I'm redyeing my dash and on the edges near both sides where the leather curves up, there are bubbles caused by shrinkage. They weren't as noticeable until I applied color, but now, I'm not sure I can live with them. I'm thinking of slicing an X in the bubbles with a razor blade, gluing the four corners back onto the dash with contact cement and filling in the slices with Flex-all, sanding and redyeing. Is this a terrible idea? It sure feels like it is, but I don't see another option short of having it recovered. Any other way to fix this?

In this pic, the bubble on the right is very noticeable and looks like a discoloration --it's not, it's just the camera flash reflecting off of it. There's also one on the left which can't really be seen, but it's there..

 

I would try using a syringe and needle to poke through the leather and insert the glue. Would be a lot less intrusive than cutting X's. Depending on the size of the bubbles, you may need to squirt the glue in through several places per bubble.

Myles

 

Myles solution sounds good with maybe a hard roller added to roll out the glue evenly after it is injected. May be just a temporary fix or an on-going thing. Worth a try.

 

Yeah, I'm starting to think this might be a viable option. Any recommendations on what type of glue to use --I'm thinking Gorilla. Also, where do I find a syringe (other than down the street at People's Park)?

 

I would make a fitted caul of Styrofoam that matches the desired shape of the bubbled area, and use woodworking clamps, or heavy weights, or big rubber bands to firmly press the caul down on the bubble after the glue is injected.

I have several syringes that came with inkjet printer refill kits. Woodworking stores often have glue injection syringes.

 

Brilliant! I'm doing this! Thanks!

 

When you are done fixing the dash perhaps you can fix Bubble Man.

 

Wally came up with the best solution.

I was thinking of a used, mushy tennis ball to spread the injected glue around. Having said that, a clamped board over a partly inflated soccer ball or the like might also fit to the glued area.

Maybe a blood-pressure cuff?

 

Awww gawd! At lunch time too. I just lost my apetite.

 

Bubble man is just gross.... (sorry bubble man)

 

Found my weapon: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...?sku=11791182&

 

Or this - three glue injectors for $7.99.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16414

 

In this area Tractoir Supply carries a selection of both syringes and needles for animal use. No hassle in buying them, unlike trying to get them from your drug store...here the drug store requires a prescription for them....so, in areas not having "Tractor Supply" stores you might try other farm catering stores....

Also, don't inject a lot of glue, it all has to go someplace. I have used the process on wood veneers and you really need an exit cut for the excess glue, otherwise you just make the bump worse by expanding it and then having a hard bump from the hardened glue.

 

Amazon will blur your eyes with the variety of syringes available.

 

This turned-out to be a massively messy and unsuccessful waste of time. Don't ever come to me for your interior refurbishing needs.