Homemade Cure for Boxer Dash Droop

In stark contrast to Markpeboxer's immaculate resto posts (they're unreal if you've not yet seen them), I offer the following excessivley low-tech, low-budget, low IQ "restoration" of dash droop.

My Boxer had the typical dash that had shrunken at both sides of the glovebox, with the 'middle' part of the box pinned firmly in place by the latch. This gives the glovebox the distinct look of having two leather eyebrows staring back at the passenger.

Total amount 'off' from 'level' was 5/8" on the left and 1/2" on the right. Not as severe as I've seen, but way off.

I wasn't excited about pulling the dash apart for a redo, and felt I could manually manipulate the dash back to shape... against the wizened urgings of those in the business. But hey, if I ruined it, I was no worse off than I was. There's no "partial" replacement - you either do it or don't.

So, last weekend I pulled the center latch hardware and loosened the leather just above the glove box. This released the leather from its substrate (plastic I believe). I put a liberal amount of ColorPlus leather conditioner on the top area. Then, I did the unthinkable - - I parked it in the sun.

This was to heat both the oil and the dash. I manually rubbed the dash to get the stuff in the pores as best I could. It sat for about an hour.

Once fully warm, back in the garage. With a pair of 7" vise grips, one at each 'eyebrow', I clamped the leather, protectively pinched between two thin strips of wood (furring strips). I then suspended a small weight - about a pound - to gently but constantly 'pull' on the leather in an effort to reclaim it's original shape.

I left it overnight.

Amazingly, after one day, it's about 95% back to level. I still can't believe it. I just repositioned the grips to stretch a tiny bit more tonight so I'll have a little bit of slack when I go to reglue it. (Plus leather retains a little bit of 'memory'.)

You may have seen my interior shots from another thread, but I'll compile before during and after (soon as there's a complete "after" reattached.)

Just wanted to share the news.

 

Cojones if successful; stupidity if not!

I don't do much mechanical stuff, but this 'fix' seemed straightforward enough.

Remarkably, this morning, the dash was virtually back to its original shape and contour. The 'welting' line is level again. Eyebrows no more. I need to quit yapping about it and get the photos on here.

Please don't go ruining your dash on my suggestions here 'til I get the photos and some mildly literate instructions together (unless of course your cojones are emboldened into action!)

I think the choice of products - about which many here will have vehement opinions - is less of a factor than a quality softener plus tension yielding stretch. I fell for ColorPlus products (leather rejuvinator) some time back, but know that Leatherique, Griots, et al can work wonders also.

I'm just glad I didn't have to rip the dash apart to get some version of 'success' with my new toy.

 

Mine was ALMOST like that. Say, like Mick without the collagen. My dash was up about 3/4" off 'level' and the one shown is over an inch.

You guys'll love this: While I've been waiting on the MSD - THAT NO ONE WILL HELP ME WIRE UP - I held tension on this dash with my dual vice grip ultra sophisticated method, with liberal amounts of conditioner.

The s-t-r-e-t-c-h has worked. Lo and behold, I'm ready to reglue this weekend. It's incredible the difference. No more lips.

 

That is a GREAT idea. I can rivet through the metal. Clearly the 'central hold down' which doubles as the glove box latch is more than man enough for the job (given the eyebrow or lip look where it stays affixed in the middle). Your idea makes the entire straight edge adherant. Thanks. Will do and will take photos, promise.

 

After about 2 weeks of letting the weight of the vise grips pull the dash in place, I reattached today. I used Scottmar's suggestion of a reinforcment strip from aluminum to secure for good.

The process was a good bit easier than ripping the dash out.

Again my dash was 'up' about 3/4" on the left side, less on the right. Virtually all came out. I was kind of amazed as well.

Here you go...
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