Wrapping a Dash

[CW240Z]

This is an experiment I'm attempting on a Datsun 620 dash currently. It can be applied to any dash. Like many Datsun dashes, mine was cracked and in an awful condition. Instead of putting a cap over the cracks, I decided to wrap the dash in a synthetic leather material I got from a local fabric store. It was very cheap too, only $20 for more than double the material necessary. I started working on the smaller parts to get an idea of how this fabric works. With a little bit of heat it is very pliable and fairly easy to work with. For my first time I was pretty pleased with the finished product. Let me know what you guys think.

Chase

[5150 will]

I think that looks really great. Nice work. Make sure and post up some pics of the completed project.

[psdenno]

Looks great so far. However, I think the glove compartment lid will be the easiest part to wrap, by far. The degree of difficulty will increase exponentially, in the case of the Z, when you get to the complex curves on the rest of the dash.

Dennis

[CW240Z]

Looks great so far. However, I think the glove compartment lid will be the easiest part to wrap, by far. The degree of difficulty will increase exponentially, in the case of the Z, when you get to the complex curves on the rest of the dash.

Dennis

This is true, which is why I started with the glove box. Although getting the curves around the latch was a tedious part.

If you do the dash in small sections, applying heat and clamping the material, it's not as intimidating of a project. I'll update with more pictures as the project goes on.

Chase

[psdenno]

I look forward to seeing the project progress.

Dennis

[kacrow76]

I can't wait to see this. i tried to wrap mine with the 3M carbon fiber did not work for me.looks like this might work.and i blew 100$. my son told me a professional could have done it wish that was true it did look were cool.

[72 OJ]

I can see that to work on a semi flat dash, like a 510, but on a Z dash with the curves and gauges openings not an easy task, looking for updates on this mod, thanks for posting.

Edited October 24, 2012 by 72 OJ

[jfa.series1]

Chase,

Innovative work. Keep the updates and procedure details coming, looking forward to seeing some results in person at the next club meeting.

Jim.

[Stanley]

Nice, careful work. But I love my cracked dash - it's one reason someone in my financial ****uation can afford a great sports car.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Nice, careful work. But I love my cracked dash - it's one reason someone in my financial ****uation can afford a great sports car.

Or a 19 year old kid like myself ;P

Also check out the thread "Restoring a Cracked Dash", I'd love to see how the two methods compare.

[grantf]

I will be watching this. looks promising.

[FastWoman]

I thought of doing the same thing with real leather. The gauges are obviously the most difficult part. I look forward to seeing whether this works!