Dash Protection

[88gtman]

I live in Florida where anyone who has ever been here knows it gets hot as hell during the summer. Anyway I have recently ordered a new dash panel to replace my cracked one. I was wondering what would be the best way to protect my new dash panel from cracking like my old one. I read a lot of stuff saying that I shouldn't use Armorall type products because they will cause it to crack. I don't want to get on of those ugly dash covers. I am thinking about getting some vinyl that matches the look of the rest of the dash and gluing it down on top of the plastic. What do you think?

[99pewterv6]

Re: Dash Protection

I would like to see the newer 97+ dash pad done in vinyl. Also the best thing I got is a custom sun shade from http://www.coverking.com/customsunshields.html .

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Dash Protection

I covered mine in black vinyl because it cracked. It looks a million times better and wasn't too difficult.

[zpwn06]

Re: Dash Protection

I covered mine in black vinyl because it cracked. It looks a million times better and wasn't too difficult.

I think I'm going to do it too, you have pictures?

[firebird19_99]

Re: Dash Protection

does anyone have write ups as to how to put vinyl on interior parts....like meaty did....

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Dash Protection



And yes, I got rid of the inconsistencies around the vent, just took a bit of fumbling and a utility knife. That's the only picture I have of it off though.

[88gtman]

Re: Dash Protection

That looks great. That is what I had in mind. Could you do a quick write up on it? Was it very hard to do? Any fitment issues? About how much time involved?

[firebird19_99]

Re: Dash Protection

how hard is it to take out the dash, i have a firebird and when i try and take it out(just pull it up) i hear cracking

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Dash Protection

It's held on by industrial velcrow. You just have to pull up.. Use a long stick to pull at the velcrow to prevent cracking from taking it out. Your arm might work for the back ones.

I just bought enough vinyl and laid it on top, cut it about 3" out on every side, and sprayed it down with 3M super adhesive and laid it, then cut accordingly and glued it around the edges. I could give you more details if need be.

[88gtman]

Re: Dash Protection

I will probably try it this weekend. I am not too worried about removing my old dash because it is so brittle now that it pretty much cracks and breaks at the slightest pull.
I am expecting it to be removed in pieces. I just hope that once I apply the material to the top that it will go in pretty easily. I know that I am suppose to remove the A pillars first and that it is pretty much held on by velcro and clips, but that is it. Anything else I should know before I attempt it this weekend.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Dash Protection

for the wrap around, I just used the 3M super adhesive spray, but it was kind of a pain for that part. I think some kind of thicker contact cement or something would be more ideal. the super adhesive is great for the top though.

As for the vent area, I think what would look the best is if you could find maybe a 1/4" wide thin piece of plastic or something to glue around the vent and cut the vinyl around the vent. The plastic would be to cover up the side of the vinyl and blend better. What I did originally was cut multiple pieces and pushed them in to the vent and glued, but it really didn't end up looking that great, so I just cut very close, but if you examine closely, you can see the edge of the vinyl.

[firebird19_99]

Re: Dash Protection

about how much is the vinyl?

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Dash Protection

I got enough to do the dash twice...IIRC it was like 7 bucks. Under 20 at least.