today I finished covering the dashboard, again it's not perfect bad not too bad either, it's definately a case of learn on the job.
One thing to point out, there's a metal trim around the top of the dash where it meets the windsceen. It was clear to me that once the leather was glued on that it was unlikely that the trim would fit again. So I cut away the foam packing that was bonded to the lip that the trim slide onto. The first picture shows the offending part being cut away using a new scalpel blade. I forgot to take a picture of this area once the trim was fitted, I'll try to remember to do this later.
Here's the front of the dash, not bad if i say so myself. The leather needs working a little and being full of compound curves isn't the easiest shape to cover. I first plotted out the cover pegged to the dash to get an idea of how much stretch needed to be applied, a resonab;e amount as it happens. Due to the seams on the ends i started with those, the passengers side being the first step as it's a small piece and it gave me a feel for the job in hand. The binnacle has a seam all the way around it, this wasn't an easy job as the material needed stretching a little, I have tried to keep the seam equal but it's out of place a little on the end curves, again needing to stretch the material while trying to keep it in it's correct position wasn't easy, perhaps an easier task with two sets of hands? It looks ok though and i'm happy with it. The other thing to bear in mind here is to keep the seams straight, that would stand out like a sore thumb if they sat at an angle.
The various bits of trim seen have just been laid in place to ensure they still fit, nothing has been screwed home here.
I'm close to putting things back, need to pick up those seals and clips for the matrix heater pipes from my son first., Othe points to note, i have cut out the vent slits and am awaiting delivery of some plastic push in vents to finish this area off, once they arrive I'll take a picture to show them, I think that they are made by the same company who does the leather kits? I have also ordered some carpet dye, for now i'm going to spray the drivers well carpet to give it back its colour, I will change this section of carpet when something suitable turns up on eBay, the current offerings don't appeal. Leather jobs left to do are the glove box, still waiting for the filler adn the gear gaitor which will be fitted when everything has been put back.
I have one piece of leather left over, this is a spare centre console kit, when I first bought this i got the wrong one, well actually both types are identical but this kit didn't have the extra arm rest and thus is now supplus to requirements. If anyone is interested give me a shout, the kit today is £189.99 with another £48 for the armrest, no reasonable offer refused, if no interest here i'll put it on ebay. When I bought mine the armrest wasn't available as a seperate kit, if it had been I'd only have ordered that instead of an entire new kit with armrest.
Here's a picture of the kit for anyone who may be interested, it is as good as new.
More details soon...
Pete
