Heat forming plastic dash pieces?

[Moab]

Anyone ever reform misfitting dash pieces using heat? I have a dash piece made of God knows what kind of aftermarket plastic. That is not fitting to the contour of the existing dash. I was going to heat it up with a heat gun. Carefully. Until it was semi soft. And hold it formed in place to where it needs to be mated to. Until it cools.

Any advice?

It's part of a replacement stereo dash kit. The radio bezel and the top cup tray on a JK.

 

[red02tj]

Anyone ever reform misfitting dash pieces using heat? I have a dash piece made of God knows what kind of aftermarket plastic. That is not fitting to the contour of the existing dash. I was going to heat it up with a heat gun. Carefully. Until it was semi soft. And hold it formed in place to where it needs to be mated to. Until it cools.

Any advice?

It's part of a replacement stereo dash kit. The radio bezel and the top cup tray on a JK.

I’ve fixed scratches in the dash and reformed kids toys.
Lower heat held longer than high heat shorter is better.
Heat the non visible side if you can, less chance of distorting the finish.
Keep the heat moving.
Have a helper or secure place to put down the hot heat gun. It will fall over…ask me how I know.

 

[Moab]

I’ve fixed scratches in the dash and reformed kids toys.
Lower heat held longer than high heat shorter is better.
Heat the non visible side if you can, less chance of distorting the finish.
Keep the heat moving.
Have a helper or secure place to put down the hot heat gun. It will fall over…ask me how I know.

I seem to recall doing something like this in the past. You describe exactly what I was going to try. And ya. A place to sit the hot heat gun down. Crucial. Been there done that too. Lol.

Thanks for reminding me about heating the backside. Good strategy.

I was thinking using a towel over the heated piece to get it held against the dash parts I need it to form too. Maybe a piece of parchment paper in-between? Just to keep it from sticking? Might be overkill. I don't see heating it up that much though.

If I could just buy another dash kit I would. But I suspect these all come from the same factory in China. The color is completely off too. So after I form them. I have to paint as well.

 

[red02tj]

Maybe a piece of parchment paper in-between? Just to keep it from sticking?

Yea, if it will get that hot. Otherwise you risk transferring the towel texture.

 

[Moab]

Yea, if it will get that hot. Otherwise you risk transferring the towel texture.

Good point. Maybe parchment paper between the towel and plastic part? I can't see it needing to get so soft the surface would melt like that. But dumber things than that have happened to me. For sure.