dash board

[jdeuel87]

I am about to cover my aluminum dash with "looks like leather" vinyl material and am wondering to what extent I need to pull the material through the holes in the dash for the guages? The guage holes are also recessed. Can i trim to the edge of the holes and have the edge of the guage alone hold the material or does it require having the material pilled through and glued to the back of the dash... If anyone could pass aong the proceedure and type of adhesive thay used for covering aluminum dash it would be appreciated...THANKS

[jdean]

One way I have seen is to 1) cut the holes for the gauges and switches and then 2) cut across the gauge holes in a "pie slice" pattern stopping just at the edge 3) fold the pie sliced material tight through the hole and glue to the back of the dash.

The extra margin of the gauge bezel will cover and hold the rest.

Some use 3M adhesive spray, but the professional auto upholstery folks use a brush-on liquid glue that holds like rivets.

Also, FFR sells real leather dash covers that should fit most any Cobra dash for about $90.00.

[Mr.Fixit]

If it is really well adheared, without padding, you can flush trim the holes. Be weary of using conditioners excessively on your dash, hey can soak through and cause a loss of attachment of the leather to the dash.

[Michael C Henry]

I have a steal dash which is rusting.I plan on sand blasting down to bare metal. Wife wants it covered in black vinyl, Plan installing a glove box ,the door is allready covered in padded back vinyl.I want to paint or some treatment that will indure and that will let the glue stick.Too much trouble to get appart . permanent sounds OK. Glues, paints, coatings,I'll listen