Cracked dashboard

Bob_Salmon · Post by **Bob_Salmon** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 7:27 pm

My (RHD) dash is cracked and also showing signs of the passing years! I know that replacements are:-

a) hard to find, and

b) expensive!

Does anyone offer a re-covering service? Even in best leather, it should be cheaper than replacement.

Bob

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 8:18 pm

Southbound had a new RHD dashtop at Husborne for £299 but I would imagine that it sold on the day - worth a call though.

They also offer a recovering service.

Bob_Salmon · Post by **Bob_Salmon** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 9:44 pm

Thanks Andy. I will give them a call to get some idea of the recovery cost.

Bob

Gary71 · Post by **Gary71** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 9:45 pm

Hi Bob,

You could try trimming it yourself!

I did mine with some stretchy vinyl from http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk Not the easiest bit of trimming I've ever done, but possible with the aid of a hair dryer to soften the vinyl whilst you pull it round the curves, oh and some monster contact adhesive. Fill the cracks first and sand it all smooth. Worth a go maybe?

Bob_Salmon · Post by **Bob_Salmon** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 1:56 pm

You made a nice job of it Gary. Another option for me to consider but already the restoration has taken two years and even next year is starting to look optimistic. Where does the time go?

Bob

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 7:38 pm

That looks effective, Gary: I wondered about doing this on the 911, and now have the same problem in a couple of places on the 914.

What contact adhesive did you use and what did you fill it with? Any other tips?

Gary71 · Post by **Gary71** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 10:48 am

Hi Barry,

I used S708/AF170 Synthetic Adhesive from Woolies with the standard expanded vinyl. This adhesive is the proper old school contact glue that melts your brain if you sniff it!

The vinyl grain is a very good match for the original and I've done all the pillars and made new door cards covered in it as well.

Even in a double garage I was feeling a bit sick by the time I'd finished my dashboard! Happy sniffing!

Oh yes and I filled it with P38. I should have made a better job of this than I did as the vinyl reveals bumps almost as well as paint!

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 10:28 pm

Thanks, Gary, I'll look foward to frying my last few brain cells when the 914 comes into the workshop for it's makeover