Discussion
I am finally getting ready to cover my dash (non-standard). I have a full hide supplied by the factory and the first job is to fit the dash top area.
I have never worked with leather before, so I am trying to read up on all the techniques, but can't find a lot on the net!
First - Should I cover the top area panel with some thin foam for padding, and if so how thin can I get it?
2. Lots of glues around, but I understand from some, that shrinkage due to heat from the sun can be a problem. Also I understand that if you dont use an underlay, Glue-lines and swirls can appear if you dont flatten out properly, so sounds like spray Glue is the best for an even coverage. I do have some 'Stay-put' but its rubbish as I have found it dries and loses any tack over time thius comes off. Others have talked about using silicone ??????
3. I have two pointy-edges so stitching is not an option as it will be too bulky. Do I carefully use superglue here?
I intend to staple the leather as it wraps underneath the flat panel I am fitting, so shrinkage should not be a problem (I hope!)
I have never worked with leather before, so I am trying to read up on all the techniques, but can't find a lot on the net!
First - Should I cover the top area panel with some thin foam for padding, and if so how thin can I get it?
2. Lots of glues around, but I understand from some, that shrinkage due to heat from the sun can be a problem. Also I understand that if you dont use an underlay, Glue-lines and swirls can appear if you dont flatten out properly, so sounds like spray Glue is the best for an even coverage. I do have some 'Stay-put' but its rubbish as I have found it dries and loses any tack over time thius comes off. Others have talked about using silicone ??????
3. I have two pointy-edges so stitching is not an option as it will be too bulky. Do I carefully use superglue here?
I intend to staple the leather as it wraps underneath the flat panel I am fitting, so shrinkage should not be a problem (I hope!)
Hi Keith,
Having done this (on the Can-Am) I can tell you it's not an easy job. Getting the leather to conform to the curves to the lower sides of the dash is a challenge.
I would seriously consider getting a trimmer to do it as once it's on - if you stuff a bit up, it will be there taunting you every time you drive
If you do take it on, then contact adhesive is the way to go. It's strong enough to combat any shrinkage.
Secondly, get yourself a steamer so soften the leather - this will help massively when conforming to the dash curves. I did mine without one, but it was a nightmare.
Having done this (on the Can-Am) I can tell you it's not an easy job. Getting the leather to conform to the curves to the lower sides of the dash is a challenge.
I would seriously consider getting a trimmer to do it as once it's on - if you stuff a bit up, it will be there taunting you every time you drive
If you do take it on, then contact adhesive is the way to go. It's strong enough to combat any shrinkage.
Secondly, get yourself a steamer so soften the leather - this will help massively when conforming to the dash curves. I did mine without one, but it was a nightmare.
I fully intend to get a trimmer to do the fiddly jobs, but I thought I would have a go at the easy bits (if they are!).
This is a flat MDF panel, so all I have to be sure of is that I find the very best glue for the job that will not show tram-lines (I could use a wall-paper edge roller I suppose), won't go hard and come off, and find a way without stitching to finish the two pointy bits I mentioned (imagine a half-crescent moon) without stitching.
Before I do, I am wondering about thin padding - do I, don't I??
This is a flat MDF panel, so all I have to be sure of is that I find the very best glue for the job that will not show tram-lines (I could use a wall-paper edge roller I suppose), won't go hard and come off, and find a way without stitching to finish the two pointy bits I mentioned (imagine a half-crescent moon) without stitching.
Before I do, I am wondering about thin padding - do I, don't I??
Contact adhesive is what you require just make sure you spread it evenly.
Be very careful with 'Pointy bits' as they may fail IVA. Edges must have a radius of 2.5mm and the bottom edge of the dash must be 19mm radius.
Any major change of direction should be sewn so I would seriously consider getting it done professionally. I've done my own upholstery both at home and in cars and it is not easy.
Steve
Be very careful with 'Pointy bits' as they may fail IVA. Edges must have a radius of 2.5mm and the bottom edge of the dash must be 19mm radius.
Any major change of direction should be sewn so I would seriously consider getting it done professionally. I've done my own upholstery both at home and in cars and it is not easy.
Steve
Only piece of advice I'd give is to fit the stitched horizontal area first. This has to be straight all the way across or you'll get the fashion police after you!! Mine was straighter than the Porsche factory did my GT3! I then laid the top (with a roller) and then the face. All with contact adhesive.
If you are going to get a trimmer to do all the hard bits and just do the easy bits yourself you will not be saving very much. A good trimmer will be able to do the easy bits very quickly and get it right.
A good quality hide is not cheap so if you are not happy with your handwork and need another hide you will have saved nothing.
If you still want to have a go (an attitude I can understand), why not go and talk to the guy/company that will do the rest for you and get their advice.
God luck.
Paul
A good quality hide is not cheap so if you are not happy with your handwork and need another hide you will have saved nothing.
If you still want to have a go (an attitude I can understand), why not go and talk to the guy/company that will do the rest for you and get their advice.
God luck.
Paul
Still deliberating (procrastinating!)...
I live in the Evesham/ Cheltenham area, and the best known upholsterers and oldest don't appear to be in business anymore - went to the factory and all locked up at 10am in the morning!!!
There are one or two one-man bands about, but I am concerned about letting someone I don't know loose on my baby only to find the job is not as good as I would expect!
The other consideration is that I can't easily move the car right now. There is one guy I found out in the sticks that does 'trick' and 'hot' cars, but it would mean leaving the car with him and I suspect (after seeing his unit) it will end up outside!
No chance!
Might be more costly, but if I can find a recommended chap in this area, I wonder if the majority can be done at mine! You know - like a upholsterer-on-wheels if there is such a thing. Then he/she (can't be sexist!) can do some of the stuff with the cab disconnected more easily.
Ponder...ponder..ponder!
I live in the Evesham/ Cheltenham area, and the best known upholsterers and oldest don't appear to be in business anymore - went to the factory and all locked up at 10am in the morning!!!
There are one or two one-man bands about, but I am concerned about letting someone I don't know loose on my baby only to find the job is not as good as I would expect!
The other consideration is that I can't easily move the car right now. There is one guy I found out in the sticks that does 'trick' and 'hot' cars, but it would mean leaving the car with him and I suspect (after seeing his unit) it will end up outside!
No chance!
Might be more costly, but if I can find a recommended chap in this area, I wonder if the majority can be done at mine! You know - like a upholsterer-on-wheels if there is such a thing. Then he/she (can't be sexist!) can do some of the stuff with the cab disconnected more easily.
Ponder...ponder..ponder!
Andy and I did it ourselves and it turned out really well. Would have been very difficult by ones self though so would recommend getting a trusted friend to help!
As Stig said contact adhesive is the way to go. We did it in sections starting with the top ridge of the dash and using greese proof paper to prevent the contact adhesive sticking all in one go. This worked really well as it meant we could just focus on small bits at a time.
If your confident then have a go but remember; Trusted friend, Contact Adhesive, Greese Proof Paper and Plenty of TIME!!!
Chris
As Stig said contact adhesive is the way to go. We did it in sections starting with the top ridge of the dash and using greese proof paper to prevent the contact adhesive sticking all in one go. This worked really well as it meant we could just focus on small bits at a time.
If your confident then have a go but remember; Trusted friend, Contact Adhesive, Greese Proof Paper and Plenty of TIME!!!
Chris
I found my trimmer via my local classic car club. I was able to see examples of his handiwork and talk to the owners before committing myself. This is a route I would recommend for any traditional skilled craftsmen you need for your build. They often have to deal with way more valuable car's than ours.
He has yet to do the work, so I may be counting my chickens prematurely. My leather arrives at the supplier tomorrow and will be dispatched to my trimmer Friday. I will drop off the seats and back board for them to start on next week.
Paul
He has yet to do the work, so I may be counting my chickens prematurely. My leather arrives at the supplier tomorrow and will be dispatched to my trimmer Friday. I will drop off the seats and back board for them to start on next week.
Paul
Sorry Steve, I wasn't paying attention to the forum... Yep, I went down to the Trim Shop in Redditch (down on Weights Farm) and was impressed with the work they were doing at the time. My plan will be to take individual parts to them for covering, rather than giving them the car at the end, meaning final fit will be done with fully trimmed parts.
356Speedster said:
Sorry Steve, I wasn't paying attention to the forum... Yep, I went down to the Trim Shop in Redditch (down on Weights Farm) and was impressed with the work they were doing at the time. My plan will be to take individual parts to them for covering, rather than giving them the car at the end, meaning final fit will be done with fully trimmed parts.
Remind me Mark, is the dash bonded to bodywork on the Can Am, or is it removable, thus allowing you take somewhere for trimming ?TangoGTR said:
Remind me Mark, is the dash bonded to bodywork on the Can Am, or is it removable, thus allowing you take somewhere for trimming ?
Nope, it's part of the front bodywork section. The different with the Can Am, is that there's no roof involved, so it can easily be kept loose and fitted once trimmed later on... not so easy with the GTR I guess!356Speedster said:
Sorry Steve, I wasn't paying attention to the forum... Yep, I went down to the Trim Shop in Redditch (down on Weights Farm) and was impressed with the work they were doing at the time. My plan will be to take individual parts to them for covering, rather than giving them the car at the end, meaning final fit will be done with fully trimmed parts.
Just got back from the place you mentioned after giving them a bit of work to do a few weeks ago... Dunno, should have run with my feelings when there. All I can say is that they are nice old guys, but they are having to re-do the work.....and I am somewhat less than confident at the moment...what can I say?Keith
Coincidence, or what. I had to go over to my trimmers today as they wanted my thoughts on something and I have to say I am very happy with my seats (sorry if this sounds smug, not meant to).
I did go and see the work of 2 other trimmers, neither of which inspired confidence and the guy I chose was the most expensive but I am confident of a good job now.
They had got a Cord waiting for a service. A lovely example of Art Deco at its best. The dash has given me an idea for my switch surround. I am trying my hand at making engine turned aluminum tonight!!!
Paul
Coincidence, or what. I had to go over to my trimmers today as they wanted my thoughts on something and I have to say I am very happy with my seats (sorry if this sounds smug, not meant to).
I did go and see the work of 2 other trimmers, neither of which inspired confidence and the guy I chose was the most expensive but I am confident of a good job now.
They had got a Cord waiting for a service. A lovely example of Art Deco at its best. The dash has given me an idea for my switch surround. I am trying my hand at making engine turned aluminum tonight!!!
Paul
Top knotch trimmers are hard to find... A lot are not so good, and you only find out once bitten.
Thankfully for me this was not an expensive exercise, and I have given them a second chance...we will see... and if not up to scratch, then I will have to search further a-field and get it done again!
Thankfully for me this was not an expensive exercise, and I have given them a second chance...we will see... and if not up to scratch, then I will have to search further a-field and get it done again!
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