Dash Leather

[GTRS]

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on installing the dash leather.

How do you ensure you don't get creases/waves in the leather?

Is it best to have it trimmed or is it straight forward enough as a diy?

[UltimaCH]

Have you checked in Stig's different builds? I'm sure he must cover this

[GTRS]

Do you have a link please?

[UltimaCH]

Here goes and it is a reference for all builders: http://ultima-gtr.info/

[Steve_D]

Start by laying a half inch wide glue line along the sharp edge where the sewn seam will lay. When ready glue the seam along this edge. Don't press it down yet until you are happy you have it straight.
Once you have this secure you can lay the leather out over the top and see if it is going to lay flat without wrinkles. It should be fine and if so you can apply glue to the whole top. when it has flashed off and feels barely tacky get a towel and lay it over the dash top leaving the first 3 or 4 inches of glue surface next to the seam. lay the leather onto the towel and start smoothing the leather into place starting at the seam. From here you can start moving the towel further forward and smoothing.
If you have one or more assistants they can hold the leather in tension and away from the surface while you start smoothing.

The dash face is nowhere near as difficult or critical as most of the surface ends up with holes and instruments.

Steve

Forgot to say...if when you have glued the seam it is not straight you can pull it off and try again. If after you are happy with the seam to top does not lay flat enough for your liking you can abort and leave the job to someone else.

Edited by Steve_D on Thursday 13th July 20:49

[GTRS]

Thanks Steve. That's a great tip. I've heard of people using a hair dryer to warm the leather so that it moulds around the curved surfaces easier.