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Topic: Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to? (Read 1150 times) previous topic - next topic

Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to?

Well it finally happened, the heater core went on the Cougar.  Since I am in there, I am gonna pull the cracked dash out entirely and get it wrapped in matching vinyl. 

I have some plans laid out (keeping the tu-tone scheme with a stitched seam in the dash's groove, getting the aftermarket dash cover to ensure the vinyl lays flat) but I was wondering if anyone has done this before and what pitfalls they encountered.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to?

Reply #1 –
You're going to get the dash re-upholstered? I don't think anyone here has done that....it's a cool idea though.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to?

Reply #2 –
I thought long and hard about it, but decided I didn't want to pull the dash (again), so went with a cap.  If it sucks, I'll be following your progress with interest.  You might consider rebuilding (or reinforcing) the upper part of the dash, depending on how much damage time and sunlight have caused.
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Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
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Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to?

Reply #3 –
I will have to reinforce the upper half of the dash in order for the vinyl to remain consistent across the dash.  Not fun.

The dash is getting sent to several interior shops in town (the car is at a high end mechanic/restoration shop that normally works on european metal) and those guys will have more insight.

I think the dashtop cover will be needed and then vinyl will go over it. But I'll give updates as they progress.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to?

Reply #4 –
Well I haven't done that just yet. I've thought about it, but haven't got around to it. Mine wouldn't be near as tough being the flat 83-84 dash pad. And have you ever thought about real leather? It looks and feels a lot better than Vinyl. Also why not just fix the dash you have and cover that. I think the dash top cover will give you that tacked on look. At least the way I see it in my mind. Good luck and show me the PICS!
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird
 

Wrapped/stitched dash covers? How to?

Reply #5 –
Yeah it is very easy on the 83-84 pad. No way I am doing real leather, mostly because I like the vinyl on my door panels and I just want the same stuff on the dash. I'll put real leather on my '83 Continental whenever that project starts. Errr...I mean finishes. :)

Quote
Also why not just fix the dash you have and cover that. I think the dash top cover will give you that tacked on look.


That's exactly what I plan on doing, provided there's an upholsterer that thinks it will work.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way