Dash vents nigh windshield: leather pulling away
08-19-2004, 08:01 PM
#1
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Dash vents nigh windshield: leather pulling away
Hey,
As per the title, the leather has pulled away from the dash vents. I don't want to buy a new dash, a coverlay, or install orange **** carpeting.
I'm thinking that 2 oval leather patches of the same color, fit around the vents, would make it look better, if executed nicely, but I'm not sure. I thought I'd run the idea past y'all to ensure I'm not (metaphysically) smoking crack.
What do you all think?
Thaddeus
As per the title, the leather has pulled away from the dash vents. I don't want to buy a new dash, a coverlay, or install orange **** carpeting.
I'm thinking that 2 oval leather patches of the same color, fit around the vents, would make it look better, if executed nicely, but I'm not sure. I thought I'd run the idea past y'all to ensure I'm not (metaphysically) smoking crack.
What do you all think?
Thaddeus
08-19-2004, 08:43 PM
#2
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Jaeger sells a full leather dash cover now, as well as vent covers...
http://www.jageng.com/atmyservice.htm
http://www.jageng.com/Images/dashvent_sm.jpg
http://www.jageng.com/Images/dashcover928_1_sm.jpg
http://www.jageng.com/atmyservice.htm
http://www.jageng.com/Images/dashvent_sm.jpg
http://www.jageng.com/Images/dashcover928_1_sm.jpg
08-19-2004, 10:06 PM
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Entrepreneurs take note
I have the same problem. I would be willing to pay $500 for a replacement leather dash cover that looks original. Anyone with decent leather working skills should be able to make one for $100 and sell dozens of them.
This is one of the items that really annoys the crap out of me and my enjoyment of this truly fine automobile.
Someone, pleeeeeese make a quick buck...
This is one of the items that really annoys the crap out of me and my enjoyment of this truly fine automobile.
Someone, pleeeeeese make a quick buck...
08-19-2004, 10:12 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
Here's what I did. It took about four hours.
First, the problem is that the foam plastic under the leather dash is what is curving up. I pulled the leather back, away from the foam. Then I used a hooked scalpel and carefully sliced the plastic foam, from the top side, which allowed it to sort of hinge down, and be glued back down. I suppose that's fairly meaningless without a picture. But mine came out looking almost perfect. It wasn't easy, and I eventually broke the blade. I don't know if it can be done without a hook blade. That made it so I could just pull the knife along and cut, while keeping the knife below the windshield at a low angle.
It was an easy fix compared to anything else.
First, the problem is that the foam plastic under the leather dash is what is curving up. I pulled the leather back, away from the foam. Then I used a hooked scalpel and carefully sliced the plastic foam, from the top side, which allowed it to sort of hinge down, and be glued back down. I suppose that's fairly meaningless without a picture. But mine came out looking almost perfect. It wasn't easy, and I eventually broke the blade. I don't know if it can be done without a hook blade. That made it so I could just pull the knife along and cut, while keeping the knife below the windshield at a low angle.
It was an easy fix compared to anything else.
08-19-2004, 10:46 PM
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I just did the same thing on mine as Gregg. A local guy made me a new leather cover for $75. I told him I would put it on since I have some fabric skills. As I was getting it glued on, around the vents was looking horrible due to the foam curling up, so I just trimmed it with a hobby knife. My dash was out so it was nice and easy.
08-20-2004, 05:08 AM
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James from Marin County cut some pieces of plasti (might have been vinyl - I don't remember - that act like a surround of the vent bezels. They are wide enough to cover the area where the leather pulls away, and if you did not know they are not original, you would never know.
Another option is to ask the big three, if they hav a vent bezel from an airbag car. I have seen pictures of later Euro cars without airbag and leather dashes, and this bezel on top. This one is wide enough to cover a lot of shrinkage.
Another option is to ask the big three, if they hav a vent bezel from an airbag car. I have seen pictures of later Euro cars without airbag and leather dashes, and this bezel on top. This one is wide enough to cover a lot of shrinkage.
