Dashpad Recover

[dagnabbitt]

I thought I'd add my thread to the two or three that are on the forum already. I know some would say that it's been done and there is no need to, but I like looking at multiple threads before I tackle anything. Those other posts were invaluable, I would have just tossed this dashpad had I not seen the excellent job some members have done with their own.

I used a heat gun to remove the old crinkly and cracked vinyl, then used the Gorilla glue method for filling in the many deep cracks. I was unfamiliar with the product and was initially confused as to why it did not foam up. But after leaving it overnight I returned to find it had indeed filled up all the voids. I used a regular palm sander to smooth it out and after a couple more applications I was happy.

I was kind of worried that my sanding job was not the greatest and so I took some 2mm flooring underlay I have had for years - Totem Building Supplies had been out of business for a long time - cut it to size, and used 3M spray glue to wrap it, it provided some uniformity to the surface this way. Then I pressed in the thumb sized areas where the screws affix it to the dash.

I had some grainy black vinyl handy from something I did years ago and wrapped it up. I would recommend leaving plenty of material on the ends to fold under, I struggled with this part and tucking it properly was difficult. When I install it I will probably add some more glue and make sure it is not showing.

I think it looks great, and for my budget build (below) it is certainly an improvement on the old. Looking forward to putting it in the truck, but it's too dang cold in my part of Canada, still.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=795837

[LockDoc]

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Looks good. I have 3 or 4 of them saved back. Not good enough to use as they are but too good to pitch. I will try this.

Thanks,
LockDoc

[purple gas]

Looks great.
I've got a spare dash pad with one split in it that's getting progressively worse.
What you did was exactly what I had in mind. Glad to see the heat gun worked for removing the old material. I think I'll give mine a go and sell it to someone who needs one.
( pretty freakin cold in S'toon today)

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by purple gas

Looks great.
I've got a spare dash pad with one split in it that's getting progressively worse.
What you did was exactly what I had in mind. Glad to see the heat gun worked for removing the old material. I think I'll give mine a go and sell it to someone who needs one.
( pretty freakin cold in S'toon today)

Ha, I got a sunburn on the golf course on Saturday, and then it snowed that night.

I used the "low" setting on my heat gun after discovering that the foam can melt if you heat it up too much. That and a pair of needlenose pliers to grab the old vinyl with and it came off quite easily.

It's a nice one or two day (glue needs to dry) project that someone with my skill level felt comfortable to tackle.