My DIY Dash thread (zillions of pics 56k beware)
#33
Once you have a feel as to how hot you can get it, and how pliable it becomes, then you can go after the console, and see if you can't get the wrinkles worked out.
Worse case, stitch up a new piece with the dog legs of it shaped more like the console, so that it practically lays on it without any stretching or wrinkles.
#34
Three Wheelin'
I didn't stitch a straight line, I followed the shape of the console. I'll just try the heat gun thing. Thanks.
#37
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
lol.
I haven't had much progress as of late; I made some rough templates off the shapes of the dash and got some cheap-*** vinyl to practice with. My stitching really needs some practice :-X
Next thing I'm going to do to the dash is lay some fiberglass on it to stiffen it up. The original vacuformed vinyl was a major part of the structure and without it the foam is pretty flimsy. Some fiberglass will make it hard without adding much weight.
As for the covering, I'm faced with a dilemma. I've seen my own stitchwork and its pretty bad lol. Sure with practice it could improve but I don't know how long that might be. I just talked to the guy who I had do my seats and he said he could make me a cover with my own material for $450. Or, if I give up on vinyl I could get some colormatched paint and paint the fiberglass.
I want it to come out nicely, so I'm going to keep my eyes open for fiberglass paint and keep practicing my stitching. Otherwise I'll be another $450 into the car but it will look damn good lol.
I haven't had much progress as of late; I made some rough templates off the shapes of the dash and got some cheap-*** vinyl to practice with. My stitching really needs some practice :-X
Next thing I'm going to do to the dash is lay some fiberglass on it to stiffen it up. The original vacuformed vinyl was a major part of the structure and without it the foam is pretty flimsy. Some fiberglass will make it hard without adding much weight.
As for the covering, I'm faced with a dilemma. I've seen my own stitchwork and its pretty bad lol. Sure with practice it could improve but I don't know how long that might be. I just talked to the guy who I had do my seats and he said he could make me a cover with my own material for $450. Or, if I give up on vinyl I could get some colormatched paint and paint the fiberglass.
I want it to come out nicely, so I'm going to keep my eyes open for fiberglass paint and keep practicing my stitching. Otherwise I'll be another $450 into the car but it will look damn good lol.
#39
Rennlist Member
Spencer, I really like what you've done so far. Good work!
If you decide to go with leather and DIY, one trick to stitch leather is to soak it with water first. Good luck!
If you decide to go with leather and DIY, one trick to stitch leather is to soak it with water first. Good luck!