Vinyl covering complete dash, not the pad

[mgore68]

I am to the point of redoing the interior of my truck. I am going pretty much custom with a console build and some other things. I was just curious if anyone had covered the dash and interior with vinyl instead of painting it. I am thinking about just using some leather pattern vinyl and covering the metal and reinstalling the cluster and all.

I know it sounds weird but no new vehicles I know of come with a painted dash, its all cheap plastic crap but this would be installed directly on the metal ? I have searched and cant find where anyone has done this so if you know of one I would love to see some pics.

[mgore68]

OK.... any opinions on the idea?

[Andy4639]

I've never seen a complete dash covered, if that's what you want go for it man! Most of us like the metal dash look though in these trucks. Who knows though you may start something!

[Grumpy old man]

Yes , It can be done 2 different ways

1) On a bare dash and after very good prep you can use a material called Allante it has a leather like grain ,looks like leather feels like leather but won't shrink ,crack , or fade as bad as real "cow hide " leather would . it has a bi directional stretch to it and conforms to the contours of the dash with the proper automotive grade contact cement and the proper application procedure it would look cool and you could cover the dash pad to match .Not for the inexperienced DIYER .

2) Using regular auto grade vinyl you would have to have a sewn seam around the center section and covering the bottom outside corners would require a heat gun and again experience and the correct adhesive , Can it be done ...SURE ... Is it easy or cheap NOPE ! Automotive grade landau grade spray adhesive is about $35.00 a gallon and it's only sold wholesale , Stop by your local auto upholstery shop and ask them about it .

[AirSpeed]

I wrapped the stock dash pad in my 69, it had a couple big cracks in it so once I removed the pad I filled the cracks with silicone then laid some thin closed cell packing material over the entire pad with contact cement, then I wrapped it with vinyl using contact cement. It stretched no problem around the pad and after 16 years it still looks great.

[mgore68]

Update on the dash. I decided to give it a try. I had a couple places I messed up a little and cut short but you would have to look for it. I am going to put the dash pad on later since I am going to have to order a new one. I still have some fine tuning but thought I would post a before and after. The glove bos will be painted later also.

Before and after pic's.

[Orange Crate]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

use a material called Allante it has a leather like grain ,looks like leather feels like leather but won't shrink ,crack , or fade as bad as real "cow hide ".

I think you mean this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcantara_%28material%29

[Grumpy old man]

No I ment Allante vinyl , Alcantara is a fabric not vinyl . Lets see a few more pictures looks pretty good for a first attempt ,What glue did you use ?

[mgore68]

Weldwood contact I believe, I will have to double check. The cell phone holder needs redoing but until I install the carpet. I am leaving it as is.

[hugger6933]

That is awesome I'm adding that to my build list. It will make it to at least one of my builds. Dude you did start something.

[Grumpy old man]

It's a great idea and been done before .We used to wrap truck dashes in tweed cloth material because it has the same bi direction stretch needed to conform to all the corners and not leave wrinkles , the Nu red color looks fantastic in a black trucks interior

Allante and Dap Weldwood automotive landau top spray grade adhesive

[mgore68]

Thanks for the comments guy's. It was not to bad of a job but an extra set of hands helps. Me and my 13 year old son did this. Getting the ignition back together was a pain with the vinyl in the way. I am now thinking about doing the whole cab with it but have not decided yet.