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What to do about my dash... opinions?

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    What to do about my dash... opinions?

    So my dash has cracked for the second time. It cracked after I first got it, so we swapped in a new(er) one from a 318is parts car. Last summer, it developed two small cracks at the corners of the passenger side parcel tray. So I drilled a small hole at the end of each of the cracks, hoping to stop them. Well, as of a few days ago, the cracks at each one have started to continue past the hole.

    So obviously, there's no stopping them at this point. This is 20-25 year old vinyl, I accept it's going to do it. So I've got a plan formulated, just wanted some opinions. My plan is to have it flocked, which I've been saying for years I would do if it cracked again. I'm not doing it myself, I don't want to deal with the adhesive, the mess, and my perfectionist fears of fucking it up and it not looking right.

    So until I get around to doing that, in the meantime, I have one of those really nice black fuzzy dash mats, the custom-made ones. Found it at the junkyard a few years ago, and the dude just let me have it. It's in perfect shape, and I honestly don't mind how it looks at all. But when you just toss it up there, it sits kinda funny, is kinda lumpy, and looks meh. So I'm thinking of permanently attaching it, probably with some kind of spray adhesive, just starting at one end, and laying it down as I go. And when I DO get around to having it flocked, I should just be able to remove the dash mat, and strip/sand away whatever remaining adhesive is left behind, and prep it to be flocked. Opinions?

    #2
    there was a guy somewhere in kansas that was selling dashes that were recovered with airplane cockpit vinyl a while back. It looks very similar to stock and was apparently very UV-stable. IMO a better option than flocking if you can find it. I've never liked the look of flocked dashes in street cars.

    regarding your actual question, you should be able to do that, yes, and it shouldn't matter for flocking.
    cars beep boop

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      #3
      I'll look into that vinyl option, thanks!

      I was also just thinking about just using strips of strategically placed double-sided tape, like that grey stuff used for body trim.

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        #4
        Most of those carpet dash covers come with sticky-back velcro to hold them down. I don't see why double sided tape wouldn't work.

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          #5
          This thread is relevant to my interests.....

          I actually don't mind carpet dash covers too much, if they are clean and OEM-ish looking. Any suggestions on nice ones? Anyone know who the guy in Kansas is that recovers them with newer vinyl?

          Transaction Feedback: LINK

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            #6
            Cover your dash in Alcantara with M-stripe stitching.

            [IMG][/IMG]
            E30 318is S50B32 powered
            sigpic

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              #7
              Originally posted by Brisbane E30 View Post
              Cover your dash in Alcantara with M-stripe stitching.

              [IMG][/IMG]

              Will do this some day


              1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
              1991 318i 4dr slick top


              Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
              Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
              Mtech 2 turbo restoration
              Brilliantrot slick top "build"

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                #8
                Originally posted by Brisbane E30 View Post
                Cover your dash in Alcantara with M-stripe stitching.

                [IMG][/IMG]
                Sign me up
                Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

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                  #9
                  Normally I don't like the idea of cloth re-covered dashes, but that is pretty ballin. How much did that custom job cost you, if you don't mind telling?

                  I spoke with a local automobile upholstery specialty shop on Friday and it sounds like there is almost nothing that can be done to restore an OEM dash to like-new condition once it starts cracking. Any sort of vinyl covering is going to crack again in the same places, sometimes in a week, sometimes in a few years. An alcantara-type cloth covering sounds like the only complete/permanent option that won't crack again. And it sounds expensive since it is a lot of skilled labor to do it.

                  Transaction Feedback: LINK

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                    #10
                    Im gonna say that looks great....

                    and in the states , ez 600 USD on up...waaay up.
                    I love sitting down and just driving!

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                      #11
                      Originally posted by bmwman91 View Post
                      Normally I don't like the idea of cloth re-covered dashes, but that is pretty ballin. How much did that custom job cost you, if you don't mind telling?

                      I spoke with a local automobile upholstery specialty shop on Friday and it sounds like there is almost nothing that can be done to restore an OEM dash to like-new condition once it starts cracking. Any sort of vinyl covering is going to crack again in the same places, sometimes in a week, sometimes in a few years. An alcantara-type cloth covering sounds like the only complete/permanent option that won't crack again. And it sounds expensive since it is a lot of skilled labor to do it.
                      The final price came to about $2,000.00AUD. That includes the dash, centre console, instrument binnacle, front and rear door cards.

                      The most expensive part of the entire process is the cost of the cloth itself. Here in Australia it is $250.00 per metre.

                      Hope this helps.
                      E30 318is S50B32 powered
                      sigpic

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                        #12
                        that is gorgeous for sure...and 2k aud for all that is fair IMO>

                        but did he put the steering wheel on the wrong side.,strange
                        show us pics of the cars interior!!!!!
                        I love sitting down and just driving!

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