Dash reskin DIY!???

[gav240z]

I've looked at this also, I think the best result is likely to be dashboard doctor.

 

This is similar to the process they use.

 

In my opinion there is no harm in doing the repair as Rev did, because before they will do the vacuum forming dashdoctor needs to repair cracks anyway. So provided you do a decent repair job to the dashboard and maybe you want the vinyl texture over the bumper repair texture it's similar type of work, it's just the finish that will vary.

 

I've discussed this previously here.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/1085-dash-reskin-diy/?p=135420

[gav240z]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheZGang/permalink/958226844212454/

 

 

 

Hey guys. I thought that I would share my dash repair I just did. I'm super happy with how it turned out. I used great stuff foam for the hole then a bumper repair kit and small improfection putty. Then used a rocker panel paint. Needs one more coat and she is done

 

 

[gav240z]

 

 

I used expanding foam for the holes, bumper repair for the cracks and on top of the foam. Sanded it all flat then covered the entire thing in small improfection putty. It's called everglass spot putty. I then sanded that down to give it a smooth surface and painted it with a rocker panel paint.

 

I asked someone else with this repair what they did also.

[gav240z]

Threads merged..

[aircobra]

where to get the bumper filler and rocker panel? it doesn't look like what you get at repoco and supercheap

presumably the bumper filler is some sort of flexible putty and the rocket panel gives you the textured finish?

[gav240z]

where to get the bumper filler and rocker panel? it doesn't look like what you get at repoco and supercheap

presumably the bumper filler is some sort of flexible putty and the rocket panel gives you the textured finish?

 

Yes that's correct, the bumper repair stuff is not something I've used myself but yes being flexible would be critical. The rocker panel paint is textured, I've used truck bed liner to repair my center console but it does give a relatively rough finish. Similar to what flocking looks like I guess. 

 

This is the truck bed liner I used.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Dupli-Color-Aerosol-Paint-Bed-Armor-Black-450g.aspx?pid=343534#Recommendations

 

I'd probably recommend the SEM stuff. Since that's what a lot of people have used, but I couldn't find it locally.

http://www.semproducts.com/refinish-flexible-coatings/texture-coating

[aircobra]

$590 to redo the dash. Although there are positive comments on the supplier in the forum, what is bugging me is they don't take old skin off

As you  know, the instruments are shoved in front the dash as therefore there is no clearance for the addition 0.5 m for the new skin

So

• Is this a real problem or am I just paranoid. Will I be able to take them back out?
• The only other competition in Melb has now closed down, so are there any other options other then shipping it off interstate. I image this will add  ~$300  to the total cost
• For the people who have had that done and have left their car in the sun for the last couple of years

thanks everyone

[andyk_79]

Have a look at this thread for some info:

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/13580-dash-board-repairs/?hl=dashboard&do=findComment&comment=160461

[aircobra]

thanks, been thru that

its definitely option B, just not sure if I can do a good enough job on the texture, blending with the rest of the dashboard

[gav240z]

• Is this a real problem or am I just paranoid. Will I be able to take them back out?
• The only other competition in Melb has now closed down, so are there any other options other then shipping it off interstate. I image this will add  ~$300  to the total cost
• For the people who have had that done and have left their car in the sun for the last couple of years

 

I've replaced the 3 secondary gauges in the dash of my 240z and found that there is no issue fitting the gauges. I've never had to replace the tach or speedo so can't comment on those. But how often do they need to be removed?

 

Be thankful we have a local option, in the US the company that does the same work charges $1,700 USD going by Facebook discussions.

 

My 240z has been left in the sun and the dashboard was done before the year 2000 (previous owner had it done). I generally like to put a screen in the front window to protect from the sun if left parked outside and the car has been garaged for the past 7 years anyway, but the repair seems very good to me.

 

Any chance to show off my dash haha.

[gav240z]

By the way the first link that was broken I believe pointed here.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/14326-dash-reskin-diy/

 

I think when I merged a couple of dashboard threads it broke the previous link address...

 

I've noticed you tend to create a new thread for topics often already discussed at length, please try and search and reply to existing threads where appropriate. Makes it easier for everyone in the long run.

[aircobra]

i do try to do a search first, but find the search on this site has a  50% chance of success.

perhaps the new software has a better search engine?

[gav240z]

Merged all dashboard re-skin threads into this 1.

 

The new search engine is better, but far from perfect. You can also try searching on Google but narrow the search to this site only.

 

https://www.google.com/advanced_search

 

So if I want to search for Dashboard Re-skin using that search tool it would generated this.

 

"Dashboard Reskin site:www.viczcar.com"

 

This way the results are only for this domain.

[260DET]

The 'option' is you either want a OE looking dash or you don't. The choice can depend of the condition of the car, if it's really good then a nice dash makes all the difference, it's a focal point so there is no getting around that.

[gav240z]

Here is another Dashboard repair technique and guide.

[gav240z]

A friend asked for some up close photos of a reskin dash vs OEM material and texture. I figure this thread is as good a place as any to share them.

 

First up OEM (yes the colour is faded but the OEM colour is slightly grey / gray).

 

Next up my restored dashboard (Dashboard Doctor in Coburg Melbourne). At least I'm fairly certain it was them.

[Howdy]

Just got a quote from the Dashboard Dr - now $850 and 8 to 10 week wait. How's that for inflation. 

[gilltech]

Sounds about fair to me, for the complexity involved with the Z dash compared to most other cars of the era. One can't expect quality work to remain at the same pricing of a decade ago. And a 2-3 month backlog means that I'm not alone in thinking that.  

[CroS13]

MY DASHBOARD REPAIR USING THE POLYVANCE TECHNIQUE GAV POSTED ABOVE:

So I decided to repair my dashboard myself, and I used the Polyvance system that Gav has posted a few post above.

1. I bought the plastic welding kit from Amazon, which comes with the welder and welding rod (it it really a glorified soldering iron with a wide speared tip) 
 

I Believe they might sell a 240v kit on their website, I accidently bought the 110v American kit. I needed to buy a step down voltage transformer locally which cost me an additional $100 or so. Make sure to check what kit you buy. 

2. I was able to buy the filler prep adhesion from ebay, but it was a pain to get, no one wanted to ship it internationally.

3. I could not get the padded dash filler, it is classified as a dangerous good and NO ONE will ship it. I searched everywhere, including all their resellers from UK to NZ. I contacted Polyvance directly and they told me which product to buy which will be compatible. 

4. I believe I have gone above and beyond the scope of what the product was designed to do. My dash was completely trashed, I essentially had to skim welding rod over the entire surface of the dashboard, as mine had been repaired poorly once before, and when I pulled out all the body filler it was a disaster (as you can see in the thumbnail bellow)  I didn't only have minor cracks to repair, I had canyons to fill, and multiple sections where there was no vinyl left at all.

Anyway, enjoy!

All products used are shown and listed in my video.


 

 

 

Rudi.