DIY leather wrapped dash

[Usel]

The way I did it was to stick down the flat front surface first, then work on the edges and finally the back.

This video shows you some good techniques for the back from about 1 minute in:

https://youtu.be/YCT86sd37g4

[Mojito]

Mojito - one more question.... when you wrapped the aluminum dash, I see you did the top (face) in one-go to ensure a consistent application. Did you do the same for the area where the leather wraps around the dash (like the edges). I was thinking of doing the face in one-go, then, once that completely sets, doing the wrap around edges. My thinking was that the wrap around, while critical, is not cosmetic (you can't see it) so if there is an issue its hidden. Also thought this approach would allow me to concentrate on one job at a time.

Would appreciate your (or anyone's) thoughts based on experience.

Cheers,
Evan

Hi Evan,
I did it exactly as Usel recommends in his post. Once you've got the large flat surface glued down you can take your time gueing and stretching around the edges onto the back. That video is excellent - I hadn't seen that one before

[e85van]

Wonderful!! Thanks to you both. That video certainly does outline a number of techniques for navigating inside/outside corners, curves etc. Very helpful!!

I’ll be sure to reply to this string with updates and pics as the project progresses.

Thanks again!!

Evan

[SqerrNipz]

Spent the last couple of nights trimming my dash pieces in nappa leather. Overall great fun, but definitely some learning points! I found the wayside glue I used dried so quickly, that any accidental overlap with the brush caused the glue to bunch up and become claggy. This has led to some slight undulations and much like when I squeeze myself into my leather minidress (it’s purely a weekend thing, don’t tell the missus) the thin nappa leather is very unforgiving and shows every slight lump and bump.

Pleased with the results though and looking forward to getting them fitted

[Usel]

Nice work, looks great

[SqerrNipz]

Nice work, looks great

Cheers Rob, need another project now

Hope you’re well mate

[Usel]

Nice work, looks great

Cheers Rob, need another project now

Hope you’re well mate

You're cracking through the mods at quite a rate so bar painting the inside of the chassis rails I'm out of ideas for you

I'm all good, thanks for asking, hope you're enjoying the excellent top down weather atm, the heated seats and steering wheel have come at the right time

[Mojito]

Spent the last couple of nights trimming my dash pieces in nappa leather. Overall great fun, but definitely some learning points! I found the wayside glue I used dried so quickly, that any accidental overlap with the brush caused the glue to bunch up and become claggy. This has led to some slight undulations and much like when I squeeze myself into my leather minidress (it’s purely a weekend thing, don’t tell the missus) the thin nappa leather is very unforgiving and shows every slight lump and bump.

Very nicely done I also used Wayside glue and it can be a bit tricky. However, I was concerned to use a high temp glue and can confirm that back in the Summer (when it was really hot ) no issues with the leather lifting.

[e85van]

Beautiful work! Your post has given me something to think about. My original plan was to wrap the aluminum section of the dash and the leather section of the door cards in leather/vinyl; my goal is to add some color to the otherwise black interior. After some research, it looks like the door cards are a real PITA to get at (thanks BMW), so I was rethinking that part of my plan. In your post, I see that you've covered the aluminum section of the dash and the centre console. I hadn't thought of that up until now, but I'm thinking this might just give me the splash of color I need without having to deal with the door cards right away.

Please tell me, how challenging was the centre console to cover? It is a rather complicated piece, with many curves, etc. Also, did the Napa leather impact fitment of the newly wrapped centre console?

Thanks!
Evan

[SqerrNipz]

Spent the last couple of nights trimming my dash pieces in nappa leather. Overall great fun, but definitely some learning points! I found the wayside glue I used dried so quickly, that any accidental overlap with the brush caused the glue to bunch up and become claggy. This has led to some slight undulations and much like when I squeeze myself into my leather minidress (it’s purely a weekend thing, don’t tell the missus) the thin nappa leather is very unforgiving and shows every slight lump and bump.

Very nicely done I also used Wayside glue and it can be a bit tricky. However, I was concerned to use a high temp glue and can confirm that back in the Summer (when it was really hot ) no issues with the leather lifting.

I ordered the same glue based off of your post and recommendation I think it just took some getting used to and got better as I went along. Just had to be careful not to brush over any parts I'd already brushed!

Relieved to know it won't all peel off at the first sight of sun (not that we're likely to get any soon!)

Thanks for the info in your original post - I liked it so much, it inspired me to do mine

[SqerrNipz]

Beautiful work! Your post has given me something to think about. My original plan was to wrap the aluminum section of the dash and the leather section of the door cards in leather/vinyl; my goal is to add some color to the otherwise black interior. After some research, it looks like the door cards are a real PITA to get at (thanks BMW), so I was rethinking that part of my plan. In your post, I see that you've covered the aluminum section of the dash and the centre console. I hadn't thought of that up until now, but I'm thinking this might just give me the splash of color I need without having to deal with the door cards right away.

Please tell me, how challenging was the centre console to cover? It is a rather complicated piece, with many curves, etc. Also, did the Napa leather impact fitment of the newly wrapped centre console?

Thanks!
Evan

From my experience the centre console was probably the easiest part to wrap. The curves are all quite gradual and there's some good, natural orifices to tuck into on the rear. I used 1mm nappa leather, which was nice and stretchy too. Removing/fitting it is a mission though, as it feels like you have to take half the car apart to do it!

[e85van]

Update - finished the wrapping of the dash in the pumpkin/teak leatherette…. Looks amazing, but the heater/AC vents don’t want to go back in now. I get one side in and apply pressure the get the other in, and the first one pops out. I even made extra relief cuts in the vinyl for extra space and have filed down the center section of the air vent.

Anyone run into such fitment issues?

[e85van]

Update... Got this job done and it looks amazing! Some pics are attached. Thanks for the assistance and advice!

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[e85van]

I started with the light switch as it was the smallest piece. Despite its small size, this one was actually the most challenging to fit properly! Then moved on to the upper aluminum dash. That was fairly straight forward... just had to make numerous cuts around the inside and outside corners for it to fit properly.

I also had to deal with my setbacks... they were falling apart and falling off! My son suggested I recover them too. I had enough material so I went for it. They look great too!

[e85van]

Now I have to decide if I want to also do the centre console! Would appreciate advice from the group on that. It's a fine line between just enough and too much..... Wondering if others think adding color to the centre console would improve the look, or detract.

Im also conscious that pulling out that centre console is a PITA.

And yes - that's orange stitching on the hand brake and gator (from the good folks at JF Customs).

E85van