Dash re-covering project

[jcd0402]

Here's a write up in 1gencelica.com
http://www.1stgencelica.com/viewtopic.p ... c1f3ae1aa1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Video of the work being done. " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The only thing you have to do is register. I guess it's worth it, due to all the information it contains.

[mraitch]

So, I presume that the original vinyl will have to be removed (how - if true) and the underlying foam shaped/carved/sanded to provide a smooth shape (rather like prep for chroming).

Does the 'forming' provide sufficient adhesion, or is some kind of intermediate 'glue' needed?

I noticed that on my JustDashes 70 pad, there seemed to be a slight lack of adhesion around the inside of the gauges.

Exciting project and since JD charges $950 +, you might have a really productive sideline.

Always FUN to do things yourself - experimentation, failure and repeat until success. Very Edison-like.

Can't wait.

[jcd0402]

So, I presume that the original vinyl will have to be removed (how - if true) and the underlying foam shaped/carved/sanded to provide a smooth shape (rather like prep for chroming).

Does the 'forming' provide sufficient adhesion, or is some kind of intermediate 'glue' needed?

I noticed that on my JustDashes 70 pad, there seemed to be a slight lack of adhesion around the inside of the gauges.

Exciting project and since JD charges $950 +, you might have a really productive sideline.

Always FUN to do things yourself - experimentation, failure and repeat until success. Very Edison-like.

Can't wait.

The vinyl can be removed with a heat gun by just pealing it. After pealing the vinyl you have to add can foam, and sand the foam down. Then before placing the vinyl in a "HUGE OVEN" you add spray adhesive to the dash.

[jcd0402]

If you don't want to register into 1gencelica. Use my account as i have no use to it, plus i just used a face email address i don't use.
:USERNAME: nomanches :PASSWORD:As1234567890 (the "A" is capital)

[dld]

Let's see,
Yes, the original vinyl needs to be removed, it can be peeled off carefully with the help of a heat gun or you can grind it off.
The vacuum forming is not enough to hold the vinyl in place, there needs to be a strong adhesive, like heavy duty vinyl adhesive (basically contact cement you can spray).
Truthfully it will probably take a few times to get the process down, so I'm looking for old dashes for cheap or free to re-cover. After I do the first one and see how it comes out, and what inprovements I can make in the process, I might ask if anyone out there is willing to have their dash be a guinea pig.
Here are a couple of photos of the dash after I applied a thin layer of sculpting foam. I have to finish shaping and then it will be ready to cover.

[dld]

If you don't want to register into 1gencelica. Use my account as i have no use to it, plus i just used a face email address i don't use.
:USERNAME: nomanches :PASSWORD:As1234567890 (the "A" is capital)

I've watched the videos the guy has. Hadn't seen the write up. Thanks, more information is always good.

DLD

[notoptoy]

Your sculpting skills look pretty good!

[darkbane]

yes...please keep us posted, as I'll need to do this eventually.

[dbrick]

Maybe try a center console first? Less effort to remove and re-do foam if it fails and less material.

[Solex68]

You may be the next Lewis & Clarke...but of dashboards! I am excited for you and the rest of Datsun Roadster society!

Of course I wish you good luck. We all wait anxiously.
Greg

[exit64]

Check out this site for the dash cover material. Looks like it comes in all kinds of textures. Good thread, keep it up.
http://www.professionalplastics.com/KYDEXTSHEET" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[notoptoy]

So, any updates??

[Solex68]

So, any updates??

Bump...everyone wishes you luck. Do you have any news?

[David]

A friend of mine has a son that builds his own airplanes at age 16. He made a bubble canopy using a very similar process. He used foil lined plywood for the hot box and framed in an old peice of glass from a fire place door so he could watch the process and adjust the vacuum and heat. He drilled holes in the plywood with a hole saw and used four or five of the heat guns (harbor freight) for the hot box. Great project, keep us posted.

[dld]

I just thought I'd let you all know that I haven't given up, I just have had a streak of things going wrong that have kept me from finishing this project. Hopefully I will have it done by Solvang.

DLD