Best Dashcap Adhesive and Method

[Sluggo]

Got a new dashcap to replace the tacky bright red one the Beetle came with.

What's the best kind of glue to use to hold this down? I was thinking about Epoxy or something.

As far as Method goes, I plan to use a bungee cord to hold a board that's the exact length of the dash across the front (suggested by Linda Costa), a thicker board across the right top (along the indentation) and jam a couple of 2X4s under the bottom lip to help it hold.

Anyone have any other tips?

[spiffy]

Sleep on it.

[Sluggo]

Sleep on it.

Sadly, it took me till this morning to get that.

[Hippie]

Could you use contact cement? You'd have to get it in place right the first time, but it should hold right away. I've put counter top material on with that by putting waxed paper in between, positioning, and slipping out the paper. It worked good.


Rob

[vdubyah73]

I wouldn't use an epoxy, to brittle a joint. I would just use a quality construction type of adhesive. The adhesive will allow some movement between the plastic and metal as they heat up and cool down with the summer sun and the cold winter nights. 3M makes some great products. One is 3M 5200, a marine adhesive, it has a very tenacious grip. I have seen wood tear apart before the stuff lets go. A better option would be 3M 4200, great adhesion but not as tenacious. Both of these products are made for use below the waterline on through hull fittings, your boat would sink if these products failed. Used everywhere from arctic to tropical waters. The 3M 4200 is made so you can take apart at a later date, 3M 5200 is much more permanent.
Both can be found in black.
Bill

[Sluggo]

I wouldn't use an epoxy, to brittle a joint. I would just use a quality construction type of adhesive. The adhesive will allow some movement between the plastic and metal as they heat up and cool down with the summer sun and the cold winter nights. 3M makes some great products. One is 3M 5200, a marine adhesive, it has a very tenacious grip. I have seen wood tear apart before the stuff lets go. A better option would be 3M 4200, great adhesion but not as tenacious. Both of these products are made for use below the waterline on through hull fittings, your boat would sink if these products failed. Used everywhere from arctic to tropical waters. The 3M 4200 is made so you can take apart at a later date, 3M 5200 is much more permanent.
Both can be found in black.
Bill

Thanks! I think I'll try this.

Contact cement wouldn't work because I need to slide the cap around to get it perfectly placed.

[spiffy]

Aren't ya glad ya 'slept on it'?

[Hippie]

I think thast's a good suggestion. (The marine adhesive) Usually anything that says for marine applications is heavy duty stuff.


Rob