Hideous Dashboard Restoration Attempt.

[30westrob]

Tony at Autobon Interiors did my dash 5 years ago, still looks great. When you push on the top vinyl layer their is slight give. I think their is a layer of high-density foam, like 3/16 thick between the hard top and the vinyl. I suspect this foam layer prevents imperfections being transmitted to the top layer. Nice work! Rob

[rennch]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Way to save that dash. You're doing a great job emptyo.

Thanks @drcoastline! I'm just as surprised myself! But it's coming out pretty good!

[Helix8]

Be careful building up the dash cover too thick as it may make reinstalling your windshield with gasket difficult - I went from a beaten-broken up vinyl cover to leather and getting the windshield back in was a bear - the difference in thickness can change things - looking good btw

[Optimusglen]

Good God Man! Excellent work so far.

[rennch]

Almost there!

There were a couple of spots where the filler didn't sit in, so I blended it in with my finger and I'm now waiting for it to dry. The rest of the dash feels smooth as a babies butt!

I was thinking of going over it with some 200 grit, but I think I'm going to leave it slightly rough because I think the glue will adhere a bit better. I'm going to give it a light dusting of black as a guide coat. And then I should be ready to glue.





I think I'm going to go with vinyl, despite really wanting the feel and smell of leather. The car is mostly garage kept, so I'm not too worried about the long-term, but the experts are telling me that vinyl is a better choice. Along those lines, what is the best adhesive to use for the dash?

I have the 3M high-strength 90, and I have barge all purpose cement. I am not a fan of the 3M product, as it never seems to stay. Any recommendations?




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[Ayles]

I used two adhesives on my interior. Dap weldwood contact cement and 3m yellow super trim adhesive. 3m seems to have different versions of spray adhesive. Look for the can below.

I would use both. The 3m on the flat surfaces, but not full coverage so you can stretch the vinyl. Then I would glue the edges where you fold it around with the dap. Be sure to follow the set up time instructions. It gets old waiting for glue to set up but they work so much better if the correct timing is used.

I'd also practice covering something so you can experiment with what kinds of relief cuts you will need to make.

[rennch]

Well, after a bit of spot repair, I did a vinyl glue test, and couldn't be happier with the results!

Just as a reminder:

BEFORE:



Same spot, AFTER:







I should be swinging by World Upholstery on Friday to get the proper vinyl, then it's game on!

I still need to fix one of the studs, so that will be the next project.


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[DaveMcKenz]

Fantastic work, Michael!! I was a naysayer, but you really stepped up to the plate and worked this through. Most impressive.
Good luck,
Dave

[bbturbo]

Nice work! Definitely goes to show that even when something looks like it cannot be saved, it can. +1 to continued applause.

[drcoastline]

This is what you want.

[drcoastline]

I learned a lot from this video. The guy is wrapping the dash in leather but same principals will apply to vinyl. Notice he brushes on the adhesive in small sections at a time. vs. spraying large areas.This avoids accidentally having a section touch where you do not want it to. I found this out a little to late. He also marks off where he wants a piece to lay and applies adhesive in that area only. He also uses a barrier cloth to keep pieces from sticking before he wants and he uses clips to bunch the material.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaSm3zoWrAo&t=998s

[rennch]

#micdrop












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[kenikh]

Fo shizzle

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[Bill Douglas]

Oh... My... God...

That is so good. I take my hat off to you, that is awesome.

[drcoastline]

BAM! Also digging the Brumos print in this shot. So what vinyl? Is this classic black from World Upholstery?

[75 911s]

rescued! Good save! Can't wait to see it in the car.

[rennch]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

BAM! Also digging the Brumos print in this shot. So what vinyl? Is this classic black from World Upholstery?

It was the Porsche/BMW vintage vinyl from world upholstery. I filmed the whole process for the rennch YouTube channel so I'll post here when I edit it. It was pretty straightforward, but that left hand side (instrument left) is REALLY tricky, especially for a rank amateur first timer like me. I had to redo it at least 6 times. Lots of heat gun and barge cement!


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[David 23]

Great job!!!

[CCM911]

Very impressive work!

[rennch]

Here are some pics in the car. It looks great!








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