I am about to re-finish my mildly cracked and faded dash in-the-car by using SEM products, including vinyl patching compound, and graining paper. This will require the use of a heat gun to cure the vinyl layers, which are built up in successive layers. The gun is rather pricey at $100. Is anyone interested in sharing the cost and the learning experience I will endure? I won't have any use for it following the procedure, which I hope will be successful and save removal and installation. If everything works, I would simply send the gun to you when finished. <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />

 

Tempted....checking wallet.

 

Cobey:
I am in Sunnyvale. Might be good to watch me make the initial mistakes, and then you could carry on correctly. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
I checked with the store and they may have access to a less expensive heat gun. <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />

 

I don't know if this is advice or not, but if you are using a heat gun...why not adjourn to the nearest hobby shop and ask them for one.

Model airplanes are typically covered with a heat-shrink film that is secured by ironing down the edges, then shrunk with a heat gun. They sell many grades of heat gun, with typical output temperatures in the 400 degree F range...for about $15-

Normy!
'85 S2 5 Speed

 

Take a look a Harbor Freights. I do believe they advertised one within a couple a weeks ago pretty reasonable &gt; $35.

 

Actually, I have access to a heat gun now that I think about it. How hot does it need to get? The one I have can melt solder no problem.

 

Hey Ron...How about some before and after pics? Curious to see what size cracks you intend to repair.

 

What a great idea about which I didn't even think:
a hobby shop. I'll check it out tomorrow.
I'll also post some photos of the "before". I only have one small crack on the face near the edge of the glove box, but while wiping the dash face with a damp rag, the color came off and a weird odor was given off. The dash needs to be re-finished so I may as well deal with the cracks around the windsheild vents.
I need to also take a sample of my interior color to SEM's store for a color coat match, because my interior is an odd color (grey-green) which doesn't appear in their catalog.
Thanks for the suggestions. <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" />
Tune into this station for a report later.

 

Ron:

Since these cracks are a such common problem, it would be nice, if you could take lots of pictures of the procedures and create a writeup. Maybe you can post it on the Nichols site for future reference? That would be awesome!

 

I'd be willing to throw in a hand and help document it. Get fancy and make a DVD out of it. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

 

I found a heat gun at a hobby store, but won't get it until after the races this weekend. Then I'll post some photos of the "before". <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />

 

Does anyone know where you can get a replacement leather cover for a dash? I do not have any cracks, but the cover has shrunk away from the defroster ducts.

Seems like a good little business for someone...

 

Hey Tobinr,

that is what I am about to do. I want to recover my dash and pod in ostrich but once I have the patterns I should be able to make a set in whatever you want. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Paul

 

Champ,let me know too. I went to A&I in Kingsville so I know your area and I'm not that far away to 'hook up' with you.

Ex-Hoggie 1993-95

 

Hey Snag,

will do. The project is still in it's infancy but I am now looking for a spare dash and pod to start the process. I'll keep the list informed on the progress.

Paul