Dashboard restoration

[Konster]

That CF dash looks so badass, not sure how the glare would be though.

Originally Posted by fatduece

You're both on crack. If you owned a old ass ferrari or something special along the lines then it would make sense. Its a 240 for crying out loud. You could spend that 1600 on a decent set of coilovers.

You are a fucking idiot.

Once you've spent your money on (insert car mod here) and you've done everything there is to do to your car, you're going to be sitting there with your thumb up your ass looking at a dash with cracks all over the fucking place. Tell me what you plan on doing, jackass. You've invested lots of time, money and heartache into building this awesome car and now you have to get used dashes and play russian roulette hoping that none of them crack, etc etc...

Like I said, the fact that this place exists is nice. While the price is high, it is what it is. Dont like it? Do it yourself or find it for less.

Originally Posted by Bullitt_180sx

$1210.58 from courtesy parts but is on back order.

Originally Posted by Broadfield

Something that old from the OEM and it's on back order... simply means it will never be available again.

Correct. Its on back-order because like many parts for our cars, they do not exist because they've been discontinued.

Originally Posted by cured13

Great option but how it really fit and how long it last?
Will that leather stretch with humid weather and then shrink like crazy when you drive out of the garage next day in dry, hot and sunny day?

You didnt really pay attention to what they do, did you? They dont do leather, they re-wrap the dash (or door panels) in VINYL, just like stock. Get it? Its _JUST_LIKE_STOCK_

Originally Posted by wao138

Thats great, I always wanted a bullshit fake carbon, heavier than stock, glaring eye-sore of a fucking dashboard.

[Whitey13]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

You didnt really pay attention to what they do, did you? They dont do leather, they re-wrap the dash (or door panels) in VINYL, just like stock. Get it? Its _JUST_LIKE_STOCK_

He was referring to the leather dash posted a few before his comment. I need to buy you a drink.

[Kuma]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

You are a fucking idiot.

Once you've spent your money on (insert car mod here) and you've done everything there is to do to your car, you're going to be sitting there with your thumb up your ass looking at a dash with cracks all over the fucking place. Tell me what you plan on doing, jackass. You've invested lots of time, money and heartache into building this awesome car and now you have to get used dashes and play russian roulette hoping that none of them crack, etc etc...

Thats great, I always wanted a bullshit fake carbon, heavier than stock, glaring eye-sore of a fucking dashboard.

While it's great that there is a company that does this, I think it is too expensive for an s-chassis at the current time. It's a great option for a classic $30k+ numbers matching car... But as long as people are upholstering them for $500ish, it's just the better option for these cars.


Even a real carbon fiber dash is cheaper than restoring one back to OEM spec.
http://www.enjukuracing.com/products...s14-89-98.html

If you don't want to click the link $899.99, Comes in 3 finishes (Matte,semi-gloss, high gloss) You cut your own holes for vents and guages, but that shouldn't be a problem for anyone that knows their ass from a hole in the ground. Save weight and replace that cracked dash.

[Protaters]

Dont buy coverlay. They are great options but degrade faster than the dash does. Also anything with a tiny bit of shine is no good for sight either at the track or just driving daily. The Gloss on the CF dash isn't good for visibility. So, here is what I did.

First remove the s13 dash. I'm sure all of you know how to do this. Or there is a search function lol

Depending on the severity of the cracks buy a can of fiberglass resin, or even just some gorilla glue 5 minute sandable epoxy. Also buy a filler. I used baking soda. I know it's weird but it worked. I also went with the resin because it finishes smoother than the epoxy and you'll need like 4-6 tubes depending on cracks. Finally buy 3 cans of matte or flat black plastidip.

Take the baking soda and pack the cracks full until you can no longer see the crack

Then, Mix up the resin and pour it evenly over the cracks wait 1 hour then sand down until smooth with 120 grit DA sander or by hand either way works of course. After that take your 3 cans of flat black or "matte" plastidip because 1 can = 1 coat. Put 3 coats of flat black plastidip and you're finished. Just install the dash after that

^ that is the ugliest, most generic looking piece of shit i have ever seen.

[Kuma]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

^ that is the ugliest, most generic looking piece of shit i have ever seen.

I agree it isn't aesthetically pleasing, but imo it's better than gauges ziptied to the dash bar.... but you complained that the last cf dash posted was heavier than stock and glared too much. Now I realize you just want to complain about trivial shit, so carry on with your negative self.

[dub40sx]

Lolol. Yes I seen that and it made my head hurt

[wao138]

[collegekid]

Originally Posted by Protaters

Dont buy coverlay. They are great options but degrade faster than the dash does. Also anything with a tiny bit of shine is no good for sight either at the track or just driving daily. The Gloss on the CF dash isn't good for visibility. So, here is what I did.

First remove the s13 dash. I'm sure all of you know how to do this. Or there is a search function lol

Depending on the severity of the cracks buy a can of fiberglass resin, or even just some gorilla glue 5 minute sandable epoxy. Also buy a filler. I used baking soda. I know it's weird but it worked. I also went with the resin because it finishes smoother than the epoxy and you'll need like 4-6 tubes depending on cracks. Finally buy 3 cans of matte or flat black plastidip.

Take the baking soda and pack the cracks full until you can no longer see the crack

Then, Mix up the resin and pour it evenly over the cracks wait 1 hour then sand down until smooth with 120 grit DA sander or by hand either way works of course. After that take your 3 cans of flat black or "matte" plastidip because 1 can = 1 coat. Put 3 coats of flat black plastidip and you're finished. Just install the dash after that

Has anyone else had any successful, long term dash restorations?
I know there are countless google search results and methods to do this but does anyone here have something verified to work for a long time?

I'm looking for something like

"This is what I used"
" this is my method"
"It has lasted me x amount of time"

Originally Posted by wao138

I don't know what I am looking at but it interests me. Is that a wrap? Is it reconditioned? Anyone have any clue since op is banned?

I have 3 dashes in my basement but I would like to recondition them before I reinstall it

1 is my original black one with airbag deployed but no cracks
1 is a green one i found with no cracks
1 is a black one I found for extremely cheap in good condition no cracks

Has anyone ever painted dashboards? I know Vatozone sells some interior spray paint but what are some products people have used that actually stick and don't come off if you look at it wrong.

What are you guys doing as far as replacing the vents that ultimately break off ( every single dash i have has it broken off)?

[fatduece]

ixfxi;5739448]You are a fucking idiot.

Once you've spent your money on (insert car mod here) and you've done everything there is to do to your car, you're going to be sitting there with your thumb up your ass looking at a dash with cracks all over the fucking place. Tell me what you plan on doing, jackass. You've invested lots of time, money and heartache into building this awesome car and now you have to get used dashes and play russian roulette hoping that none of them

First, calm down. Second, nothing enters my starfish, only exits. If you enjoy such activities that's fine, but don't assume everybody else does. Third, have you actually tried to repair the dash? The two DIY's posted on page one seem simple and cheap. I think it's worth a shot.

[fjarosz]

I did the resin and after 2 days the cracks came back I'm thinking the leather might be the right choice it looks awesome I just wish I could get some previous buyer feedback

[TheVinylKingz]

wow this thread is still going. My solution, just get another dash if possible. I just bought a used in good condition dash off CL.

Before I bought this dash, thought of plastidip, but I didnt want to do such as thing.

I guess I got lucky.

[blkvrtswp]

^ OK, so who wants to order first? I'm REALLY tempted. It's only double the $120 Coverlay (and probably triple the install labor too).

I'm going to go re-read the DIY install threads..... this plus rear 'vert seat leather recover might be next winters project!

[EJ8 944]

I think I might have to give that eBay seller a try, I just messaged the guy. My S14 dash is cracked and I'm so sick of looking at it.

[Bashar_finalstage]

I have a flawless s13 lhd dash for sale 250. Ca bay area lmk ! 4156067765

[blkvrtswp]

The ebay leather seller responded immediately to my ebay inquiry and confirmed - order it and message to send S13 LHD. So I did. $207 plus $23 shipping. I'll post an update when it arrives.

http://stores.ebay.com/topgaitersboo...p2047675.l2563

[Ilya]

Originally Posted by blkvrtswp

The ebay leather seller responded immediately to my ebay inquiry and confirmed - order it and message to send S13 LHD. So I did. $207 plus $23 shipping. I'll post an update when it arrives.

http://stores.ebay.com/topgaitersboo...p2047675.l2563

Please do! I am very curious!!! You sir have balls

[rastaman]

im curious how the s14 LHD will look too..

[blkvrtswp]

Yes, that does look better in spots, but I'm ok with the straight lines. I'll compare this to the Coverlay, then sell the one I like least.

The seller also has center console covers for $95 - I just asked if those are also available in LHD.

S13 sun visor covers, door card covers, glove box cover, seat belt receiver covers - damn I might add to my order.....

[Bashar_finalstage]

No one wants to buy my perfect lhd s13 dash 250 obo will ship

[Frank_Jaeger]

This was posted a little bit back

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t...highlight=dash

[blkvrtswp]

UK seller DOES have LHD center console covers - so I ordered one of them too. The dash cover already shipped. So far this eBay seller is very responsive to messages and quick to ship, and has confirmed LHD on both orders in a separate message. I did get the red stitching, because my steering wheel and RECAROS have red stitches. I can always dye them black if the red is too much.





If these are as nice as they look, I might go for the matching A-pillar covers, door panels and seat belt receivers!







Early XMas gifts for me!

[blkvrtswp]

The leather dash wrap arrived in 8 days! Obviously they have LHD already made. Looks really nice, great quality leather and stitching - can't wait to install it! Here are some pictures.

[Rustys14]

^^^ Looks pretty good! I'm very curious to see what it looks like installed.

[Memberofthe600hpkaclub]

Yeah I'm in to see fitment

[MeSs]

Very nice!

[blkvrtswp]

Console cover arrived today, here are some pics draped over a spare console I have. Fitment looks great, but I think the console will be easy compared to the dash! The leather feels excellent, the thickness perfect for tucking and gluing.

Anyone have tips for this job? DAP Weldwood glue, don't do it cold - stuff like that appreciated. I've done door cards once but that's all.

Originally Posted by blkvrtswp

Console cover arrived today, here are some pics draped over a spare console I have. Fitment looks great, but I think the console will be easy compared to the dash!

ah man... you have no clue what you are in for.


my dash is done, the center console + door panels are the tough parts.

You see, you're just draping shit over the OEM parts, you havent actually attempted to piece all of the puzzle together. You cant wrap the entire center console, it will look amateur. The center console's HVAC/Radio bezel is supposed to swoop down. Under that, you're supposed to have a black section that surrounds the ashtray+ 12v plug, mirror controls, etc...

The main problem lies in the area with the ashtray + mirror controls, there is no way to terminate the leather and cinch it under anything, since the plastic is all molded together. That is the area I am stuck at and at this point, not sure what I am going to do. Its a clusterfuck.

Best of luck bud. Currently, its looking like a home made batman costume.

[blkvrtswp]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

<snip>

The main problem lies in the area with the ashtray + mirror controls, there is no way to terminate the leather and cinch it under anything, since the plastic is all molded together. That is the area I am stuck at and at this point, not sure what I am going to do. Its a clusterfuck.

Best of luck bud. Currently, its looking like a home made batman costume.

Thanks, Mike. Good luck on yours too. I'm probably almost as picky as you are so I appreciate the advice. Did you wrap your dash yourself or have it done?

I'm less worried about the console. Hell - I'll file the holes bigger if the lighter/switch/ashtray won't go in nicely due to the leather. I have a spare console so I can afford to get a little crazy. I also thought about jigsawing the whole black ashtray surround area out and tucking the leather around it. But I really do not like the OEM finish there - I would prefer to cover it.

I'm going for a real CF plus red-stitched leather theme, so OEM black plastic is not in the end game plan. I already have the radio bezel, arm rest and ashtray in CF. Vents, column cover, door switches also will be done in CF eventually.

That leaves the rear vert seat and side panels - currently both are ok but will need to be redone to match the front.

Question - Would anyone recommend using some kind of tape over the single, not deep crack I have on the dash? Or just leave it? Wondering if the crack would show thru the leather.