Dash Cover (Classic 9 Leather)

[uvachief]

Anyone purchased one of the leather dash covers from Classic 9 Leather Shop? Does anyone want to post pictures of what they perceive as a good dash cover? I have seen lots of prior posts and claims that if you install them correctly, they will look decent. The leather dash cover from Classic 9 is $260. I would love to see some actual pictures from the individuals who claim, "I've got a dash cover. I didn't even notice until I looked to see if it was a cover." I find that really hard to believe. Before I drop $260, I would like to see what a good dash cover install really looks like whether it is a Classic 9 Leather Shop cover or a regular old plastic Coverlay or Coverking dash cover.

[ideola]

Early dash, expertly recovered by Robert Budd at Classic 9 Leathershop, as installed in my 941:

[ideola]

IN THE CAR:

[ideola]

MORE BEAUTY SHOTS:
COCKPIT CONTROLS

[haroldina]

Where are you seeing them for $260? The cheapest I know of is $400 for the vinyl version from Dan (or $500 for leather from either Dan or direct from Classic 9).

[stv951]

i will have mine covered in alcantara with red stitching quite soon. I will post pics. This will go in my race 924S which is red hence the stitch

[ideola]

The late dash cover, upper only section, retails for $260; but that doesn't include the lower piece...

[uvachief]

Ideola - looks like you removed your dash and had it recovered. Looks fantastic. However, I wanted to see examples of the dash overlay covers. These would just install over top the existing cracked dash. Yours does look great.

[ideola]

Originally Posted by uvachief

Ideola - looks like you removed your dash and had it recovered. Looks fantastic. However, I wanted to see examples of the dash overlay covers. These would just install over top the existing cracked dash. Yours does look great.

Yes, and FWIW, all of the "covers" from Classic 9 require the dash to be removed. The are very very snug fitting and cannot be installed with the dash in situ.

[ideola]

Ironically, somebody just posted a link to this site on 924board. For $45, maybe this is the way to go?
1977 Porsche 924 Suede Dash Covers - Dash Designs Suede Dashboard Cover, Suede Dash Mat

I have a couple of the carpet style versions. A lot of guys don't like them, but honestly, I like them much better than the plastic caps because when installed correctly, they match the seams and contour pretty good, and they have zero glare. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to hide the cracks without having to remove the dash, this might be the way to go.

[jcommin]

Had mine done by Classic 9, I have been to the shop too. Work is excellent.

This is not cheap. Before you go down this path, look at the rest of the interior. You get a new dash, it will make the rest of the interior look older and undone.

[rickharrison]

Pelican has a vender that sells the suede look or vinyl coverlays...made by CoverKing.

That's the route I'd go for budget.

[ScoobySteve]

There is also a gentleman over on Rennlist who is having his dash redone by the major shop that specializes in muscle car dash restoration. They essentially remanufacture the dash to be exactly like it came from the factory.

[Jordanarendt]

I just had mine done by a local guy who used an overlay. Will take pics tonight and post. I do not believe he removed the dash. I'm happy with it.

[Jordanarendt]

As stated earlier, my wife got my dash skinned for me for my Birthday (yes, best wife EVAR!). Here are some before and after pics:

before:



after:

[uvachief]

In reading the Classic 9 installation instructions, I now realize that I will still need to remove the dash. This is going to be much more involved than slapping some adhesive on the back and slapping it into place but the finished product is going to look great. However, after seeing some pictures of removing the dash, I really don't think I am capable of doing this correctly. I will have to take it to an upholstery shop for assistance.

You are right about the rest of the interior. Mine is in pretty good shape but I am sure I will want to do a carpet kit to replace the interior carpet. My hatch seal is leaking pretty bad and the rear hatch carpet is getting pretty ratty. Classic 9 sells a carpet kit for $400 which is cut to fit. I may do that next after resealing the hatch.

[stogie25]

Originally Posted by uvachief

In reading the Classic 9 installation instructions, I now realize that I will still need to remove the dash. This is going to be much more involved than slapping some adhesive on the back and slapping it into place but the finished product is going to look great. However, after seeing some pictures of removing the dash, I really don't think I am capable of doing this correctly. I will have to take it to an upholstery shop for assistance.

You are right about the rest of the interior. Mine is in pretty good shape but I am sure I will want to do a carpet kit to replace the interior carpet. My hatch seal is leaking pretty bad and the rear hatch carpet is getting pretty ratty. Classic 9 sells a carpet kit for $400 which is cut to fit. I may do that next after resealing the hatch.

It is really not that hard to get the dash out and in (new style). About two hours out, and about three back in.

[jcommin]

Removing a dash is not difficult. You need allot of patience and time. I removed mine using the directions from Clark's garage. It took me 5 hours to completely remove it. I was very deliberate in removing things. I took pictures and wired numberd everything.

I was redoing my interior so I removed my seats. Much easier to get at things. Classic 9 recovered my wheel, seats and dash.

Take your time on the removal. Putting it back together takes about half the time.

[VINMAN]

Wow, that stitched dash is sweet! Problem is it owuld only make the rest of my car look even more crappier than it already does!

[uvachief]

Originally Posted by stv951

i will have mine covered in alcantara with red stitching quite soon. I will post pics. This will go in my race 924S which is red hence the stitch

Stv951 - if you got it done, let's see the results.