bureau13

At some point, I need to redo my dash/pod/center console. They're all some combination of warped, cracked, etc. I suspect I will need replacement pieces for all three, although I don't know that for sure (I'll post pics at some point for more advice on that). My question is about the leather covering, as I'd like to upgrade to that, while I'm at it (currently have vinyl bits). I know you can get these pre-sewn pieces from a number of places, including classic9 (Rob Budd's place). What are the chances I could get a covering like that, and put it on a decent donor dash/pod/console, and have it not look like crap?

I'm thinking pretty slim, but I'd love to be wrong. Yes, ideally i'd just ship everything to him and have him do it, but shipping is going to be expensive, on top of everything else. Ideally, I could find the donor pieces already covered but what are the chances they're not already half-destroyed by time? Again, pretty slim I would think.

This is not going to happen right away, but I'm planning this stuff in my head...

soontobered84

I would just bite the bullet and send your items to Robb Budd and pay him to do it right.

Lots of different ways to send large items that are not expensive.

Locally, several of us have spare pods and dashes that folks use for "cores" to send for recover. When the finished pieces come back, the finished pieces are installed immediately and the replaced pieces become the "cores". You might just check around local to you.

ROG100

Like wise Rob does all my current interior requirements. Excellent quality, customer service and he is a 928 owner.

Tom in Austin

Other than chancing across some very nice used pieces, I would get Rob to do these. You're going to be looking at these areas every time you get in the car, so would want them to look right.

bureau13

Yeah, that's sort of what I expected. I bought my carpet pieces and did an OK job of installing them...but I imagine the leather work is a lot less tolerant of the fact that I don't know what the heck I'm doing...

sprfrkr

I totally agree with everyone here that you can't go wrong with Classic9, but *maybe* this guy is an alternative. You buy the pre sewn and cut skin and install yourself or take to a local guy:
http://stores.ebay.com/J-F-CUSTOMS/P...=p4634.c0.m322

Pod: $144
Center Console: $144
Dash: $214

bureau13

I saw that the other day. It all comes back to me being able to install it myself and have it not look like I did...I question my ability to do that.

sprfrkr

I have faith in you. I browsed a few amateur youtube videos w half decent results w some steam and 3m contact adhesive. If not, a local upholstery guy could do it for you at a fraction of them gaving to measure, cut, and sew the material, especially if you pull the pieces first.

dr bob

Installation technique is more than half of the result. The other 75% is having a good core, since the leather actually fits over a standard vinyl/foam dash and pod. Faults underneath come through. And half materials and craftsmanship on the covers themselves. On the seats, you get to 'restore' the shape of the old foam (or replace that 30yo stuff with new), and get it all stuffed into the new leather with no stretching or bulging.

Make a deal with Rob to do his magic on a set of his local cores, deliver the pieces to you at Frenzy in the fall, and swap him your 'core' pieces then. That gives you time to save up your lunch money, he has time to do the work, and maybe your car can be a team project at Frenzy for folks interested in learning and helping. I'd phone Rob Budd and explore options.

I will need seats releathered, and sweat the shipping and all, and think about doing the reskinning myself with the kit from Rob Budd. My fallback is a great local craftsman who will save me if I get in over my head.

You might search out a thread that includes Jerry Feather and his work on the pods and dash covers.

bureau13

Down here in South Florida I am far from these get-togethers. Where is this Frenzy again? I would love to get to these things, with the car...but it's a ten hour drive just to get out of Florida...

dr bob

DC area in the early fall. Great excuse to get out of south Florida.

bureau13

I figured it was on the west coast. DC is certainly more doable than that. Hmmm...

medipedicman

There is also SITM just north of Ashville NC. Sometime in may.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...or-2016-a.html

dr bob

Usually the first or second weekend in June. Dave & Jeannie Roberts, the hosts of Sharks in the Mountains, are now residing in Florida but further north if my memory is correct.

I don't know if Rob B makes it to SITM though, which was the critical part of the logistics process. I did meet him at Frenzy a few years ago, not quite as long a drive for him as the mountains of western NC.

Rob M Budd

All good points.
In refinishing the dash and pod its important that the surface be as smooth and straight as possible. Its should be worked in the same way as working a body panel. You wouldn't put a finish coat of paint over dimples and high spots on a hood or fender, why do it on a dash?
Leather/vinyl is not as thin a covering as paint, but even small flaws will
show through.

While I'll be a sponsor of the Frenzy and some other 928 get togethers, I've decided to leave my wares at the shop, drive my 928 packed with just suitcases, and enjoy the camaraderie rather than hawk products.