Restoration of a 1972 Chevy Nova - Part 16 - Rebuild your dash pad for $10 !!

In this episode I repair the dash pad for my 1972 Chevy Nova.

[oxyfee]

I’ve been a custom painter for over thirty years, just got finished restoring a 67 Camaro, I really have to compliment you, that is a beautiful job, I’ll subscribe to knowledge like this anyday.👏

[BoundANDDetermined]

Whoa, I never thought that dash could be brought back from the dead. Great Job.

[jasonstith]

Good Job. I like the drywall mesh tape in bondo to strengthen it. If someone is trying this, 3M spray adhesive 77 or 90 is quick dry compared to contact cement, really helps nail down edge wraps. Don't be afraid to glue the top, then let it sit for a day, before you start stretching the sides. Get an Extra piece of your material to practice with - find out how it reacts to heat gun and how much shrink you can get.

[jerrycraig]

I NEVER even thought of bondo on the dash??? Genious??? Pretty darn smart if you ask me!!!

[graydanerasmussen]

An immense improvement! Solid work. -Perhaps pin/thumbtack the vinyl to a sheet of plywood/chipboard underside up, and leave in the sun for a few hours, to get rid of those pesky fold-lines (also easier to work on a level surface). I always enjoy seeing old, useless objects being brought back.

[TheREALOC]

I've done a couple of these, never thought about using drywall tape though, thanks for that tip! I have also not used the flimsy vinyl from Amazon on dashes, I have used it on homemade consoles though, I use the outdoor vinyl from Hobby Lobby/Michaels/Joann's fabric, yes it's a more expensive but it's also thicker and will last longer because it's designed to be used outside, plus the Dark Red and Green are only like a 1/4 shade off of what the Big 3 used in the mid 60's through 1980 ish and it's on a roll so it doesnt come folded so no fold lines and it has the fabric fiber backing that strecthens it when glued. They also have a Faux Tan (natural), Brown and Black leather for the same price with a custom look. I will spend a few dollars more to get something that lasts longer because the longer it lasts the less I have to deal with it again.

[mattmccain]

I remember a time before the restoration reproduction parts existed. This is how we fixed things if we couldn't find a nos part from a old dealership parts department or a better conditioned part In one of the many local junk yards back then. It was called just fixing a car up..not restoring it as common today.
Like you said, we are going to have to go back to fixing things and working with what we have.
Excellent work there.
Bonus is, you're keeping original parts on it still.
As a automotive trimmer by trade, this is exactly how I would have done it.

[seetheworldfrommyharley]

I just discovered your channel. Great job. I appreciate that you dont play music and yammer alot. Its like you are my friend showing me how to fix my 71 Camaro dash! I am a new subscriber for sure! Only thing you need is a buddy (or Girlfriend/wife to video for you to free up you other hand. 😊 Thank you so much regardless! Great fur buddy helpers too!

[tone]

This came out so awesome. Who needs to spend 2 to 300 bucks on a new dash when u can do this? Great job and great video

[dannylinc]

This definitely works.
I did one years ago and had the material added by a specialty shop for $50 back then.
The guy told me what to do at each stage and then applied and shaped and trimmed it.
It was better than new and felt nicer to the touch.
If there was a replacement available it would not have been better.

[striker]

The theory behind contact cement is to apply to each surface and let dry. When you wrap the vinyl and the 2 surfaces make contact, it will stick. You don't need tape to hold it.

[davidstepeck]

I began watching this video out of curiosity and thinking “I want to see how bad this is going to come out”. I didn’t know you were going to put vinyl over the entire dash, and even then, I thought, this is going to come out so bad. I can’t believe what a great job you did! I’m going to subscribe and binge watch just to see what else you will do. Thanks!!!

[stharris]

Absolutely amazing work! You sir are an artist.

[larrypaulsr.]

I enjoyed watching this video. Kooll adventure.

[donniecasey]

Excellent cost savings video ! Thank you !

[dj]

My first thought was this is going to look like crap. Man was I WRONG, you are a true craftsman that dash looks astonishing! Great job!!!

[ricardomendez]

Great Video!
I did this same process on a 84 Mustang dash about 10 years ago and it absolutely works. The dash still looks great today and its been outside the whole time. Also looks way better than the caps that are for sale to cover them..

[cobramikebravo]

Ole Bondo Bob here is Eli Whitney of the dash pad restoration. Good job, looks great.

[dougstaner]

What did I just see. Friggin' magic? Glad I found this video. Absolutely amazing job.

[runningman]

Great video! The dash looks really nice. This is why we DIYers do what we do. We like to save money!