DIY baksetweave dash trim replacement on a 71

[sfoster13]

So I recently replaced the basketweave material on the dash trim on my 71 and thought I would share a the steps I took.

Tools needed:
Basketweave material from our host
Plastic putty knife
3M adhesive remover
3M spray adhesive
3M trim tape
Exacto knife
Radio delete plate (optional)
Small hammer and dolly or vise (if you bend the trim)
Straight edge

Here are the basic steps:

1) remove the knobs and radio (i removed the knee pads for repair as well), the knobs all unscrew at the end and then the bezel itself. If you have the newer style hazard light, you'll need to separate the switch itself behind the dash. It comes apart in two pieces and can be a pain to separate. Pop it out towards you and through the dash for an easier time separating it.

2) remove the radio and face plate, then remove the metal face plate for the ventilation controls (it's a bugger and be careful not to bend it too badly)

3) remove the trim pieces. They are held on by two-sided trim tape (or at least mine were). Be careful removing the trim pieces, the metal bends very easily (I used a plastic putty knife and still bent the heck out of it). Work a little section at a time.

4) remove the old material on the trim (mine just pulled right off). Carefully remove the model designation from the glove box section (bends easily).

5) Use a putty knife and 3m adhesive remover to remove the glue and junk from the metal trim

6) if needed, use the 3m adhesive remover and plastic putty knife to remove old glue from the dash (be careful not to scratch the dash)

7) take the trim pieces and bring them back to square/straight by placing sides/edges on a vise or dolly and use a small hammer with small/light taps to bring them back to shape. This will be important later when you try and get the trim material to line up.

8) I decided to go with a radio delete so I bought a panel to fit over the radio hole on ebay from this shop

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Radio-Dash-Delete-Plate-Panel-for-Porsche-911-912-69-73_W0QQitemZ280373966314QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item41479735ea&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

It worked out really well and looks great. It just slides into the frame.

9) measure and cut the basketweave material (purchased from our host). Measure twice and cut once. Leave a good 1/4 to 1/2 inch overhang on each side to wrap around the end. Keep in mind that the trim can stretch. I cut it so it would just fit in the notch at the edges. Be sure to use a straight edge and use the little holes in the material to create straight edge cuts by lining up the holes.

10) using 3m spray adhesive, spray the back of the basketweave material and let sit for several minutes until tacky. Move quickly once tacky as it will dry fast. Spread the material out so it covers the metal trim completely and wrap around the edges. I used the plastic putty knife to force the edges of the material under the top and bottom lip of the metal trim pieces. Massage the material so it completely covers the metal trim frame. If necessary, use a clamp so the wrap around section sticks (if a strong clamp, use some cloth to prevent indentation in the material from the clamp).

11) once dry, use an exacto knife to cut away the various holes in the trim metal for the knobs including the ventilation control area and radio if not doing a radio delete. i found it easier to cut from the front and to cut with a slight angle so no metal is showing at the edges and so the pressure didn't pull the material away from the metal trim/glue.

12) attach 3M 2-sided trim tape all around the edges of the back of the metal trim and reattach the metal trim to the dash.

13) reattach the knobs, the ventilation controls face plate and radio and you're in business

15) drink beer and admire your cool new dash trim

It's a pretty simple operation

[Albuquerque]

Thank you for the detailed info.
Did you needed to remove the steering wheel for the job?

[Albuquerque]

Anybody?

[blucille]

probably not necessary to remove the wheel, but some photos would be cool

[Albuquerque]

Thanks.

Well, that's what I want to change, that beige and replace with the black vinyl:



I already have one Becker Europa to replace the "new" 1981 Pionner...

Cheers