63 Dash Pad restoration

[Frederick W.]

My 63 SWC has an original black interior in very good driver condition. The passenger dash pad has a couple of linear cracks between the hand hold and the windshield.
The remainder of the interior shows only minimal normal wear patina.
What is the best approach to repair?

Buy a repro? Zip states theirs is exact thickness/size and texture for $469. My experience with most repro parts is not good, however.

Take it to an upholstery shop? Can it be repaired without removing or will it come out? What is the best repair technique?

Other recommendations/tips?

thanks
Fred

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

Fred, if you have a auto dealership near by stop in and ask them who the use for vinyl repairs, sometimes the have a guy who stops buy and does repairs, maybe they'll give you his number. or even if you have a good relationship with a local used car lot. they ma have some info. another thing is to google vinyl repairs for your area.

Generally small repairs can be done quickly and no need to remove the dash pad. and they mix there own paint to blend in the original color.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

Maybe it is only Denver, but I found that no one would touch my 63. All said that it got brittle with age. I repaired it myself with something called VLP. (for vinyl,leather,plastic) that I got at my local store that sells to the restorer,detail shop, etc. It is a place called B&D on south broadway.

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

thanks for the replies
I checked out VLP online, but it seems to be only a clear product. The cracks in my pad have shrunken and opened up leaving maybe a 1/8 to 3/16 inch gap. Seems like it would need a black repair.

[Mike H.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

The depth of the grain and thickness of the pads is normally easily to catch on the repro. Often the repro fit is poor and the holes for install are not perfectly placed. If you can locate a talented vinyl repair guy that is the way. They mostly use a super glue that is like gelatin, then airbrush. Do not use silicone based cleaners after repair, and if the spot is on the top (it always is) keep a clean towel over it when ever you park in the sun. You will most likely fight 50 years of armor all use when attempting the repair, so be prepared to clean and clean and clean....

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

Thanks Mike,
I don't know anything about upholstery or vinyl trim repair, but it seemed to me like some type of "liquid" vinyl repair (as you describe) would be possible.
My experience with most repro parts would also comport with your description.
So while "smearing some goop" to repair of a 47 year old dashpad seems Rube Goldbergish, I think it sounds like the way to go if I can find a reputable person with experience to do it.
I googled my local area for vinyl repair and found a franchise of "Dr. Vinyl". The website sounds like the right business to look for, but the name doesn't sound all that high end. Maybe I'll give them a call.
Trusting my baby to the Dr. Vinyl guy scares me though.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

Yes it is clear, but you can mix it with die or die it after you are done. It may take a few times to build it up to the level of the rest and then push some similar grained vinyl on it while it is still soft, to get the same look. You will want to use some type of release product on the vinyl that you use, like silicone.( on the piece used for graining) It's a lot easier than it sounds and the VLP is very flexible.

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Dash Pad restoration

Good tips, Paul
thanks