Leather on dash shrunk...what should I do?
10-03-2003, 01:11 PM
#1
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Leather on dash shrunk...what should I do?
I'll post a picture later...
The leather around the defrost vents has shrunk. The edges of the leather have pulled out and deformed upwards.
I am currently applying Neatsfoot oil, but doubt that will soften the leather enough to put it back under the defrost vents.
A trim guy has suggested removing the front window, bolting a new plastic trim over the deformed leather, and installing the window. He says the leather may still look warped as it goes under the new trim.
Another suggestion is to put in a new dash. Has anyone done this?
Any other suggestions?
The leather around the defrost vents has shrunk. The edges of the leather have pulled out and deformed upwards.
I am currently applying Neatsfoot oil, but doubt that will soften the leather enough to put it back under the defrost vents.
A trim guy has suggested removing the front window, bolting a new plastic trim over the deformed leather, and installing the window. He says the leather may still look warped as it goes under the new trim.
Another suggestion is to put in a new dash. Has anyone done this?
Any other suggestions?
10-03-2003, 01:22 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
I tried to rehabilitate a dash with the problems you describe and failed. The foam underneath the leather takes a set and doesn't want to un-bend. I spent hours with clamps and epoxy trying to get it to lay down. Fianlly just trimmed off the parts that stuck out the most and glued on new strips. Looks like crap, but better that the dash I was replacing.
I believe it needs to be done professionaly or just get a new dash, or a used one that is still in good shape.
Note to leather interior owners: Apply that leather conditioner religously.
I believe it needs to be done professionaly or just get a new dash, or a used one that is still in good shape.
Note to leather interior owners: Apply that leather conditioner religously.
10-03-2003, 01:41 PM
#6
Nordschleife Master
Originally posted by Gregg K
How do you remove the vents?
How do you remove the vents?
10-03-2003, 06:38 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
I have massive warping of myleather dash too. In an old post a SoCal company called Just Dashes is mentioned. Apparently they take the dash down to metal, put on new foam, and then a vinyl skin.
Has anyone used them? How did their work look?
Mark
Has anyone used them? How did their work look?
Mark
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10-03-2003, 09:27 PM
#8
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Combining a vinyl dash with leather console and door panels just does not look right in my experience. IF you have a warped or cracked vinyl dash, Just Dashes might be a good solution - or try to find a used dash. If you have a leather covered dash, you'll probably face similar cost by having it redone at a good auto upholstery shop. Either way, the dash has to come out. Stretching the dried and shrunken leather seems to be impossible.
10-03-2003, 10:15 PM
#9
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Nicole--
I was thining of replacing the dash and console with the Just Dashes and keep the leather on the arm rests etc and replace the leather head liner-- would that look stupid?
Thanks, Mark
I was thining of replacing the dash and console with the Just Dashes and keep the leather on the arm rests etc and replace the leather head liner-- would that look stupid?
Thanks, Mark
10-04-2003, 01:11 AM
#11
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Harpo: All I can say is that you'd see a difference in structure as well as the stitches where dash and door panels meet. Whehter you can live with that, I don't know. But I know that it would bother me.
