Dashboard restoration options

Ava92
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Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2013 7:06 am
Location: BC, Canada

Dashboard restoration options

Postby Ava92 » Tue Apr 05, 2022 9:51 pm

Hey guys
Wondering if anyone has restored their dashboard somehow. Mine has the usual heat cracks, but isn't in horrible shape besides the 2 cracks.

I phoned a local "restoration specialist" who deal in car interiors, who told me that it was basically not possible. We deal with them a lot through my work, so I was surprised they wouldn't take it on.

Heard bad things about "Retrospec" but I see they offer a replacement dash that looks decent in their pic. (The normal one, not the carbon one)

has anyone successfully had their dash re-covered or otherwise restored, to look like new again? I want it to look as near to OEM as possible.

Thank you and hope everyone is doin well, and getting your cars ready for summer!

Corey20v
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Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:10 pm
Location: Gold Bar, WA

Re: Dashboard restoration options

Postby Corey20v » Thu May 26, 2022 9:52 am

I also found this LHD option, w/o reviews.
Im also looking for options, I don't like the glossy CF look.
https://ae86world.bigcartel.com/product ... dash-cover
1986 SR5->20V ST (WIP!)
Other toys: 1993 S13 Coupe, 1993 NA6 Miata, 1996 Z32 300ZX

Corey20v
Club4AG Regular
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:10 pm
Location: Gold Bar, WA

Re: Dashboard restoration options

Postby Corey20v » Thu May 26, 2022 11:12 am

This LHD dash cap / cover looks really good (later half of video). I will probably do this since i can see how nicely it fits vs blindly buying.

https://youtu.be/P5KXSw6iYKQ
https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/auto/d ... ?3593=1107
1986 SR5->20V ST (WIP!)
Other toys: 1993 S13 Coupe, 1993 NA6 Miata, 1996 Z32 300ZX

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fiveten
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Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:21 pm
Location: So Cal 91761

Re: Dashboard restoration options

Postby fiveten » Wed Jun 22, 2022 10:55 pm

Vintage Dashes is currently developing a complete dash for our AE86s, all new skeleton and pad.

https://instagram.com/vintagedashes?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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sirdeuce
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Location: Sierra Nevada foothills

Re: Dashboard restoration options

Postby sirdeuce » Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:31 pm

I've done composite overlays. Chopped uni looks awesome! Gives a "forged" carbon fiber look. Can get the carbon with colored glass and/or add metal flakes for accent. Looking at my C-pillar trim, wing, side panels and front lip (MR2) next. I'm not talking about vinyl "carbon look" crap either, this is real carbon and epoxy resin layup. It's time consuming but well worth it. One bad thing is once you get the hang of it you start looking at other things for the same treatment, like interior trim pieces. I like doing it this way since you'll really never need to do it again. Use a good UV stable resin and the worst thing you may have to do is buff it out some years down the road.
One shot, one kill.

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ariel_86
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Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:07 pm
Location: SLC, UT

Re: Dashboard restoration options

Postby ariel_86 » Wed Oct 19, 2022 11:19 am

I tried restoring my dash using spray foam, bondo, undercoating, and interior paint. It didn't look half bad for a few months but it started to crack again very quickly. I found the technique online almost 10 years ago and would do it differently if I were to do it again. A new dash or cap would be preferred, imho.
1985 Toyota Corolla Sport GTS - Ariel - 105.5 whp 93.8 ft-lbs of torque
2006 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6 6MT - mmm, taco!
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 5MT - 2slow