Dash reskin / Replacement

[nobbydoldrums]

G'day folks,

I have 2 series 3 dash tops in pretty crud condition (brittle, cracked vinyl, lots of big patches of foam showing through etc).

What is the best option for these? Does anyone sell cheap re-manufactured dash's? I know there is a mob over east (I'm in Perth) who properly re-skin the dash's but it seems like a very labor intensive (read expensive) process.

Has anyone gone down this route that can provide advice?

Cheers.

[101RRS]

Black Duct Tape over the cracks :)

[Blknight.aus]

SWMBO re did the one in bug 2.0 in vynal, not much to it realy but I do know if your DIY-ing folding the windshield out first helps

[EchiDna]

depends on the effort you are prepared to go to yourself...

you could:
1, Remove the current vinyl and foam
2, add GPS mount, ports for gauges etc etc
3, build up new UV stable foam to surround the above accesories (that blue insulation foam sheeting is good)
3, sand to shape
4, fibreglass 3-4 layers on top of foam
5, bog, sand, bog, sand until happy with finish
6, primer
7, paint

or replace steps 6 and 7 with "wrap in UV stable vinyl"

this opens great opportunities for modifying the dash to your needs... but if you want to retain stock then:

1, use a razor blade to trim the raised areas back to level
2, back fill the splits/cracks with epoxy or bog
3, sand, sand, sand until happy with the shape
4, wrap in new UV stable vinyl - in the colour of your choice or stock colour


the UV stable vinyl for this can be bought from any motor trimmer you could also do the door liners etc etc using this technique... but I hope you are time rich :)

not too expensive to do, but very labour intensive!

[nobbydoldrums]

I might try talking my SWMBO into doing it for me (fat chance). I've done a vinyl wrap on a (fiat) dash before and it did take a long time but was worthwhile.

I guess I was looking to see if there were local options for vacuum formed plastic reskins or if anyone actually made new replacements. I'd prefer moulded plastic to vinyl wrap.

[isuzurover]

Another option is to glue (using contact cement) thin marine carpet over it - comes in a range of colours and will follow the contours quite well.