Dash pad restoration

[Jack P.]

Hi,

My windshield is out and it is a good time to get at my dash pads. I do not want to replace or remove them, I have lived with them for 42 years and they are showing their age.

My question is : Will they look better or worse if I .......

Leave them alone and live with it or

I am thinking of dyeing them, the color is faded and worn

If I prep them with cleaning and use dye primer, adhesion promoter, and the Interior dye of the color (Dark Saddle) will they look OK

I have used the dyes in the past and they seem too soft to hold up,

Quarter panels, seat back etc. they scratched easy.....

So if you have done this project, where you satisfied with the texture and finish, compared to the original finish.

As you can see , windshield is out and now is the time to do it



Jack

[Bob H.]

Re: Dash pad restoration

I did my 64 pads in the car without removing the windshield. It was a real low mileage car. They were red and turned out great! It was just a bit more work.

This will get everyone, out of 33 Vettes owned, it is the only one that did not leak a drop even in the hardest rain!! That includes 65 mph in the rain. There should be an award for that!

[Russ S.]

Re: Dash pad restoration

Jack, Unless you go to a paint store and get a custom mix the spray cans available at any of the corvette suppliers will be the wrong color. Been there done that. If you are interested I should be able to get a formula off of my custom mix.

[John L.]

Re: Dash pad restoration

Bob,

How did you restore you dash pad without removing the windshield?

John Luongo
64 250 Coupe

[Jack P.]

Re: Dash pad restoration

Jack, Unless you go to a paint store and get a custom mix the spray cans available at any of the corvette suppliers will be the wrong color. Been there done that. If you are interested I should be able to get a formula off of my custom mix.

Thanks, I took your advice, custom mix from paint supply. Windshield is out because of rock damage from 48 state trip.

All set to do vinyl repair. Used the adhesive filler in kit, waiting for it to dry. Practiced on scraps , took a few tries , time wise with heat to get it to cure.

Seems like I will use the the hot iron method, hair dryer did not get hot enough , I was amazed that it really works. I slit a piece of scrap vinyl, put the goop in the crack, put the top release piece on it , iron for 80 seconds, took off release grain mold, and no crack , no bumps

I hope when I do the real thing , the same thing will happen,

I will take pictures later of before and after and post them, once that is done, I had a paint shop mix me up some dye to the color I wanted, Dark Saddle , I paint dash today , hope all goes well, once done, I will call glass shop to lay in my windshield, I will seal it and put trim back on.

Seats , recovered and new foam, springs that come back from Larry Woods, who did the work.

Can't wait. Pictures of cracks before repair







Jack

[Jack P.]

Re: Dash pad restoration

I worked all day on prep and taping. I had a paint shop mix up some dash paint. My vinyl repair was so so, but the paint job came out great.

Seats came back from Larry Woods , forum member, he did the upholstery, new foam, bottom springs , painted the backs

They look great and I fit without any problems with top up.

I just put them in the car to see what they look like, still have to put windshield in, now that dash is done, should take place this week.

Lots of work to do on trim yet.

Dash before



Dash ready for paint





Dash after repair & paint







New seats Opps I should put them in the car







In Car to see how they looked

[Jack P.]

Seat frames restore

Here are some pictures of my seat frames before and after I restored them. Larry Woods recovered them for me last week.

You can see what 40 plus years of wear and tear can do to the springs and old foam

Jack