SS80 Dashboard Restoration — From Junkyard Wreck to Showroom Finish

When most people look at a cracked, faded dashboard from a junkyard, they see junk. But when we look at it, we see potential. 

In this project, we took a tired old SS80 dashboard and gave it a second life — transforming it from brittle plastic into a finish worthy of a showroom. This restoration shows that with the right tools, patience, and vision, nothing is truly beyond saving. 

🎥 Watch how we restored an SS80 dashboard from junkyard condition to showroom finish. Step-by-step DIY guide with photos and video 

👉 SS80 Dashboard Restoration on YouTube

Step 1 – The Starting Point 

The dashboard came to us in rough shape: 

• Cracks and faded surfaces 
• Missing trim and broken edges 

• Years of dust, grime, and neglect . 
• At first glance, it looked hopeless. But instead of tossing it aside, we decided to bring it back. 

Step 2 – Stripping & Cleaning 

The first step was a complete teardown. Every vent, switch, and screw had to be removed and labeled for reassembly later. 

We then scrubbed the dashboard with plastic-safe cleaners, removing old adhesives and dirt. A clean surface is key for any lasting repair. 

Step 3 – Repairing the Damage 

With the surface prepared, we moved on to repairing cracks and broken sections. 

Epoxy filler was used to rebuild missing edges. Once hardened, we carefully sanded the surface smooth, step by step. 

This stage is slow and messy, but it’s where the real transformation begins. 

Step 4 – Primer & Surface Prep 

Plastic dashboards need proper adhesion to hold paint. We sprayed: 

1. Plastic adhesion promoter 

2. Multiple thin coats of primer 

Between coats, the surface was lightly sanded to achieve a smooth base, ready for paint. 

Step 5 – Painting & Finishing 

The magic happened in this stage. Using high-quality vinyl spray paint, we built up the color in thin, even coats. 

Once the finish was solid, we applied a protective clear coat for durability and shine. The result: a rich, factory-like texture. 

Step 6 – Reassembly 

With the paint fully cured, it was time to carefully reinstall every component: 

• Vents aligned perfectly 
• Switches and trims clipped back in 

• Fresh polish for a final touch 

The dashboard, once lifeless, now looked like it had just rolled off the production line. 

 

Before & After 

Photos tell the story better than words: 

Before: cracked, dull, and neglected 

• 
• 
  
After: sleek, smooth, and showroom-ready
• 
  
  

Tips for Your Own Restoration 

• Always clean thoroughly before repairs 

• Test paints and fillers on scrap pieces 

• Don’t rush curing times — patience pays off 

• Work in a dust-free area for a perfect finish 

 

Final Words 

This SS80 dashboard restoration proves that nothing is too far gone. With determination and the right approach, any car parts can be revived. 

Next time if you see an old dashboard in a junkyard, remember: it might just be the start of your next great project. 

Dream it. Build it. Drive it.