Topic: Dashpad repair - advice requested (Read 263 times)

1978Pinto · « **on:** February 01, 2010, 06:55:54 PM »

I removed the dashpad from my Pinto today and chipped off the old vinyl leaving the foam mostly in decent shape.
I did a search for "dashpad". Someone posted that the original material is VRT vinyl (some type of plastic). This may be true, there was no cloth backing (like Naugahyde), just plastic.
I searched for VRT vinyl without finding any obvious place to purchase.
If anyone has recovered their dash I am all ears.
Tell me what material you used and any special techniques.
Thanks, Jerry

popbumper · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2010, 08:14:59 PM »

Hi Jerry:

This subject really requires a full-length article in a magazine, given that SO many of these are now dead, defunct, destroyed - and were made for many types of vehicles, including the Maverick.

I will be brief. I restored a dash pad about a year ago using some rather varied and unique materials. The result? Wonderful at first, but sadly not long-lasting. I think I know why, I have to go back and experiment on a second unit.

There are three methods of dash restoration, really:

1) Take the existing pad to a upholstery shop and get it recovered. Cost? About $65. Good? Well, "Discolives" on this group had his done, with fair results. I also had one done this way, but it almost immediately developed some serious lumps and creases, so I can't necessarily recommend it.

2) Rework your pad. Visit a place on the web called "Urethane Supply Company" and look at the docs they have about doing this. They have some pretty sophisticated tools and materials to get the job done. Basically, you end up replacing the areas of lousy foam, reshaping the unit, coating it, and "repainting"" it with colorfast dye. Good? Well, it's tedious, it takes a lot of time and a steady hand (like doing bodywork), and is very unforgiving. Cost? Cost of materials - and time.

3) Slap a plastic cover over it.

Oh...and #4, hope that someone will reproduce them at a reasonable cost. I paid $200 for a NOS unit, wrong color, taht I plan to recolor. I have >toyed< with the idea of reproing it, but time has really not allowed me to give it the attention it needs.

I hope that was somewhat helpful, I kind of "danced around" the topic in a way. It still is a good idea to check Urethane Supply to learn more. Best wishes!!

Chris

popbumper · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2010, 08:17:04 PM »

Sorry, I stupidly missed your point of "chipping off the old vinyl", which really creates a unique situation for you. Take it to an upholsterer, because without any vinyl left, you have no real other option. Sorry I wasted your time with all that other stuff. Your challenge is pretty much outside my experience.

Chris

Wittsend · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2010, 08:46:40 PM »

While not an original look I have wondered if the people who do the truck bed spraying could Rieno Hide the dash and at least have it looking one piece. Hopefully with a less coarse texture.
Tom

rear ended · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2010, 04:11:58 PM »

All right, since you removed it all ready, I see two options. You can send it out to these guys http://www.justdashes.com/Products.htm they can professionally repiar and replace your vynil dash pad or you can recover it yourself, which is what i did. I used a synthetic leather (Michaels) and it has a nice soft feel, a little creasing around the corners, but not noticeable and I am more than pleased with it. I used a 3M spray adhesive, alot of pulling and shapping, a few staples to hold things in place until it dried and then bolted it back. Hope that helps.

pintoman · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2010, 05:34:46 PM »

I recovered mine 7 years ago.It still looks great and is still soft and pliable.I went to a automotive fabric company and bought the best vinyl they had. You will need about 3 yards of vinyl to cover your dash. It did not cost to much.I then removed the vinyl that was cracked and sticking up.I filled in the holes with some spray foam.Then i covered the top of the pad with some i/8th inch foam.You need to use some real good spray glue.After trimming the foam,I then applied the vinyl to the dash pad.Spray the glue across the top of the dash,then spray the back of the vinyl.Let it set for a few minutes before putting the too together ,smooth out the vinyl with your hands,you may have to stretch the vinyl to get a good look.Then start with the rest of it .You will need a good heat gun so you can make go around the curves and corners.With a little patience and work you will have it looking good.Remember you can pull the vinyl back up if it has wrinkles it it.Just keep working it till you are satisfied.Then on the back side either glue it down or use a staple gun.Good luck and have fun.

Starsky and Hutch · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2010, 11:02:14 PM »

I had justdashes do mine,,, very nice job,,, but not cheap

1978Pinto · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2010, 11:28:10 AM »

A big thanks to everyone that replied to this post and my other posts the past few months.
I went to a local upholstery shop to get a piece of vinyl.
When they asked what I was doing, I told them, they said take it, it's free.
I used spray adhesive on the foam and backside of the vinyl.
It looks nice; it would take an expert to tell it is not original.

Jerry

dga57 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2010, 02:04:49 PM »

Jerry,
That sounds great. Would you please keep us updated on how well it holds up and any problems you might encounter later on (hopefully none)?
Dwayne

discolives78 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2010, 06:09:05 PM »

Well, my name came up (thanks Chris!

) so I'll throw in my 2 cents:

Yeah, Mine was recovered about a year ago with cloth backed vinyl. You can read about it and see pics in my post "Found some motivation..." at

http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,10814.40.html

page 3 and 4

It's held up so far (I'm a year into it) we didn't put enough glue in the long center section, so the vinyl is loose but not wrinkled (you can move it with your hand running along the top of the pad). I put some Armor-All on it late in the summer and that seems to have tightened it up some. It does look about the same now as it did in the pictures from a year ago. If you're on a budget, this is the way to go. If you're going for show-stopping original looks, shop for an NOS unit or try one of those plastic covers on e-bay. Try shopping for vinyl at fabric stores like Hancock's, Hobby Lobby, and such. The vinyl may be less expensive there than at an upholstery supply store, just a thought...

Chuck

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Author Topic: Dashpad repair - advice requested (Read 263 times)

1978Pinto

Dashpad repair - advice requested

popbumper

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popbumper

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Wittsend

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rear ended

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pintoman

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Starsky and Hutch

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1978Pinto

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