Leather Dash?

[Jorgeaz]

i've been following a couple of threads for a while now. the relative low quality of the finish, ie painted plastics, somewhat bothers me so recently i've been thinking about the following solution.

Given the relative ease of removing the assorted interior pieces, would it be altogether difficult to remove all the silver, or anthracite(sp?), pieces and cover them in leather or alcantra (sp?)? further, could you continue the process to include the dash and door panels? for example, Black leather over the silver pieces and alcantra for the dash, or Black leather over both surfaces. i know understand this would be a rather time and labor intensive process. does anybody here have experience with leather products and as such could offer advice on cost, suppliers, which sort of leather to use (synthetic, genuine, etc) and processes for adhering said leather to the plastic dash pieces?

sub question, would it be altogether cost prohibitive to replace the silver door pieces with CNC'd aluminum or Stainless? perhaps TIG welded, powder coated Cromoly tubing?

[BruceK]

Interesting ideas...

I would think the application of leather to the existing plastic dash panels would be relatively easy with the proper adhesives and some knowledge of working with leather. If you could match seat leather, it would really look nice. I think the only big issue might be the modification of the cover for the passenger airbag. If the new cover is heavier or somehow doesn't perform (e.g. moving out of the way) in the accepted way upon the firing of the passenger airbag, there would likely be safety and liability issues there.

Regarding substituting real metal for the plastic on the door panels would also be a challenge. It's a very complex shape. I also think there would be major safety concerns in an accident by having exposed metal surfaces replace deformable plastic ones.

[macncheese]

I noticed that the carbon fiber dash kit actually has 3 pieces that cover the airbag panel. I assume this is to allow some flex for the panel to pop open. Im not really sure. I've thought about the leather covering myself but i'm not sure about this one panel.

I wouldnt put metal in the door for the same reasons Bruce stated.

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Cheese

[Jorgeaz]

i've thought about that too, however i believe a solution will present itself once the panels are removed. i would think you could use separate pieces ala the VWVortex/1552 design Jetta Coupe.

notice the line around the passenger side air bag.

good point with regard to fabricating door panel replacements. how difficult would it be to cover the existing pieces in carbon-fiber. you could also then cover the vertical pieces in the center console with carbon as well to complete the look. is this process prohibitively expensive or difficult?

[AidenL]

This is similiar to the Highline option BMW used offer on the 7 series? I thought a full leather dash could fade pretty badly in the warmer climates ?

Its a very attractive idea though......

[macncheese]

This is what I mean by 3 pieces needed to cover the airbag panel.



Im assuming this helps it flex.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by macncheese
This is what I mean by 3 pieces needed to cover the airbag panel.



Im assuming this helps it flex.

Unless they were trying to make a style statement to avoid a smooth, flat surface?

[macncheese]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK



Unless they were trying to make a style statement to avoid a smooth, flat surface?

I appreciate your emphasis on trying.


--
Cheese

[JCIP]

I may be changing my interior color, since it seems my dealer didn't get my request for the Magnesium door panels in to the factory in time. I have had Corvettes, and the interior panels are painted with a vinyl dye. I had to replace a door panel armrest, and it came black. I used the dye in spray can form, to change the color to Bronze. Worked perfectly, no cracking/fading after 5 years! So, my thought is to remove the interior panels and re-spray them to [most any] color I decide. Relatively inexpensive, works on just about anything, including carpet. FYI
JCIP

[macncheese]

Good luck with the spray job. I'd be interested in seeing how it comes out. The magnesium interior is pretty dissapointing being that you still get the dark grey interior (its just the door panels that are light grey). The pieces we're talking about are plastic with a finish. I dont know how well they'd take to dye.


--
Cheese

[Chrono]

http://www.iptdashkits.com/20mincooptit.html
http://www.iptdashkits.com/20mincoopcar.html

real metal and cf in 3 diff colors...

[JCIP]

I really didn't want a dark interior being in a warm climate. Since all the headliners are the light grey, I wanted to keep more to a tone that would match. My seats are going to be grey space-cloth [I hope!]I might cover them too, maybe with wet-okoles, not sure as yet. I don't have that Corvette any longer, but the color and performance of the spray dye was excellent. It can be gotten from Eckler's Corvette, or Mid-America Designs in a great many colors. There are four shades of 'oyster' so once I actually get my Mini and have a chance to see what I like and don't like, then I will decide. The dye is cheap at about $12 can. They also have a primer for plastic, and a metal/rubber primer spray. Based on past experience, i think I could do both door panels with one can of color and primer, a can of color per door panel would be overkill. Have to see if the rear panels are worth doing. As long as things seem light and airy to the driver, we'll be fine!

[MiNiGuY]

Covering the passanger airbag cover in your own choice of fabric is fine. The fabric or material used would need to be cut at either side at the edges, as in the carbon attempt shown here, so as not to hinder the cover.

Think of the cover like a top hinged letter box, and you will get the idea. It must not be restricted at it's side edges or it's bottom edge.

As long as you do this it requires no more special consideration. The semi-circle cutouts used in the carbon fibre effect picture are not necessary. Luckily