Installing dash cover - Pre-cut kit or DIY?

I installed mine several years after the build with the vinyl that came from CMC.  The thread should be on here, somewhere, if you do a search.  I'll have to look for it, too, because I can't remember if I removed the windshield or not - I don't think so and simply tucked the forward edge under the windshield bottom rubber lip, but....

I pretty much followed the CMC build sheets and ran it to the sides to nicely match the angle of the door top cushions for a nice look.  I held it down with 3M Upholstery adhesive, but it began to come loose, especially in the center, after several years so I had to re-glue it.  I would probably used DAP contact adhesive (in a paint-style can) if I were to do it again, but it's holding well, so far.

I installed mine years ago - I did it before windshield was installed.  I removed it and need to redo now that I have OEM style defrost vents.  I'm not sure I can easily install with windshield mounted - especially getting the vinyl under the rubber windshield seal. Mine was CMC bright red - I plan to redo with a flat black vinyl.

I searched on here and as best I know I removed the windshield before installing the dash cover. 

When I had to re-glue it I left the windshield on and just sprayed 3M Upholstery adhesive under the vinyl by shooting it through a small tube going through the holes for the tonneau cover snaps and smooshing it down flat.  Worked for me.

I'm going to redo mine eventually. I noticed that the chrome on the windshield posts is  pretty toasted, so i will redo mine when I replace those. I think this would also be the appropriate time to install any snaps for the full tonneau.

I'll post photos if/when I do it.

Ted

I should have said, that when I do mine, I'm going to look at the original that I remove and make a decision at that time. If it looks easy to copy, I'll brew my own. If it looks like a pain in the bottom end, I'll call Kirk.

Craig,  I've got an older CMC that I bought without a dash cover.  To me it looked unfinished. I called VS thinking that the part was cut and ready to install.  What they would send me for the money was a piece of matching vinyl and some thin dense padding.  I asked if it was cut and the rep. said 'no' as all installations are a little different and have to be fitted in a custom manner.  I did a cardboard template to get the shape I wanted, cut and trimmed the padding, stitched the vinyl to that ( not necessary though) and used double-sided Velcro on the dash and the dash cover so I could remove it if I ever needed to in the future. I held the edge closest to the driver down by cutting it a little long and using the long and short rubber trim pieces that they sell to cap it off.  I also added the chrome trim below too for a finished look.  Not as complicated as it might sound and looks great.

Good Luck.  Frank

Frank,

Did you say the Vintage supplied dash cover did NOT come cut to fit?  Their internet add looks as if it is.  So I guess it was flat and also not molded to the curves of the dash?

If that is correct, I'll cut my own from the vinyl I used to make new door tops.

craig

Craig, 

Unless things have changed since last summer.  I looked at their web page and it looked like it was cut to fit and just needed to be stuck on. When I called to be sure and discuss color I was told you just get the constituent parts and the rest is up to you.  I bought a yard of vinyl ($39.00 I think) and did the rest myself.  It also allowed me to make other things like a shift boot cover,e-brake cover etc. to my liking.  Give them a quick call to verify the product.

Frank

Frank,

OK, thanks.  I was under the impression you bought the Vintage piece.

I am probably going to cut my own and try to install without removing the windshield.  This car has been an adventure and this is just another thing to add to

the list of upgrades from the bare bones CMC I bought. 22 items and counting, but it was cheap and a very nice car.  Beautiful paint, just a very very bad build.

Use a brown paper template to get the radius correct , it isn't nearly as easy as it appears to be. After glueing the vinyl on the dash I have used a rubber fender well bead (1/8") against the windshield base to hide a not so perfect cut.

I did want to but the VS piece but it didn't exist as shown.  I like Alan's idea.  I did get the vinyl from VS though as the PO on my car bought seats and door panels from them.

Thanks Frank and Alan.  Also, good advice on the windshield trim-out Alan.  I appreciate that kind of help.  Will probably get to this in June after I get back north and get my car out of hibernation.  I'll send you both the results.

BTW why does Vintage not install the horizontal strip to the left (short) and also to  the right (long) of the steering wheel on the dash as the original cars had. I see it on JPS cars Beck and intermeccanica?

And why don't they extend the dash vinyl all the way to the ends of the dash, rather than stop it an inch short where it looks a little un-finished?  Don't know - they just do.

Remember that when you make the paper template, make it 1/4"-3/8" longer along the windshield rubber to make sure it'll tuck under the rubber lip so it'll look finished.

Liberally spray BOTH the dash (mask off the stuff around it or you'll have glue everywhere you don't want it) and the vinyl and follow the instructions for the adhesive you use.  If you're cool, you'll mask off that 1/4"-3/8" along the front of the vinyl so it'll tuck under the windshield rubber easier later on.  

You usually get about a minute or so to move the vinyl around and adjust it, then smooth it out by stretching around the curves and then use a wallpaper roller to get rid of any pesky wrinkles.  If you're careful, you won't need the roller - it's just for insurance.

After it is installed and stretched out so the wrinkles are gone and you're satisfied with the ends near the doors (You DID roll the ends under for a more finished look, right?) THEN tuck the excess under the windshield rubber by using a couple of popsicle sticks to pry up the rubber strip and slip the vinyl under it a bit at a time across the width of the car.  After a few inches you should get the hang of it and thank me for telling you to mask that little strip off.

Any adhesive that finds it's way to the finish side of the vinyl can be removed after it sets up by rubbing your thumb on it.  If you're careful, that won't be necessary, either.  If you get adhesive onto rubber parts, it can be removed by rubbing or with Acetone if you get desperate but BE CAREFUL as Acetone eats vinyl.

I got lucky with the vinyl I found.  My car is an old CMC with black interior (in VERY good shape) and when I needed to make new door tops for my side curtain mounting, I went to a local JoAnn fabric and found stretchable black vinyl that you cannot tell from my interior without using a magnifying glass.  It should work fine for the dash.

Craig,

Nice work! Really well done.

I feel like you're holding out on us. Why not show us the rest of your car?

Ted

The car is in winter storage.  I'll look tomorrow to see if I have any on a back-up hard drive I bought to Florida.

craig

Great info Gordon.  I appreciate to tips.

craig

Just remember dash gets alot of direct sun light and heat.  A quality marine vinyl might hold up better.  Hate to see you have to redo after 6 months.   

Good point about the sun.  I don't have it here in Florida. The roof is never up when I drive.  Gotta run, just got a Tornado warning...

Storm is over.  I'll check to see if I can find marine vinyl.  The car will only be out two-three days a week, short drives, and only 6-7 months a year in Delaware.  The Florida sun would definately eat it up.  I'm going to look for a light weight sun block cover to put on when parked outside durung the day.  I may only keep it 5 or so years as I'm looking for a 57-67 Corvette for my next project.  My CFO (Wife) let me get started cheap, we'll see how it goes.

Beacon fabric & notions

They're in Florida. I've bought marine vinyl & stuff from them shipped to MD. Good people.

Craig - she sounds like a keeper.

Do you have a full tonneau? That should keep the sun off the dash/seats/etc when it's in the wild.

Ed, thanks for the note about the vinyl.  They are only an hour away.  I'm in St. Pete Beach.  I'll call them and stop over to look at what they have for color/grain.

craig

Ted,

No full tonneau.  I thought about having one made, but have no references for a local good shop.  I could probably buy 3 sun covers for the price of a custom tonneau because of the roll bar.

craig

Ted, order one then take to your local to have fitted around the roll bar and re-trimmed.

JBTrades on ebay had several NOS CMC full tonneau for stock CMC roll bar (show bar) equipt cars for around $100.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORSCH...;hash=item3a89039754

Thanks Wolfgang, I'll follow up.

craig