trim piece on top of the dash that is about 3" - 4" in width that meets the windshield. I am trying to remove this strip to repair and repaint. Can this be removed without to much trouble?

Thanks in advance
Steve

[Classicrocjunkie]

yes it is fixable.. but you need to remove the entire dash first.. consult the non-performance subpage and there is a sticky on how to remove the dash.. its a step by step with pictures.

[llerrad]

Mine did this same thing same spot I just filled the gap with black RTV silicone that allows the crack to expand with the temp or it will go again. Small dab on finger and run in split covers real nice can't see the crack.

[mermaid]

I think Chevrolet should be responsible for our dash boards cracking. It happened to me this past summer on my 2000, to my ex husband on his 97 sport and to my friend last night on her sport 2003!!!!!!!!!

[chuckeieio]

My 2000 z24 was cracked around 35-40000km. pissed me right off too! Here i got this brand new car and you got this big crack in the upper dash laughing at you! I thought about replacing it but decided against it as i only bought the car to save money in the first place. In the winter there is a conciderable gap there. in the summer the plastic expands and the two pieces are forced together so it seems there is no crack at all. I have heard of many cavys with this same problem. I put the blame totally on gm trying to save a buck with thier plastics.

[mermaid]

My Cavalier had about 50k on it and it happened during the hot summer. My ex's happened the same week (strange) and his is a 97z. my friend, hers happened last night and it was cold and windy. I think it is a defect and GM should fix it. I have been doing some research. If you come up on anything, let me know at [email protected]
thanks for responding!!!!!! I hate that crack!!!!

[noshun]

Plaster it with some Vinyl! Carbon Effect!

[chuckeieio]

I think before they recall a little plastic cosmetic piece such as the cracked dashes, they should concider recalling thier front strut mounts. Mine and EVERYONE else i know with a 99 or 2000 has a clunking sound while turning the wheel at low speeds, sharply. ie backing out of your driveway. (possibly other years too). I believe it's caused by the upper strut bearing in the front and as it gets worse can cause temporary steering memory after turning a corner or such. I can't believe this has not been addressed. Even the back struts have banging issues over the smallest bumps sometimes. I havn't priced em yet but everyone i know to have fixed the front mounts says they are relatively cheap if you do it yourself.

Lets be thankful that at least these 2.4L engines are bulletproof.
While the car cracks and clunks around it.

[mermaid]

ok, not being a mechanic, what is a strut? where is it located? I do not think my 2000 has had this problem. struts get worn out I am guessing? the dash does not get worn out, just cheap plastic and a defect. just my 2 cents worth.

[chuckeieio]

Originally Posted by mermaid

ok, not being a mechanic, what is a strut? where is it located? I do not think my 2000 has had this problem. struts get worn out I am guessing? the dash does not get worn out, just cheap plastic and a defect. just my 2 cents worth.

No worries. A strut is a spring and shockabsorber combination. You have 4. 2 in front and 2 in back. The front ones have a bearing in the top of them allowing them to move with the front end. This bearing tends to seize up for some reason and clicks or clunks as it turns while you are making a lowspeed sharp turn. It comes and goes. I'm no mechanic either but that is as much as i understand about that particular problem.

[noshun]

Originally Posted by mermaid

ok, not being a mechanic, what is a strut? where is it located? .

It's a cool kind of walk. You can do it wherever to impress the Ladies!!!

[public]

HA! My 89 never garage kept in O-lando Fla still has no cracks. Gotta love STP son of a gun. Use it once a year, need it or not.

[godenm]

my 98 has that same terrible strut noise. its only sometimes but it sounds terrible. i changed my struts about 6 months ago and the old ones never made a noise.i even changed the strut bearings,hell, i paid like $350.00 for the set and they sound like shit (they ride good though)

[chuckeieio]

Originally Posted by noshun

It's a cool kind of walk. You can do it wherever to impress the Ladies!!!

Smooth noshun. nice! lol!

[godenm]

Originally Posted by chuckeieio

Smooth noshun. nice! lol!

I AGREE!!!!!