Your car is AWESOME

 

Thanks for the comments guys. It really feels like a new car inside, and I enjoy it that much more now. I've been getting a few questions about the dash, so I'll try to dig up some additional pictures of what I did. Yes, the dash was cracked, but I used some latex filler to fill the cracks, and then sanded it all smooth, leaving the original vinyl in place. I got the latex filler from Sam Grant (Thanks Sam!), who got it in one of the Leatherique refinishing kits. The filler was pliable when dry and had the same feel as the rest of the dash, so hopefully it holds up. I then purchased a yard of backed vinyl at the local fabric store while my wife was there buying yarn. It stretched pretty well and felt very durable. I used only one piece for the whole dash, starting in the back (where the dash butts up against the windshield). I tacked it down with some loctite glue along that back edge and let it completely dry. With that stable point, I used some heavy duty loctite spray adhesive to stretch and bind the vinyl to the dash. If used properly, that stuff binds nearly instantly and holds very well. Around the vents and the sharp curve to the left of the steering wheel, I used bags of sand as weights that conform to the contours of the dash and hold the vinyl in place. Once it was all glued down, I trimmed the excess vinyl and dyed it black. Not too tough, just not something you want to rush.

It's my fun/project car so I didn't need to rush anything. There's always a steady stream of parts landing on the "to be installed" shelf. You guys know what that's like.

 

Very nice work!

 

dude thats awsome! whered you get that clean linen carpet!!!! That interior reminds me of the colors in the white 86 i sold- great job!

 

Now I have another car to drool over.

Looks awsome!

 

Great job Mike!

 

Awesome work Mike! I thought you said the carpet you put in was used, that stuff looks like brand new! Like Sam said, the new interior does so much to bring out your paint color, which is one of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing it again and getting a better look when the sun is out and above 30 degrees.

 

I like it! Wow that's nice. The transformation is like night and day, great job that's one hell of an interior and one to be proud of for sure

 

I am doing basically the same thing. Going from Burgundy to Black. Was able to pick up most pieces free. Didn't notice, but did you do the headliner?

 

Mike,
Nice work man. Now all you have to do is fill in the holes and move the plate bracket up a bit and your set. How much will you charge me to change out an interior when I get another one? lol
Peace,
Justin .......................................... "MIKE JONES"

 

Good job, Mike!

I've thought about that, too. Marine grade (much better UV resistance to fading) upholstery vinyl that is stretchable and has good "drape" characteristics (wraps easily around compound curves) would be my choice, esp. if somewhat heat shrinkable.

Vacuum applied between this stuff and the dash would help smooth it down against the underlying surface while the glue takes hold. Obviously, your sandbag idea works well, too.

This stuff is actually pretty cheap, and holds up well. If you mess up, peel it off and re-apply. Gotta be a LOT easier and cheaper than replacing the whole dashboard.

 

Here are a couple of additional pics that I found.

All cracks were curled up onthe deges, so they had to be sanded down before filling.



Then the filler...


I also found some pics of the euro bumper in progress. Here's one right after removing the rubber strip. I really wish my car was that color. It looks amazing when clean and polished.


After filling the holes...


And a little primer...

 

dude- this is gonna be turbo summer!

 

What do you mean by that?

impressive work!

 

Mike - Excellent job on your interior, it looks pristine, well done!