The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

Repair Dashboards with Vacuum Forming

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Most auto upholstery shops repair vehicle dashboards by either installing a replacement dash pad or covering the old one in new foam and vinyl. However, there is a third option that’s all too often overlooked – sending out your customer’s dashboard for thermo vacuum forming.

The quick and inexpensive fix is to order a replacement dash pad from an aftermarket supplier, like Coverlay. While these covers are designed to install right over your customer’s old dashboard, they’re not available for every model vehicle. And, like most aftermarket parts, they can lack OEM fit and finish.

For better results, I hand-wrap damaged dashboards in new foam and vinyl. The process can be more time consuming and expensive, but ends up looking much better. Of course, this method also has its drawbacks. Even with recent advancements in vinyl-stretch capabilities that allow for four-way and even six-way stretch, not every dashboard can be covered by stretching alone. In some cases, unwanted seams are necessary to get the vinyl to fit properly over complex curves and edges.

For the best results – especially when working with complex dashboards – use thermo vacuum forming. Through this process, a machine bonds heated vinyl evenly over the entire surface of a dashboard by sucking out all of the air between the two pieces. Auto upholstery shops that aren’t equipped to provide this service, can send out for it.

Just Dashes in Van Nuys, California specializes in thermo vacuum forming. Mail them your most damaged dashboard and they’ll return it to exact factory specifications. They even restore consoles, armrests and other trim parts.

Check out this quick five-minute video to see exactly how they do it:

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Comments

  1. This looks like an awesome suggestion!! I see a couple drawbacks…. Although you can get the factory grain and any color you desire they dont supply custom grains such as alligator ostrich or any custom grain for that matter….
    Also the dash they used in the video is a common dash in a 78′-88′ chevy monte carlo, malibu, el camino… the price for that is $1,350.00 plus shipping. Honestly if I’m goin to pay a price like that i need more options than “factory finish”. I’d rather find a factory dash in good condition an dye it myself.

    • Custom grains would be nice but to be honest I don’t think there would be enough demand for them to justify offering the service.

      In some cases it would be more cost effective to install a dash but this service is great for less popular models that are hard to finds parts for.

  2. Wow, imagine if every shop had one of these! Darrel is right, it is pricey. But for some dashes it might be the only way to go to get that factory finish.

  4. I have a 2008 jaguar xk8 convertable. The dash is in great shape but is shrinking from the window and of of a small dome shape above insterment panel. I would love to have it repaired a new skin put on if you can do it and a cost factor would be great and also time frame. As i mentioned it is in great shape no tears or dicoloring. I can send pic if desired. I am looking forward to your responds thanks ray

  5. I have a 1976 chevy monte carlo it looks like the pad is part of the whole dash can you do this dash.

  6. I talked with you earlier. Attempted to remove dash 1961 Pontiac Catalina 2 dr HT and cannot get it to release at the top. All screws were taken out but can not get it to release across the top. I don’t want to destroy it so is there a secret how to get it off the brackets across the top. Appreciate your expert advise…thanks

  7. Good day

    I would like to find out how much the machine cost,and Can i import the machine to South Africa ?
    I work with airbag repairs and apply the vinyl manually.

    Regards
    Jonathan

  8. I have two door panels from a 1970 Corvette that are black. Do you all restore these or know someone that does? If so, what would be the cost?

    Thanks,

    Maurice Mims

  9. What is the price of the the machine and all what is needed like the vinyl? Where can you buy it?

    Chris

  10. Hello I have a phone dashboard on my 99 Sea Ray bowrider boat period over the winter a tree fell and poked a hole through the dash. Unfortunately I contacted the manufacturer and they no longer have Parts because it is over 15 years old. I need this dash repaired immediately. How do I get a price and where do I ship my dash?

  11. Hi I have a 2002 Ski Nautique that has 4 factory molded panels that are covered with with a tan color vinyl. The parts are about 18inches by 24. The old vinyl is in good shape just looks aged. No cracks or tears. I can send pictures.

    Thanks

  14. hi i have 2 hand grabs from au falcon that need repairing can you do cheers