Re-covering dash pads - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dubie · 06-21-2002, 09:14 AM

If I was to cover my dash pad in a fabric material, what would be the best way to fasten it? Has anyone done this and have some pics? I just removed mine last night, and was thinking of recovering it with black vinyl?????

Low69CST · 06-21-2002, 09:25 AM

I've seen dash pads covered in tweed before. Don't have any pics though. Isn't vinyl the material they are supposed to have on from the factory? If you want a black vinyl, then you should just dye it black rather than recovering it.

tom hand · 06-21-2002, 09:32 AM

I have done them before, turned out pretty good. The only way that I know of is to glue it. They make glue for doing such things but I can't remember the name. It is very simlar to contact cement with one big difference, it you stick it in the wrong place you can pull it up and try again. It was the kind where you put it on the dash, and on the vinyl and let it dry before you start so you don't have a big mess. The only hard part was the ends. You have to cut,tuck, and fold to make it look halfway desent. The good thing is when you reinstall it, the ends are pretty much hidden anyway. GOOD LUCK

*Randy70C-10* · 06-21-2002, 09:36 AM

I've used 3-M spray adhesive with great results. You want to let the glue dry before sticking the material to the pad.

SWINGSAX68 · 06-21-2002, 09:41 AM

well, I havent done this yet, But I'm doing it soon.

What you need to do, is buy some foam padding if you wish to replace the foam, and try to pad it as close to the original shape of the original foam. Use upholstery adhesive for that. under the pad is a metal plate, and the ends slope down drastically so you would have to add more padding for the ends.

To put on the vinyl, you use the same adhesive, only you have to cut the vinyl to size......leave enough over hang on the edges, maybe 2-3 inches all the way around the pad.

Then apply an even coat of adhesive( one good coat or two passes over, the adhesive sprays like out off control silly string web, youll see) to the faom and to the wrong side of the vinyl, let them sit for between 5-10 minutes. Then apply the vinyl to the adhesive......DON'T RUSH, ONCE THE ADHESIVE HAS BEEN SITTING IT'S LIKE AUTOMATIC BOND ONCE YOU APPLY BOTH SIDES TOGETHER. Then let er sit for a few minutes. After this do the same to the back of the metal plate, apply adhesive to over hanging vinyl and metal plate let sit for a few min, then pull the vinyl as to not create folds on the edges and apply. On one side at a tim..... this is the idea anyways.....I hope I at least gave you a good start. Or wherever you buy the vinyl, just ask the people there for advice, most people will be happy to help.

SWINGSAX68 · 06-21-2002, 09:45 AM

If you haven't found any yet, your looking to pay between $10-$18 per yard. I got mine for $7, but it's not that shiny black stuff, its a very dark flat grey.

Willy Prost · 06-21-2002, 10:51 AM

My dash pad is covered with some old diamond stich vinyl that was wrapped around the old dash pad. Then the covered dashpad was reattached to the dash.

Sorry, don't have any pictures of it.

Blazer1970 · 06-21-2002, 11:49 AM

The stuff you want is called General Trim Adhesive, and it comes in an aerosol can.

KP1972 · 06-21-2002, 11:56 AM

Go to my picture trail link and you can see mine. My vinyl was cracked and missing pieces so I took a blow dryer, heated up the vinyl and it just peeled off! Then I took 3M spray adhesive and sprayed the dash pad as well as my tweed fabric and attached it. It worked GREAT. Spray heavy amounts near the screw holes! I also used a hot glue gun on the corners. I couldn't believe I did ALL of it in less than an hour and I am VERY happy with the results!

snow man · 06-21-2002, 12:50 PM

if the dash pad is cracked real bad use the heat gun or hair dryer to remove old vinyl,use clear silicon to repair original foam,let it dry apply a coat over the whole pad and let it cure over night.i like to use the tweed but i sew a seam down the middle so it will contour to the pad.wish my son was hear i would post you a picture.got a new digital camera but have not learned how to post or use it yet.

JoetheMobster · 06-21-2002, 06:25 PM

How do you get the Dash Pad off?

I re-covered mine, but it looks like $hit now that the sun has gotten to it! (used Contact cement, never thought of 3M spray stuff) The vinyl is peeling in parts, mostly the corners. I wanted to take the Pad out and do it, but I couldn't see how it came out. I did it with the Pad still on the dash!

70 Jimmy · 06-21-2002, 08:47 PM

There are phillips head screws on the under side of the pad.

PanelDeland · 06-21-2002, 10:20 PM

There are also 7 bolts that stick down thru the dash and have nuts on them.They are not easy to acess and it requires removal of the instrument cluster and glovebox.I managed to work over the top of my radio but I doubt you could do it with the factory speaker (Or any other) mounted in the stock location.
Replacement dash pads are available and are not that expensive.Check with kingparts,or one of the other BB vendors.

weasel29gm · 06-22-2002, 12:00 AM

Got my pad at the AUTO FAIR for 50.00 easy install looks good

Scrub · 06-22-2002, 12:10 AM

Recovering Dashpads..

Is that a support group?

Take life one truck at a time.

just checking

06-21-2002, 09:14 AM	#1
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	Re-covering dash pads If I was to cover my dash pad in a fabric material, what would be the best way to fasten it? Has anyone done this and have some pics? I just removed mine last night, and was thinking of recovering it with black vinyl????? __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

06-21-2002, 09:25 AM	#2
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	I've seen dash pads covered in tweed before. Don't have any pics though. Isn't vinyl the material they are supposed to have on from the factory? If you want a black vinyl, then you should just dye it black rather than recovering it. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-21-2002, 09:32 AM	#3
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I have done them before, turned out pretty good. The only way that I know of is to glue it. They make glue for doing such things but I can't remember the name. It is very simlar to contact cement with one big difference, it you stick it in the wrong place you can pull it up and try again. It was the kind where you put it on the dash, and on the vinyl and let it dry before you start so you don't have a big mess. The only hard part was the ends. You have to cut,tuck, and fold to make it look halfway desent. The good thing is when you reinstall it, the ends are pretty much hidden anyway. GOOD LUCK __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

06-21-2002, 09:41 AM	#5
SWINGSAX68 Now the others dig........ Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,520	hmmmm...... well, I havent done this yet, But I'm doing it soon. What you need to do, is buy some foam padding if you wish to replace the foam, and try to pad it as close to the original shape of the original foam. Use upholstery adhesive for that. under the pad is a metal plate, and the ends slope down drastically so you would have to add more padding for the ends. To put on the vinyl, you use the same adhesive, only you have to cut the vinyl to size......leave enough over hang on the edges, maybe 2-3 inches all the way around the pad. Then apply an even coat of adhesive( one good coat or two passes over, the adhesive sprays like out off control silly string web, youll see) to the faom and to the wrong side of the vinyl, let them sit for between 5-10 minutes. Then apply the vinyl to the adhesive......DON'T RUSH, ONCE THE ADHESIVE HAS BEEN SITTING IT'S LIKE AUTOMATIC BOND ONCE YOU APPLY BOTH SIDES TOGETHER. Then let er sit for a few minutes. After this do the same to the back of the metal plate, apply adhesive to over hanging vinyl and metal plate let sit for a few min, then pull the vinyl as to not create folds on the edges and apply. On one side at a tim..... this is the idea anyways.....I hope I at least gave you a good start. Or wherever you buy the vinyl, just ask the people there for advice, most people will be happy to help. __________________ 68 Chevy C10 Stepside Black Primer 78 GMC Longbed White 09 Chevy Silverado Shortbed Granite Blue *LOOKING FOR A 67 4 DOOR IMPALA!!!Just like Sam and Dean Winchester!! 'Cause Mustangs are for p^#$ and you can fit a body in the trunk of a 67 Impala* MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Texas State University-San Marcos, TX Certified Music Educator I hope Mom is up there watching and being my Guardian Angel "I've got a fever.....and the only prescription.....IS MORE COW BELL" -The Legendary: Bruce Dickenson "F#$@ 'em up!!!!!!" -The Legendary: Rogelio Escobar TRUCKY LINKS** http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457750 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=461184 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=472848 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=417541 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=477788

06-21-2002, 09:45 AM	#6
SWINGSAX68 Now the others dig........ Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,520	Vinyl prices If you haven't found any yet, your looking to pay between $10-$18 per yard. I got mine for $7, but it's not that shiny black stuff, its a very dark flat grey. __________________ 68 Chevy C10 Stepside Black Primer 78 GMC Longbed White 09 Chevy Silverado Shortbed Granite Blue *LOOKING FOR A 67 4 DOOR IMPALA!!!Just like Sam and Dean Winchester!! 'Cause Mustangs are for p^#$ and you can fit a body in the trunk of a 67 Impala* MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Texas State University-San Marcos, TX Certified Music Educator I hope Mom is up there watching and being my Guardian Angel "I've got a fever.....and the only prescription.....IS MORE COW BELL" -The Legendary: Bruce Dickenson "F#$@ 'em up!!!!!!" -The Legendary: Rogelio Escobar TRUCKY LINKS** http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457750 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=461184 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=472848 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=417541 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=477788

06-21-2002, 09:36 AM	#4
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I've used 3-M spray adhesive with great results. You want to let the glue dry before sticking the material to the pad.

06-21-2002, 10:51 AM	#7
Willy Prost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 398	My dash pad is covered with some old diamond stich vinyl that was wrapped around the old dash pad. Then the covered dashpad was reattached to the dash. Sorry, don't have any pictures of it.

06-21-2002, 11:49 AM	#8
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	The stuff you want is called General Trim Adhesive, and it comes in an aerosol can. __________________ Tim

06-21-2002, 11:56 AM	#9
KP1972 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Mansfield Texas Posts: 645	dash pad Go to my picture trail link and you can see mine. My vinyl was cracked and missing pieces so I took a blow dryer, heated up the vinyl and it just peeled off! Then I took 3M spray adhesive and sprayed the dash pad as well as my tweed fabric and attached it. It worked GREAT. Spray heavy amounts near the screw holes! I also used a hot glue gun on the corners. I couldn't believe I did ALL of it in less than an hour and I am VERY happy with the results! __________________ 1972 Chevy Custom/10 www.PictureTrail.com/KP1972 Metroplex Muscle Car Club www.PictureTrail.com/DreamCarArt

06-21-2002, 12:50 PM	#10
snow man Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mt. zion illinois Posts: 276	dash pad repairs if the dash pad is cracked real bad use the heat gun or hair dryer to remove old vinyl,use clear silicon to repair original foam,let it dry apply a coat over the whole pad and let it cure over night.i like to use the tweed but i sew a seam down the middle so it will contour to the pad.wish my son was hear i would post you a picture.got a new digital camera but have not learned how to post or use it yet.

06-21-2002, 06:25 PM	#11
JoetheMobster Listening since '86 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 1,799	How do you get the Dash Pad off? I re-covered mine, but it looks like $hit now that the sun has gotten to it! (used Contact cement, never thought of 3M spray stuff) The vinyl is peeling in parts, mostly the corners. I wanted to take the Pad out and do it, but I couldn't see how it came out. I did it with the Pad still on the dash! __________________ 2007 Saturn Aura - hey it WAS a GM product

06-21-2002, 08:47 PM	#12
70 Jimmy aka Crusher, Crushergmc Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,834	There are phillips head screws on the under side of the pad. __________________ "KEEP IT DOWN!" 70 Jimmy 454 2wd 56 GMC Big Window "It's funny till someone gets hurt, then it's freakin' hilarious"

06-21-2002, 10:20 PM	#13
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	There are also 7 bolts that stick down thru the dash and have nuts on them.They are not easy to acess and it requires removal of the instrument cluster and glovebox.I managed to work over the top of my radio but I doubt you could do it with the factory speaker (Or any other) mounted in the stock location. Replacement dash pads are available and are not that expensive.Check with kingparts,or one of the other BB vendors. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-22-2002, 12:00 AM	#14
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	Got my pad at the AUTO FAIR for 50.00 easy install looks good __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

06-22-2002, 12:10 AM	#15
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	Recovering Dashpads.. Is that a support group? Take life one truck at a time. just checking __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.



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