Vinyl dash resoration

[SaskStag]

Hi everyone,
Does anybody know of an upholsterer that might be able to give my local trim guy some advice with revinyling a Stag dash? Of course, for around here, he's never done one before, but is very willing to give it a go.
TIA
Tanya

[jleyton]

Hi Tanya,

Without wishing to be unkind, if your trim guy can't retrim the dash then I really don 't think you should entrust the work to him.

The Stag dash is a pretty straightforward shape and any decent trimmer should be able to do it. It might, just, be a bit easier to do it in leather.

Good luck.

Cheers

Julian

[jakesmig]

IMO Julians right, easier to retrim in leather, using spray on adhesive and plenty of time. Hydes can be bought from ebay or similar, relatively cheaply, any colour you like.
John.

[SaskStag]

I'm sure he will do it just fine, he was just wanting to do some research first. We talked leather, might be ok, but the dash is now a really tight fit lengthways for some strange reason. It was really easy to get out the first time, but replacing it (2 men and 2 scissor jacks; really) and then removing it yesterday wasn't nearly as easy. Worried that the thicker leather might further the problem.
By the way, hubby returned from work (he works away from home), informed me I was rash to cut the tripometer cable, and then couldn't get the darned tripometer cable out of the dash either.
Cheers, thanks!
Tanya

[jleyton]

Hi Tanya,

Ok. That dash does sound tight Whether he does it in vinyl or leather, I reckon he should carefully prune a bit of the old material off at the ends where it butts up against the A posts.

I retrimmed my armrests where the material and fixing to the foam underneath is similar to the dash. Although it was difficult to 'skin' the armrests, I did it all first so the new material fitted neatly.

Good luck.

Cheers

Julian

[Westfaling]

I had a hell of a job reinstalling the retrimmed dashboard. Failed twice, but I was trying to install it with the gauges in. With them out and better access through the openings I managed it third time. A bit of thumping required but no serious leaverage. A second pair of hands certainly helps.
I went with a vinyl that pretty closely matches the orignal grain it was stretchable in one direction which made it easier to fit I'm quite happy with the result as the dash had some serious cracks.
Forgot to mention getting the wood trim back in can be a real pain as all the openings are slightly smaller. I had difficulty getting enough room for the glove box lid. there's not much holding the trim around the centre vents in place so it's hard to persuade it to keep right (or left for LHD cars)
Nick

[V Mad]

I have seen some dash retrims sold by one of the main dealers. The vinyl has simply been stretched over the contours and no attmept had been mase to sew it into any shape. After a few years the glue fails and it all looks a mess. So make sure it is a 'fitted' cover that does not stress the glue.

Also, any thick covering will surely prevent the wood dash form fitting in easily around the edges.

[SaskStag]

Well the dashboard is back and I couldn't resist trying the new wood panels. Looks like the wood trim might be tight. Oh well.
It does look good! Hopefully it will look just as good once it's all installed.

DSCN1069.jpg

Tanya

PS Alan. There's a big hole where the rev counter should go! Or did I completely destroy it?

[Westfaling]

Wow that wood's got a lot of bling. What is it?
Nick

[SaskStag]

Yes, the flash on the camera blinged it up somewhat! It's bubinga burl . I wanted the warmer red tones rather than the browner tones of the walnut.
Here's no flash:

DSCN1070.jpg

Tanya

Ps The woman's touch , upholstery colours to be decided.....

[AlanD]

looking good Tarn,

thats a nice colour too for the wood, come on then tell us what colour are the seats going to be, dont say pink!!

[SaskStag]

Pink...meh. Clashes with the wood and me hair...

Dark, like winged leather chairs in wood panelled gentleman's clubs?.....nah. Too darned hot to sit on in the summer (oops. I think I'm digging myself a hole here)

Not fully decided, but a light colour, ivory maybe, or bisque, or......kinda grey? Not bright white, too dusty here.

Decisions, decisions.....
Tanya

[AlanD]

lol, keep us updated i'm sure you will sort it

[TopDown Ed]

I have seen some dash retrims sold by one of the main dealers. The vinyl has simply been stretched over the contours and no attmept had been mase to sew it into any shape. After a few years the glue fails and it all looks a mess. So make sure it is a 'fitted' cover that does not stress the glue.

Also, any thick covering will surely prevent the wood dash form fitting in easily around the edges.

Do you know who sells a 'fitted' cover, Chris? I've not been able to find any searching the usual supplier websites. Thanks, Ed