Dash Pad Treatment

[turner16]

In my 71 I removed the pad, filled the holes and made a solid metal dash that looks very factory, yet just cool enough to be custom.

In my 80 I just removed the pad that I recovered myself about 7 years ago. This time I'm thinking of a carbon Fiber dash. Any other examples of cool dash replacements?

Pics of course would be cool and no shag carpet recovers are required although cool in their time.

I'll post pics of my progress next week should be done by Friday.

[mooseknuckles]

I have some pics of mine that I fiberglassed and bondo'd on my build thread.....if I knew how to post a link I would lol.

[turner16]

I've started to cover the dash, I'll post the pics ASAP. It's looking real interesting. I'm worried about the fit at the 2 ends.

[justinburnett]

Is there a product that you can use to keep the original dash pads from cracking in the sun? I have one in good shape and I'd like to keep it stock if possible, but I know eventually its going to start splitting and falling apart.

[baclay9]

Best thing I have found is Armorall and get a sunshade to put in your windshield when you park. Biggest thing is keep the sun off of it.

[turner16]

Originally Posted by justinburnett

Is there a product that you can use to keep the original dash pads from cracking in the sun? I have one in good shape and I'd like to keep it stock if possible, but I know eventually its going to start splitting and falling apart.

My 89 Buick has a mint dash with 250K on it. I have always used armorall.

[Hulk Will Smash]

Originally Posted by turner16

In my 71 I removed the pad, filled the holes and made a solid metal dash that looks very factory, yet just cool enough to be custom.

I've been thinking about doing something similar in my '87. Just using a pad over the instrument cluster and then doing bare metal on the center and passenger side. Lots of holes to fill though!

[turner16]

Here is what I started with, it was in bad shape. Once I peeled the old "fix it" job I was ready to start the carbon.

[turner16]

more

[turner16]

more

[turner16]

last one

[496 BB]

Should of got a new one. Im not a fan of carbon and it needs to tuck better in corners. For what you paid for that Carbon Fiber you could have had Stitch make you a whole new one that looks great. Ive always said leave upholstery to the pros. Every chick that gets in your truck will see that and reflect it on how you.......

"A" for effort though!

[menace121978]

is it dry in the pics? interesting... i like it! need to see the finished dry product

[turner16]

The corners are not yet attached in these photos, just the insert section. All photos are after it is cured, dry. The photos are a work in progress just to see the process. This will look like NO other dash on the planet for about $25.00 in material and about 2 hours of total labor, how can you beat that.
I'll only post the final pictures if that is preferred.

[menace121978]

oh no.... i wanna see them all!!!!

[turner16]

Every chick that gets in your truck will see that and reflect it on how you.......

I keep the "chicks" in the back.

[496 BB]

Originally Posted by turner16

Every chick that gets in your truck will see that and reflect it on how you.......

I keep the "chicks" in the back.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by turner16

The corners are not yet attached in these photos, just the insert section. All photos are after it is cured, dry. The photos are a work in progress just to see the process. This will look like NO other dash on the planet for about $25.00 in material and about 2 hours of total labor, how can you beat that.
I'll only post the final pictures if that is preferred.

That's cool!!
post lots of pics!!
don't let the negativity get to you

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by turner16

I keep the "chicks" in the back.

Keep the pics coming dude, It's lookin super !

[jitteryguy]

keep the pictures come'n, I'm go'n paint'd fiberglass in mine but the jig's you've made to clamp are good ideas that I'll use when I do mine .

look's good so far !