fixing a warped dash

[magnumpi]

Hi,

The dash is one of the only things left to improve in my car's interior. It's what I seem to focus in on every time I'm out for a drive, and it's starting to really bother me

I've searched around the forum and seen some write ups on how to fix up cracked dashes...but my dash is perfect other than some warpage around the metal vent.

Has anyone ever had any success as straightening out their warped dash, removing it, unpeeling the leather (I think its leather) then applying heat to the dash board itself from underneath and attempting to mold it straight again?

The only good news is that I don't have to remove my windshield to get the dash out on my '86 to try something like this.

Thanks,
Dan

[CCM911]

You've got a full leather, just like mine. And mine is warped just like yours. Due to the leather shrinking with age, this is inevitable. I think there was a thread a short while back written by someone who actually had the dash recovered, and it really didn't sound all that expensive. But the ***** is getting the dash out of the car.

Good luck.

[Bob Kontak]

I did it to my 1981 SC dash in the late 1990's.

Read other threads on how to get the dash out and re-install.

I did not apply heat to the warped area by the vent. I believe I cut the warped part out and found a suitable replacement material. It has been 12 or 13 years but I remember being really happy with how the metal part of the dashboard served as a resting point for the new structural material. By resting point I mean base for the material. I did not feel it was an "iffy" fix.

I ripped the leather by the vents when I removed it from the dash. Be wary and go really slow. Kind of ruined the whole job for me and 5 years later I just put in a vinyl dash - but the curled vent part stayed straight until I replaced it!