Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

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.

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.

mraitch wrote: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.

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)

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.

jcd0402 wrote: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

Your sculpting skills look pretty good!

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

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

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

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;

So, any updates??

notoptoy wrote:So, any updates??

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

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.

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