We need some of our creative people to do a clean slate new version of what the dash should be.

 

My 79 has plenty of plywood in it, apparently German, factory plywood. Thankfully it is all hidden (dash panel, part of the rear seats, and so on). This is akin to body kits; the original designers had it about 99.999999% right, and the stuff that gets home-made or aftermarket always looks cheap and with incorrect proportions.

Have a pro recover the dash. If you make your own you'll spend as much or more, be disappointed, and then have one of these guys do it anyway.

 

AMAZING!

 

Then I am a couple of months away from being really happy!

I've been dragging my feet on the interior of my car and the 'creature comforts' with a couple of exceptions and it's about time I finished the car.

I can't wait to see what this kit entails...

 

Originally Posted by Champagne
I am a couple of months away from offering complete recover kits based on my "tailored approach".

Whoa, I guess I might be changing my plans again. We're waiting, Paul! I'm assuming that means dash, pod, console armrests and seats? I do want to be on the short list!

 

I wonder what his fire insurance is?

 

You could find a nice piece of driftwood to stick in there. Nautical theme and all.

 

Yes?

And pics of the rest of the interior for reference.

 

I agree with the general skepticism of this thread. However I have wood accents throughout my interior similar to what is sold by Nicole and some rootwood trim sold by Porsche. I think it would be very feasible and attractive to use wood around the pod instruments and switches in an integrated fashion. I would probably not use wood on the dash proper or the outer surfaces of the pod. I do have wood accents on the defrost vent strip and it is very effective.
I would not discard any creative approach here without seeing the specifics and viewing it with an open mind.
Good luck,
Dave

 

With the humblest of apologies, here is the long over-due picture of my dash.

As to the reason for thinking wood, it's just such an easy material to work with and it just looks so rich. And when I searched the web to see if something like this was available I came upon the following from www.hookedoncars.com (disclosure: I have no connection with them). It turns out they're using a 'synthetic' wood (what ever that is).

Again, I thank everyone for their consideration and ideas. While this may become a summer project, I'll keep updating my progress.

 

^^^ Yep, that explains everything.

 

Looks like a very dead cow!

 

Hi Curtisr,
As mentioned, your genuine leather dash is really toasted, literally. I don't think wood is the answer for the problems in your dash. Rob Budd sells a leather or vinyl recovering kit or service. You would need to pull the dash but that would be needed anyway. There are some carpet-based covers which would cover most of your damaged material and match the colors involved. A wood overlay would be a huge effort and probably leave you unsatisfied.
Good luck,
Dave

 

using ply as a former to cover in a quilt/padding and then cover in leather/other material may make sense, thin as possible would be better and easier to form into shape, you could also check heavyweight card, plastic, resinbound paper etc which would all work. You could go all wild and form a carbon dash/alu dash...

 

that is Nicole's site. The kits are very nice and cost way less than Porsche's. I have one in my 928 and it looks very nice.