Any years Dashpad wrapping experiences

[dbzsjones]

I've been trying to determine the most cost effective way to get a good looking dash pad for my 1961 Series 62 Convertible.  I'm not building a show car, and I'd like this dash to be a long term component. So good looks and durability are important.  I have a really ugly dash from a donor car and my original ens caps.  Which are in good shape.

  My first thought was to send it to Just Dashes, but to rebuild and color match we're $2000+ in cost. 

  I found 2 used pads in pretty good condition with only a minor crack.  Cost of pad and shipping come to about $700-800 and then another $300-500 to repair and recolor.  So total $1,000-$1,300 for a repaired and recolored dash.

   I thought my existing pad was beyond any repair, but today a shop told me they could wrap it and the end caps.  There will be a seam along the front edge of the dash, but he'll repair the cracking so the dash will be smooth.  Price will depend on how long it takes to repair all the damage before wrapping, but probably about $700. 

  That sounds like a good option to me, but I'd like to hear other's experiences with dash wrapping.  Are you happy with it over time?  Are there any gotchas I should look out for, or questions I should ask before I take the leap?  I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions on this option.

[Clewisiii]

The defrost openings are an issue.  Humid air blowing on a glued edge in that tight edge can cause delamination. 

[Moody]

I'm going down the same road with my cars dash. Honestly, your dash is much easier than my 60 dash, in my opinion. The defrost issue is a concern for sure.

There are lots of sources for poly foam that glues and sands well to build up the surface. Repairing what's there is useless since it will continue to fail.

After the new padding is installed, 4 way stretch vinyl can be used to cover the dash, because it forms well and can be had in different colors. Plus I'm pretty sure you would not need a seam.

The materials would be around $200. Then your time, if this is the sort of thing you're able to do with some confidence.

I have two dashes, one for reference and one for rebuilding. I'm going this route on my car, since I've seen Just Dashes reviews that weren't great. But I've seen lots that were good to be fair. I like challenging projects though, so I'm going the DIY route.

[David Greenburg]

You might try Dash Specialists in Medford, OR. They did a real nice job on my '60 dash a few years ago, and at least back then were substantially cheaper than JD.

[dbzsjones]

Moody, I like the idea of a DIY repair, but without a 2nd one to use as a guide I'd be afraid of getting it wrong.  I hope you post pics of your process.

[Moody]

I will. But it's not happening anytime soon. Maybe this fall. I'm going to check on David's suggestion too.

[dbzsjones]

I called and left a message for Dash Specialists.  Fingers crossed they're less than JD.  Although the fact that I can drive to JD does make is appealing, I'm not looking forward to trying to ship the dash.

[Big Fins]

Wait until you see the cost to crate and ship a dash pad. Plus you put all that work into some box throwers possession who doesn't care what happens to it.

[dbzsjones]

That's my fear, hence the benefit of being able to drive to JD.

[TJ Hopland]

Has anyone ever heard of anyone trying a vinyl wrap sort of thing like they do on the outside of cars?  I have seen some pretty impressive printing on those that really makes it look like there is texture and details that are not actually there.  You would still have to repair the existing so maybe that is where the problem is?  Some sort of flexible filler then some sort of skim coat to give a good surface to stick to?

[dn010]

I have wrapped dashes in vinyl and leather. I've also used thermoplastic on some. With the dash pictured, it would have to be taken down to foam, the foam restored where it is cracked and damaged, and then it could be wrapped in a vinyl or leather material. Even better is thermoplastic. Can it be done? Sure. But it is very tedious and time consuming to do one's self, hence the cost of having it sent out.

[Clewisiii]

Polyvance has a lot of unique plastic repair materials.