Dash Recovery - DYI - BEST WAY, THANK YOU !!

[1-ev.com]

Hey guys,

I've done some search on Dash Recovery and it appears that lot of threads are old. I've included links.

Also, I have a question about Sewed dash vs. Not-Sewed (just like a factory), and Leather vs. Vinyl, please see pics.

I've got '68 that would be 2 pieces Dash... What is your opinion, as well as ANY TIPs are VERY appreciated!!!


from here HELP : Best carpet set for 1968 911

VS.


from here Hot Rod Projekt


Related links, besides previous 2:

Pelican Technical Article: Installing a New Dash Pad - 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89)

Pelican Technical Article: Starting the Project


Removing the Dash Pad from a early 911

Cracked leather dash - replace with plastic or leather?

DIY Dashboard Recovering

source vinyl dash top covering ?

[Andy911sc]

1-ev,

I really like the look of both, here is something to think about. I would only go with the stitch look if you are going to have matching stitch work throughout the entire car. Otherwise it would look out of place with the rest of the car. Just my 2 cents.

[1-ev.com]

Here is what I been told from 2 local "upholstery-recovery" shops (both 20+ years in business ) that dash has to be stitched because the dash edge is to sharp for leatherette to go around - I think they just pulling my leg and BS me ... When I've shown them pics of Dash from Hot Rod Projekt they were speechless, mumbling...

[wayner]

Here was my dash thread.

I had it professionally done in Alcantera. I didn't want visible stitching so Joe was able to hide any stitching under the rim above the gauges

Alcantera dash complete

Here is one picture. Better ones on my thread though.

[1-ev.com]

Do I have to reinforce dash from inside and outside such as fiberglass or lines of carbon-fiber before re-upholstery?
Txs in advance.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by Andy911sc

1-ev,

I really like the look of both, here is something to think about. I would only go with the stitch look if you are going to have matching stitch work throughout the entire car. Otherwise it would look out of place with the rest of the car. Just my 2 cents.

+1 - just to make it all work together, continuity, etc.

I will be experimenting with one... This thread will come handy when I start to tackle this task.

[SPerron]

I just finished recovering my dash last night. I to was told that there would have to be stitching if I went with leather. pff... I went to Tandy leather, one hyde(80$),
some contact cement (in my case 3M 1357), and about two and a half hours.
The key I found (and I have only done this once) was to start in the center towards the front of the dash and work your way out. A little heat in the corners and voila.









Ultimately not too difficult and in my opinion well worth the effort.

[swade]

Nice job on the dash recover

[SPerron]

Thank you wade

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by SPerron

I just finished recovering my dash last night. I to was told that there would have to be stitching if I went with leather. pff... I went to Tandy leather, one hyde(80$),
some contact cement (in my case 3M 1357), and about two and a half hours.
The key I found (and I have only done this once) was to start in the center towards the front of the dash and work your way out. A little heat in the corners and voila.

Ultimately not too difficult and in my opinion well worth the effort.

That looks great!

Do you have a photo of the condition of the dash before you started?? I have a spare dash that I would like to try fixing... got one of those Tandy Leather stores locally, so I will stop today to get me some leather! Do you remember what type of leather you bought?

[tobluforu]

Awesome job!

[SPerron]

Good morning wachuko,
Thanks for the compliment! I unfortunately do not have before pictures, but the dash was structurally sound ie. no splits or cracks but quite scuffed in all the usual places. Also it appeared as if the po had tried to sand and blend the marks. This dash was originally vinyl covered and I did not remove that prior to starting. Just a quick sand with 400 grit to give the glue a little more to bite. The hyde I used was a half cow hyde, fairly thin, not the usual upholstery leather. The guy at Tandy knew what I was looking for when I explained what the intended purpose was. If it helps the hyde was in boxes in the back of the shop. I believe the hyde was 24sq ft.
Sorry to hijack, hope this helps.

Stephane

[1-ev.com]

Stephane, WoW WoW WoW !!! Looks Soooo Great!!!

Where did you get Tandy leather from?

Did you reinforced dash or just glued material? Where its just a foam on inside...

Thank you. -Y.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by 1-ev.com

Stephane, WoW WoW WoW !!! Looks Soooo Great!!!

Where did you get Tandy leather from?

Did you reinforced dash or just glued material? Where its just a foam on inside...

Thank you. -Y.

I think it is a store... I have one close by. Now that I have the details on the style of leather (thank you Stephane !! ) I can stop by a pick up enough to do one dash and test. I have two dash that I need to repair

Leathercraft and Leather Craft Supplies - Tandy Leather Factory

[1-ev.com]

is their leather will stretch so much?
I was always thinking that you have to go with leatherette to be able to go around sharp corners, such as around clock area...

Also, leather can shrink later, should be some "extra" left for that?

Txs, -Y.

[SPerron]

1-ev,
sorry for the late reply. Thank you for the compliment. So leather will strech a lot more than you would imagine with a little heat. Actually its more like it softens the hyde and allows it to be formed around corners and curves. The leather can shrink over time if allowed to dry out(like a mummy) but keeping it hydrated with either lexol or leatherique oil will keep this from hapening. When I started covering, I did not try and cut a pattern out of the exact shape of the dash. Lay your dash out flat and roughly wrap it into the corners to have an idea of the amount you need, then add 3 inches to that. You will see that you don't have to stretch as much as form the leather around the curves.

[1-ev.com]

Thank you, What is the leather thickness did you get?

[SPerron]

1-ev,
you were asking about the "base" or if I used any re-inforcement?
No, I debated on trying to remove the old vinyl cap but decided against it in fear of pulling out chunks of the high density foam that the core of these dashes are made of.
What is the original material used that is now on your dash? If its leather, and already peeling or bubbling, then using some heat (hair dryer or heat gun carefully) should enable you to remove the rest of the old covering.
Can you post a pic of your dash?
I hope this helps,

Stephane

[1-ev.com]

Speaking of reinforcement, I was thinking to put lines of carbon fiber or fiberglass on both sides of the dash... before put leather or vinyl

I will post pics, later today, but in quick describe this is regular dash with vinyl around foam, I still have a question how the Porsche managed to make Piece of sh*** like this AND where is the name of "Porsche" here there no reinforcement between foam and top vinyl... I do not even see where mounting screws are holding to ... looks like they are in the foam/leather cloud/glue...

I understand they were looking for lightest/cheapest way to make the Dash Cover...

My question is that vinyl acts like a reinforcement, and if it strength is enough to hold leather shrinking forces???

Also, My dash has 2 parts, front and rear, as my car is '68, So I have to do it (suffer) twice...

Txs, Again

[SPerron]

The thickness of the leather is 3/32".