Dang Gum Plastic Parts

layoutshooter · Oct 31, 2009

I just wasted the better part of 2 hours working on the dashboard in my truck, a M2112. Because of the plastic dash AND work done prior to my owning this truck, the entire mess is starting to just break-up. As I removed screws, rather large pieces of plastic dash started to fall off. One piece, that was involved with holding the radio in place fell off and now the radio is just loose. That piece was about 1" wide by 6" long. There is also plastic "powder" everywhere due to the plastic breaking down. I might have to take it in and have Freigtliner replace large sections of the dash. What joy!! What fun!!

ebsprintin · Oct 31, 2009

Just fill the space with Great Stuff foam. That will keep things from moving around.

I think there is only one removable plastic panel in my sprinter that is still in place. After first couple months I just gave up on the cheap plastic stuff and removed it all.

eb

piper1 · Oct 31, 2009

That stinks.

It's unfortunately all too common when people work on the dash and when they put it back together they have a few screws left over, well those screws are needed to keep things supported properly so the dash lasts. I hired a company to install the PeopleNet comm systems in a fleet I managed, after seeing the job they did on the first 5 we did 'em in house. They missed putting back over a quarter of the screws.

layoutshooter · Oct 31, 2009

Part of the problem was missing screws and part was the "cutting work" that whoever installed the Datalogger did. Hatchet job would be a better discription. There were broken screw holes everywhere. No wonder that truck rattles so bad. I can't wait to find out how much this is going to cost me to fix. Foam might not work. There is nothing behind to attach the foam to.

greg334 · Oct 31, 2009

Was the data logger your requirement or FedEx's requirement to have?

layoutshooter · Oct 31, 2009

FedEx requirement for a TVAL truck. The "logger" was installed when the truck was first purchased but the truck was never put on as a TVAL truck until I got it. Which ever Carrier place did this or maybe Alumi-Junk did it, it was a really sloppy job.

ebsprintin · Oct 31, 2009

Believe me. You use foam liberally eoungh and nothing will move. Including some things you want to move. But on the serious side of foam application. One technique to try is to put a plastic bag into whatever space you have. Put the foam in the bag. Give the foam a way to escape away from internal organs. You end up with a form fitted pillow of sorts. Sounds like you lost a lot of your attach points. Fiberglass repair kit might work in those places.

eb

layoutshooter · Oct 31, 2009

Yep, lost lost of attach points.

guido4475 · Oct 31, 2009

My Sterling was the same way.I used super glue to hold everything in place where I wanted it to be,then I used either goop or the welder to secure it long-term. Goop and The welder are glues in a tube found at Homo Depot in the adhesive isle.When that all dries, nothing will take it apart.That was 300,000 miles ago, and still holding. These were major supports for the dash board that I glud. They want a fortne for that plastic stuff.It works.Let it sit for a day before puuting everything back together.

layoutshooter · Oct 31, 2009

I am going to take a longer look at it before I take it in. There are many parts that I would have to re-construct. Don't you just love this junk?

Moot · Oct 31, 2009

If you are looking for plastic dash panels, try a junk yard. If you need to replace the back piece where the screw or bolt goes into, use an epoxy weld compound to fashion a backing. Let it set up and then drill a hole for the screw or bolt. I've used PC epoxy weld for metal and have had good results.

PC Epoxy

layoutshooter · Oct 31, 2009

Almost all of the back piece screw points are gone. I was going to try gluing those treaded clips in place. I like your idea better.
I have NO idea just how I am going to fix/replace all the other broken bits.

Moot · Oct 31, 2009

PC Epoxy is cool stuff. It's malleable like C-4 but much more quiet. Plus you can cross the border and get into restricted areas without any hassle.

Andrew0580 · Nov 1, 2009

Hey layout, you need to track down that motorhome guy I bet he could whip that dash into shape for ya!!

FIS53 · Nov 1, 2009

My cousin on his Int'l got into replacing all kinds of components himself. He had a buddy at a machine shop and he had them fabricate several parts. For the dash panels he utilized sheet metal and custom mounting points (the plastic ones as in your case - broken). This worked out better for him as he used hex head bolts/screws which were easier to work with than the phillips ones. To stop rattles etc he utilized a rubber gasket material which of course is designed to be compressed.
Rob

layoutshooter · Nov 1, 2009

That sounds like a really good fix. I wish I knew someone who could do work like that. It would cost me a fortune to pay someone to do that.

Andrew0580 · Nov 3, 2009

My father in law owns a race car shop and if you can draw up what you need with dementions he could build what ever you need. If you are interested let me know and I will give you his name and number , I will also call him ahead of time to make sure he takes care of you on the price.

layoutshooter · Nov 4, 2009

Thanks, Andrew, I will keep that in mind. I have to try "jury rigging" it first. After all, I am an O/O!!! LOL!!! IF I can't come up with a good solid fix I will get back to you on this.

layoutshooter · Nov 6, 2009

I stopped in to a Freighliner today looking for parts to assist me with my juryrig. Just for the helk of it I asked how much the underdash that is broken would cost. $675. Un-real.