Dash Pad cracked options

[Dkennel]

I have looked at previous threads on this:
I definitely do not want to put a cover on my dash or repair cracks.
I am looking at a vinyl rebuild from just dashes or dashrestore. Dashrestore quoted me $600, just dashes does not have an e-mail, over the phone they ballparked it between $950 and $1200 and he said he was not sure if they could do a 1987????? he only had up to 1986 on his list???
Previously I had thought about doing a leather replacement with Jason Cullen, but I am concerned about his reputation and will not send my dash away to never see it again.
Original on my car was the blue vinyl and that's what I want to restore, another thing is I noticed the other day that the arch over the instruments is slightly asymmetrical? It does look a little weird to me. Has anybody else noticed that or is that a warp in my dash?
Does anybody have experience with Dashrestore (http://www.dashboardrestorations.com/)? The process seems to be the same that Just dashes describes at half the price?

[500_19B]

You may want to check with Rob Budd at 928leathershop:

http://928leathershop.com/Dashboard,_Console_and_Panel_Covers.html

I had him do mine ('85 Carrera) in vinyl for $540 (this included repairing the substrate). The results were excellent. However, there is a stiched seam along the perimeter of the instrument surround. Looks good to me, but it is not "original" style...

If you do go with Rob, send him photos of your dash first so he can ascertain whether he can repair it (when they get too warped it may not be possible).

At least for your car (post '86) you can apparently remove the dash pad without removing the windshield...

[Porsche_monkey]

Dash Repair 101

I will be updating that thread shortly. My car is 99% done...

[Dkennel]

Thank you! Too funny I just found his webpage and came back to post if anybody had experience with the 928leathershop. I might consider leather with him? It won't be "original" but may be a nice upgrade and as long as it matches the color of the interior I think it may be nice....

[500_19B]

I don't have any decent pictures of it in the car, but here it is on its own:

[911pcars]

Question: In this application, what material lasts longer, leather or vinyl?

Sherwood

[dw1]

+1 for 928Leather

Leather or vinyl? Because my car is black/black, and I was concerned about how the leather would hold up long-term (the inside of the car gets HOT when left in the sun), I went for the vinyl. Give 928Leather a call and they can fill you in on the pluses and minuses of the covering options.

I also like the stitching around the edge, as it gives a consistent look with the steering wheel stitching, and with the door panel stitching. Mine is in black thread (you can choose the color) so the stitching is not as prominent as in the photos above.

FYI, it is a VERY good idea to send the center a/c vent along with the dash, so a good fit can be obtained. Also FYI, that vent changed a bit for '86+, so that may be the reasons for a specific vendor going up to '86.

[dshepp806]

Is the only (certain) path to "original", through factory replacement dash? Just curious.....

My concerns (and I've a cracked dash on a '89) are the very things DW1 mentions,..the "match".....guess it's time to call these shops and have a discussion about particulars......

Best,

Doyle

[S2GART]

I would think that leather definetly lasts longer. My dash is black leather and the only issue is the substrate near the defroster vents is warped. For me, I just chalk it up to being 26 years old. Leather seat eventually crack because of all the bending it goes through as you get in and out of the car.