Dash Restore Project

My dash was covered in soft vinyl by previous owner and the stitching was rotting so its time to get it fixed up.  The original hard vinyl had been completely removed.  Dash Doctor said they cant do it without the hard vinyl in place.  Dash original initially quoted $795 or more depending on condition so I sent them some pics.  Quote was then about $1500.  For me about means probably more.  I found online a 260z forum where guys have been fixing their cracked dashes so I though I would give it a try.
step 1. use expanding foam to fill holes and cracks.  Sand back and repeat.
step 2. fit and check fitup.
step 3. paint with plastic bumper primer with high build thinner ratio.  Next job.
 
The trick is to paint it with some orange peel to get the vinyl look.
 
Plan B, if it turns pear shaped recover it in leather.

Thanks guys.  No need for a crash pad as both parts will have to match and will give this a go before I consider fibreglass, I'm curious to see how it will turn out.

Left a split rear seat parcel shelf with him - fibreglass ones nearly ready - and split rear seat - without arm rest (facelift) - And roof linings - I'm taking a roof and lining round to his fr him to take a mould off - should b good t go apparently -(and mk2 USA del headlight bezels)

Hi all, Les copied the crash pad from mine when he came and dropped off my rear and front parcel shelf I bought from him he saw my perfect examples and asked for the parts to copy. I am very happy with the c ash pad but he did not want to ruin the dash pad just trying to see if it works. I am not sure if he made a copy of the dash pad but now I have looked and I think fitting a fibreglass replacement would be easy. So this week I will contact him again and offer the dash pad which matches all the fibreglass crash pads also a bare skin dash pad and see how it goes. From what I can work out if you had the outside made you could fit it maybe with spacing lugs then mask the outside and use expanding foam to set it in place. Watch this space but spraying the foam with orange peel effect doesn't sound feasible to me. Keith

Let me know when you'll be there, as I go to Wagga occasionally. I'd need some other bits from him too.

This is the 260z thread that got me interested in this.
 
http://www.classiczcars.com/topic/22325-dash-repair-processpictures/page-1

Wow, that is a good result. Might have to try it one time just for fun!