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Im making a dash how do you think I should cover it, links to materials used be great!

killerferret666 - 1/4/14 at 11:45 AM

So I'm making my dash at the moment and would like peopel's opinions and experience. My dash looks like the below after much cutting, fibreglassing and sanding;

So i want to cover it all, including the centre console etc...

Im thinking of a foam backed vinyl at the moment in a charcoal type of colour? I also dont want it to be textured like leather, id like it flat ...but then that might not be vinyl! Any help advice on material would be great, Im handy enough with the attaching, darting etc....

[Edited on 1/4/14 by killerferret666]

steve m - 1/4/14 at 12:07 PM

If you can get the prepared finish perfect, what about a plain satin black finish

If not some crackle finish paint would look good (imho)

Steve

killerferret666 - 1/4/14 at 01:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
If you can get the prepared finish perfect, what about a plain satin black finish

If not some crackle finish paint would look good (imho)

Steve

Would that show up oily finger marks? One of my bug bears if thats the case as those types of matt finishes are a nightmare to keep clean!

The advantage i thought about with foamed cloth is that any slight imperfections are hidden, also i suppose i should ask what thickness of foam if the fabric isn't foam backed

Slimy38 - 1/4/14 at 01:07 PM

Foam only needs to be about 5mm max if it's that kind of surface, any thicker and it will start making it's own curves as you pull it tight.

Personally I like the matt flocking felt-like stuff that was 'the fashion' before carbon fibre and gloss black wrap took over. I saw it mostly on rally cars (and wannabe's), and I liked it. No idea how to get it on there (spray fluff and glue I think?), and I don't know how resilient it is, but it looks nice.

snapper - 1/4/14 at 01:14 PM

I used camping mat and yoga mat for dash, tunnel and arm rests

jossey - 1/4/14 at 02:19 PM

Leather like the Porsche

http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/p-1238-expanded-vinyl.aspx

AdamR - 1/4/14 at 03:49 PM

Alcantara. Bit pricey perhaps, but looks and feels amazing.

[Edited on 1/4/14 by AdamR]

CosKev3 - 1/4/14 at 05:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
Personally I like the matt flocking felt-like stuff that was 'the fashion' before carbon fibre and gloss black wrap took over. I saw it mostly on rally cars (and wannabe's), and I liked it. No idea how to get it on there (spray fluff and glue I think?), and I don't know how resilient it is, but it looks nice.

Flocking does look good.
Have seen work done by www.autoflock.co.uk and it is spot on, pretty sure he's a member on here too.

BangedupTiger - 1/4/14 at 05:23 PM

Another vote for flocking

carpmart - 1/4/14 at 06:01 PM

and another for flocking

bi22le - 1/4/14 at 08:30 PM

Another for flocking or Alcontara.

We use a matierial called Microcare or Libre which is the same stuff but water resistant. Not cheap but lush.

james h - 1/4/14 at 09:00 PM

Try sending for a sample of alcantara from here.

ChrisLeary - 2/4/14 at 09:25 AM

How will flocking stand up to the weather? I don't have a windscreen or weather gear, and I'm not really planning on being an only good weather driver... It's looks very good.

Cheers,

Chris

Slimy38 - 2/4/14 at 09:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by ChrisLeary
How will flocking stand up to the weather? I don't have a windscreen or weather gear, and I'm not really planning on being an only good weather driver... It's looks very good.

Cheers,

Chris

In that case, avoid alcantara. My tintop has leather/alcantara seats, and if they get wet the watermarks are awful. They clean up fine (a lot better than the equivalent suede would!), but I'm guessing you won't want to keep cleaning it.

A very quick search gives this;

http://www.suffolkflockingservices.co.uk/FAQ.asp

quote:

Is it water proof? Yes, the nylon fibres are waterproof and so is the special adhesive. We have coated interior roof linings for the boat building industry where water resistance is always a requirement.

CosKev3 - 2/4/14 at 09:47 AM

quote:
Originally posted by ChrisLeary
How will flocking stand up to the weather? I don't have a windscreen or weather gear, and I'm not really planning on being an only good weather driver... It's looks very good.

Cheers,

Chris

I would think it will be fine,as its just tiny strands of plastic.

davidimurray - 2/4/14 at 09:58 AM

I just used some Vinyl material from Dunelm for my Dash and Dunelm. Has been out in the rain and has been fine.

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killerferret666 - 2/4/14 at 10:04 AM

cheers for all the suggestions, I do like flocking but I just think the prep of the dash is not high enough to meet what flocking would show. I'm very particular about it looking good. So its going to have to be a material of some sort! looking like vinyl at the moment, although id prefer a flat vinyl then the leather look.

Alcantra is nice, but very pricey!! especially for the amount id need.

The Black Flash - 2/4/14 at 10:10 PM

Regarding leather, you can get very fine automotive leather which has a flat, matt look with no grain. Not the cheapest, but plenty on ebay, and costs about the same as Dynoc vinyl.

It might be a good idea to send around for a few samples of different things, especially for a dash your size, lots of places offer them for free, or a couple of quid. The dash is a major bit of the car so it's worth spending on good materials there IMO. (great excuse that, it works on everything )

Angel Acevedo - 6/4/14 at 04:13 AM

Have you visited the "Post your Dashboard Pictures" thread?
Ypu mayfind something that you like and ask the builder of your choice