Recovering dash and door panels in vinyl or fabric???

[70 LS1]

Has anyone had any luck recovering various interior pieces? Don't want to dye and the colors I want aren't offered. I am thinking of recovering my dash and door panels myself in vinyl, maybe even a good looking tweed. Looking for tips and suggestions.

[jeff5347]

im actually looking to do this to in my 68 cam. i bought some black vinyl from joannes fabric and bought this spary adhesive. for something like a 4x4 piece of vinyl it was 14 and 14 for the can. May need 2 or 3 cans but it is cheap figurung even if you need 10 square yards which is a ton. Im planning on doing thre door panels, rear panels, dash and back speaker tray. I bought it to do the shifter cover on the console but havent gotten to it yet. also the vinyl has a softness to it that feels like a new vehicle and looks a lot better than than the black plastic on the door and dash panels. Any one else do this or think of it?

[70 LS1]

Make sure you post any lessons learned and some pictures.

[HzEmall]

Ewww.....tweed.....so 1989ish

Actually covering panels in material is easy to do, I have several pics on my site of the ones I did in my Regal as well as many other projects on there.

[jeff5347]

yea i was thinking the tweed might kinda suck. My doors are neddding new panelsor a refab so i say what the heck. When i do it i will post the pics and give stories on what i did.

[jeff5347]

HzEmall,
Just checked our the regal.. Damn nice job. That is sweet and the car looks nice oo. Let me ask you since you have done this. I was thinking on taking the original door panel and schuffing the vinyl on it and gluing the new stuff over it. Not in a ghetto way but would take all trim off and buy new door pull and such but the panel on it own cover in new vinyl.. What would you think

[boodlefoof]

I did this... I've got a little writeup on my website too.

http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/newinterior9.html

Here's a picture of the covered dash.

http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/newinterior11.html

Looking back on it, using DAP WeldWood adhesive probably would work better. That stuff is great. I used to to put up my felt headliner.

On the dash, I couldn't get it 100% smooth by just heating and stretching the vinyl. At the outside edge I couldn't get away without a crease... I later went back, cut out the extra material and bonded the two pieces together with glue and a "vinyl repair kit." It is pretty much un-noticable unless you're really looking for it.

[HzEmall]

HzEmall,
Just checked our the regal.. Damn nice job. That is sweet and the car looks nice oo. Let me ask you since you have done this. I was thinking on taking the original door panel and schuffing the vinyl on it and gluing the new stuff over it. Not in a ghetto way but would take all trim off and buy new door pull and such but the panel on it own cover in new vinyl.. What would you think

If you looking for a stock design I would buy a new door panel skin, if your looking for a custom look replace the stock vinyl and even the stock cardboard and replace them for a better and long lasting finish.

I am currently recovering the entire interior in a Honda Accord, I'll post some pics of what I'm doing.....

[v7guy]

I've been tossing this around off and on for awhile but haven't worked up the nerve or time to give it a shot, anybody have any other pics? The ones in the last link look pretty good.