Dash wrap

[The Kangaroo Man]

Alright, so my recently purchased '76 2002 has been under some deconstruction lately as it was a project to begin with. I've already removed the door cards and decided that I'll be re-doing them shortly with new material. Then today pulled the PO's dash cap off to reveal a cracked and faded dash. To be honest, I was pretty bummed as I know they're not exactly a dime a dozen. My second thought was this though... What if I could wrap the dash trim pieces to match the new interior door cards? I've just been toying with the idea in my head and figured I'd throw the idea out there for some feedback. So, what materials would be best suited for a dash/door card trim piece? I know the traditional fabrics such as leather, vinyl or suede. Is alcantara worth it (I know it's not great on steering wheels because they get used so much, but a dash doesn't get a lot of wear)? I also saw a couple previous forums with properly re-upholstered and stitched fabrics. I assume those aren't cheap either though? Has anyone wrapped a 2002 dash by themselves (DIY) before? Or is it worth it to get it professionally done? Is it even worth just looking for a new dash and not wrapping it? Lots of questions in there so any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks! 

[esty]

i'm fairly handy but i found it impossible on a one or two piece dash...i've leather covered two 3 piece dashes that turned out really nice

[adawil2002]

Have it professionally done. I went with Just Dashes and very happy with their results and I'm a sticker for details. Hazard switch is now straight in real life.

 

 

Edited October 26, 2019 by adawil2002

[Dudeland]

Wasn’t there folks about to make a new dash for these cars? But they decided to make a Datsun one first?


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[Conserv]

On 10/25/2019 at 11:56 PM, adawil2002 said:

 

... Hazard switch is now straight in real life.

 

 

 

I probably wouldn’t haven’t noticed if you hadn’t mentioned it, Andrew!

 

The dash looks positively great!

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

[fastricky]

I too am a stickler for details and you can find a nice one piece dash for well under $1k. Just Dashes you're looking at $2k+. I always find the wraps look cheesy one man's opinion.

[PaulTWinterton]

On 10/25/2019 at 8:56 PM, adawil2002 said:

Hazard switch is now straight in real life.

 

You mean like the time, 12 noon?  

 

Where is the envy emoticon?  That is a perfect interior. Nice! 

 

16 hours ago, Dudeland said:

Wasn’t there folks about to make a new dash for these cars? But they decided to make a Datsun one first?

 

Dash Specialists, Oregon.  Fingers crossed.

 

[PaulTWinterton]

I'm still looking for a perfect lower tray of a 2pc.  I've been hoarding a perfect 72 upper portion for 6 years now. Someone must have a spare lower tray...anyone? 

 

1 hour ago, fastricky said:

you can find a nice one piece dash for well under $1k.

 

I don't know about that anymore.  Nice might mean just a small crack or two.  Haven't seen a perfect one for awhile.

Edited October 28, 2019 by PaulTWinterton

[David Layton]

Vintage Dash is working on the 2002 Dash, planning to do 1, 2, and 3 piece units.  Last I heard, these will not be available until 2020.  The challenge that I had read was unlike the 240Z Dash which attach to a metal frame, the '02 dashes, both upper and lower pieces (on a 2 piece) had the foam formed around the metal frame.  I suspect that Vintage Dash will need to replicate metal frame(s) to place in the foam molds.  So, these will likely be north of the price for a 240Z dash as its frame can simply be re-used.

 

Vintage Dash is on Instagram.

Edited October 30, 2019 by David Layton
word correction

[Clevis Woodruff]

Has anyone filled their dashboard cracks with 3M 2-part EZ Sand Flexible Multi Purpose Repair Material, or instead with 3M Bondo Bumper and Flexible Part Repair, then painting with truck bed liner?

[esty]

45 minutes ago, Clevis Woodruff said:

Has anyone filled their dashboard cracks with 3M 2-part EZ Sand Flexible Multi Purpose Repair Material, or instead with 3M Bondo Bumper and Flexible Part Repair, then painting with truck bed liner?

 

 

it will always crack regardless of what wonder product is used to fill cracks

 

there is too much expansion/contraction and flexibility in the dash...i'd guess if there is a product that can be tried, it has and failed over time

[adawil2002]

51 minutes ago, Clevis Woodruff said:

Has anyone filled their dashboard cracks with 3M 2-part EZ Sand Flexible Multi Purpose Repair Material, or instead with 3M Bondo Bumper and Flexible Part Repair, then painting with truck bed liner?

 

Yes, pretty sure there's a How To in the Articles Section.

[PaulTWinterton]

42 minutes ago, Clevis Woodruff said:

as anyone filled their dashboard cracks with 3M 2-part EZ Sand Flexible Multi Purpose Repair Material, or instead with 3M Bondo Bumper and Flexible Part Repair, then painting with truck bed liner?

 

I'm not sure about those specific materials, but flexible fillers and paints have been tried before.  The problem is not the filler or paint, but the original material shrinkage.  After a repair (with filler) the dash cracks again as the old material continues to age.  Up until now, the only sure way to avoid cracking is to replace all the foam and skin with modern materials, or find an original dash that has not been exposed to excess sun and heat.  Heat is the major culprit IMO.  Others may have more insight. 

[Shawn Piper]

On 10/25/2019 at 8:56 PM, adawil2002 said:

Have it professionally done. I went with Just Dashes and very happy with their results and I'm a sticker for details. Hazard switch is now straight in real life.

 

I agree - I had my dash done at Just Dashes and it turned out perfectly in that its practically indistinguishable from a NOS/OEM dash.  It took about 3 months to complete.  While you're at it, have them also do your steering column pads too. 

 

 

 

 

[willys]

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=just dashes&epa=SEARCH_BOX

 

I apologize if you are not on Facebook

 

Jeff