Vacuum Moulding

[Concestor0]

While I've got my windshield out for my respray project I will be recovering my dash and side trim with Allsport 4 way stretch vinyl. I am going to be trying the vacuum forming method to do this. There is a commercial product made by Ziploc for cloth and bedding storage that works with a normal vacuum cleaner nozzle. The jumbo size is 35"x48"x16" so I think the dashboard will fit. The suction port has a rubber flapper valve to hold the vacuum after removing the hose.



I suspect there may be a few out there who have experience with vacuum moulding. Would this off the shelf product work?

[Charles Freeborn]

Try it on a scrap piece first.
I've done countless vacuum formed pieces of furniture components and I'd guess that a shop vac won't pull enough vacuum to give smooth results. My vacuum pump pulls 25 in/hg, which equates to roughly 150 pounds per square foot. A vacuum cleaner will only generate a fraction of that.
-C

[Dpmulvan]

Won't work not enough vaccum.

[Dpmulvan]

Go to harbour freight they sell a vacuum pump that's strong enough. Also you need to heat the vinyl quite a bit

[Concestor0]

If a shop vac isn't strong enough I do have an air driven vacuum pump that's rated at 28 inches. I could probably adapt the valve on the Ziplock bag to accept the vacuum pump.

If the Ziplock isn't suitable what do people use for a bag?

[timmy2]

There are adjustable zipper style vacuum bags. Try someplace like Smooth On or other mold making suppliers.