ODSharkBytes

If anyone is doing the repair themselves, I saw this link posted, it may have been here, but it seems to contain a good repair for cracks prior to installation of the new cover.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/howto/5139/

G Man

I have three cracks on my dash that are each about 1/32" wide and travel from the windshield down. Would cracks this small need to be filled before covering?

ODSharkBytes

In my opinion yes they would, they would show through the leather I think, since the leather is not that thick.

Rob M Budd

ODSharkBytes is right. The leather is about 1/8 thick. It may or may not show but sometimes cracks like that open and close from temperature changes.
Sand them down so its smooth and flat, run a bead of super glue along the center of the crack and sand smooth again.

fbarnhill

Hi Rob,
Couple of questions if you don't mind. Is it neccessary to remove the dash for repair? I have a 79 Euro with leather. It is not torn anywhere but has pulled away in several places. It probably has shrunk. Can it be re-used? Also you mentioned some kind of foam between the dash and leather. Mine doesn't seem to have anything under it. I am assuming that to remove the dash, the pod, console and other things will have to be removed also. Is this an epic job or can one person get it done in a weekend?

Thanks for the info
Frank Barnhill
79 Euro

heinrich

On my factory leather (new) dash, I can see every little dust particle through the leather. If there were cracks, I think I'd see them.

Tom928

Rob,

Dashes look beautiful!
I was considering purchasing a set but I got sidetracked on the timing belt on the 84. Then Sunday I cracked the windshield on the 81 and started wishing I had done the buy on the dash and pod so I could just do the windshield, dash and pod all at once.

Anyway - If you do this again (I know you say only once in awhile). I would be interested in getting a set (Dash, glove box, and pod).

Tom928
'81 928 Guards Red / Black / 93K
'84 928s Kiln Red / Tan / 112K

2ndof2

I'd pay to have it installed, but only if the girls in your avitar do me...ahem, I'm mean install it for me!!!!

milwaukeeshark

Hi Rob,
Can you provide any additional info on the 1/8 inch foam you suggested? Type and possible source? How much of the dash do you cover with foam before installing the leather? Have you started shipping yet? Thanks again for the great work.

Rob M Budd

Frank,

Yes, you must remove the dash. The vinyl or leather wraps around and must be anchored (glued) to the underside.

The leather can't be reused. The stitching holes will not line up. The glue on the underside generally hardens making it tough to remove.

I use 1/4 and 1/8" foams foam now and then. The 1/4" gives it more of a soft plush look. The 1/8' foam is a volara type polyethylene and can be sanded to match the contours. It looks close to normal with a softer feel but doesn't have the deep plush look of 1/4".

It can be done in a weekend by one person. Its a lot of nuts and bolts but not bad if you have patience and pay attention to detail.

Dash, pod, glove box and console have to come out.
Loosen the screws on the headliner near the A pillars and take them out too
The A pillars are held in by clips and will pop off.

I recommend
A digital camera
10 MM wrenches, Open end, box
10MM socket, swivel, and various length extensions 1/4 drive
allen wrench. 4mm I think
phillips screwdriver and other normal hand tools.
trays to put the parts in
beer
band aids
aspirin, scotch or vodka for the aching muscles monday morning

Rob M Budd

Let me know what color and I'll see if I have any leather left. I think I have some brown and black left. Maybe some cork.

Rob M Budd

The leather guy said it was Volara. Its a brand name. Its polyethylene closed cell foam. I cover just the top section where the vents are and sometimes the concave areas on the ends.
When you sand it, sand it in one direction only with 80 grit.
I got mine from the leather guy, but I thiink World Upholstery has it. worlduph.com

Rob M Budd

I just got back from the shop with all the covers. I'm boxing them up right now & my crack postal carrier will pick them up in the morning. Via USPS priority mail, they'll be in your hands Saturday or Monday.

Tom928

Rob,

Color would be black.
I would presume that if you had leftover leather that would only cover the dash and possibly glove box, but not the pod as another person is doing that work?


Tom928
'81 928 Guards Red / Black / 93K
'84 928s Kiln Red / Tan / 112K

Rob M Budd

BTW
I have an in with one of the airlines and can fly around the country pretty cheap.
For anyone interested, I'll come to your place, remove your dash, install the cover and reinstall the dash for a mere $600, steak dinner, and a place to sleep for a night or two.
That doesn't include the leather or vinyl cover.