Interior fixup

[Garjus61]

I decided to redo the interior this winter - bought a number of items including seat covers and dash pad. Anybody replaced their vinyl seat covers, and if so how much heat is needed to relax the vinyl without scorching it? The blow dryer doesn't seem to be all that effective.

Also, to replace the dash pad it appears, from the diagrams I have that the entire dash needs to come out. Does that involve having to take out A/C and heater or steering column?

Thanks

[TC62SPRD]

I have redone the seats on my 69 Corvair vert and can say for sure that it is easier if the cover is kept warm for a couple days. If the cover is cold spot heating wont help stretch it and will lead to rips from trying to muscle it in place. I used 3 covers for two buckets...

I don't know about dash pads but will need to tackle one in my 62 SR soon.

Tom

[rhinoman]

I have toyed with fixing my dashboard but not yet. With research I found that you don't need to remove the air or column, rather the dash panels (ribbed aluminium) etc etc.

One tip I have in my mind is on the drivers side the wiring loom loops inside a metal section of the dashboard frame. The 'correct' way to do this is to remove all the wiring from their various sockets, plugs etc and pull it through. The quick fix is to use an air hammer to split the spot weld on the metal section and bend it enough to move the loom out....you have saved hours of grief. To install again just pop in the wires and put a nut and bolt through the bracket.

If you have the windscreen (in Aussie parlance!) out then much easier to muscle the dash out.


It all helps...Graeme