Dashboard renewal

[polar ITA]

First post here...
I am on the way to restore a spare dashboard for my '92 PolarSuper and I am curious to hear from anybody who has already performed this task.
I have properly done the preparatory phase (open creases, bonded with polyurethane, and sealed with epoxy filler) so now the surface is smooth and ready for the final job.
My desired option is to cover it with faux-leather or alcantara fabric but I am afraid that it will be a difficult job once near to the squared angles of the instruments boot.
Any advice about the right material and, most of all, the right adhesive?
Thanks!!!

[230ina245]

Hi Polar
I recovered mine in a quite high quality vinyl. (black leathergrain).
It needs to be the two way stretch variety - you can run up some sexy tight shorts with any extra you have left over!
I simplified things by filling in the depression on the top of the dash at the right of the steering wheel so I just had a smooth dash to cover - never used that for anything anyway. I wish I had filled in the larger depression on the passenger side also - would have made things a lot simpler. Anything I put in those depressions ends up on the floor anyway & passengers tend to use it as a rubbish bin.
I had to use a seperate piece for the return to the instrument panel. I think I watched a few youtube videos of other people covering stuff to get an idea of how to go about it.
It seems quite straightforward until you get the glue on & then it all goes to pot!
You need to use a high temp contact adhesive (Frost sell it). The stuff in the spray cans will NOT cut it. (They don't tell you on the can but they are not high temp) It may be fine at first if you can get the stretchy bits to stick but will come off later.
Take your time, plan what you are doing in advance, do a bit at a time & you should be ok.
Tim

[polar ITA]

Thanks Tim!
My main problem is the choice of the right adhesive: since you say "contact" and "high temp", I found this Bostik 5242/c (brush application), easy to find here in Italy. It should do the job. I checked the tech notes and it's very similar to the one sold by Frost.
I totally agree about the idea to get rid of the depressions, completely unusable unless you don't own the rare little coin holder or the even rarer trip computer !!! (of course mine are on the far left)

Thanks for your suggestions! I feel much more confident now, to start this job!

Originally Posted by 230ina245

Hi Polar
I recovered mine in a quite high quality vinyl. (black leathergrain).
It needs to be the two way stretch variety - you can run up some sexy tight shorts with any extra you have left over!
I simplified things by filling in the depression on the top of the dash at the right of the steering wheel so I just had a smooth dash to cover - never used that for anything anyway. I wish I had filled in the larger depression on the passenger side also - would have made things a lot simpler. Anything I put in those depressions ends up on the floor anyway & passengers tend to use it as a rubbish bin.
I had to use a seperate piece for the return to the instrument panel. I think I watched a few youtube videos of other people covering stuff to get an idea of how to go about it.
It seems quite straightforward until you get the glue on & then it all goes to pot!
You need to use a high temp contact adhesive (Frost sell it). The stuff in the spray cans will NOT cut it. (They don't tell you on the can but they are not high temp) It may be fine at first if you can get the stretchy bits to stick but will come off later.
Take your time, plan what you are doing in advance, do a bit at a time & you should be ok.
Tim

[Bob Meadows]

https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/produ...stant-adhesive
https://www.carcarpets.co.uk/high-te...ml-17749-p.asp

This may help:~
Bob.

[polar ITA]

Thanks Bob!
so bad transport rules prevent shipping outside of UK, but I've got the idea, I'll try to find something similar. Preference will go to classic brush application, I am not so confident in spray cans...

Originally Posted by Bob Meadows

https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/produ...stant-adhesive
https://www.carcarpets.co.uk/high-te...ml-17749-p.asp

This may help:~
Bob.