Cooper dash rail vinyl

[Instant Gymnast]

Right chaps, am having a spot of bother trying to get clear photos of the Cooper top dash trim. I want to know if the A pillar bits go on first and also how the ends are finished off (stuck down or sewn?). If anyone could post up any photos of their cars I'm sure this would be a great help.

Much appreciated....in anticipation....

[Hipwell]

On mine, ends just stuck down.

A pillar trim over dash rail trim.

[Instant Gymnast]

On mine, ends just stuck down.

A pillar trim over dash rail trim.

Nice one, thank you. So does the vinyl fold over the flange that the screen seals against? Looks like something I could probably crack out in a morning...(if it's dry...!) Also will I need to heat it with a hair dryer/hot air blower to hold it to the shape of the dash rail?

[Hipwell]

Yes goes over the lip aswell quite a bit.

It's pretty crudely done as original, but if you take time it should be good.

[smithyrc30]

Don't go mad with a heat gun, the vinyl will stretch and the grain will look odd.
Use a good quality contact adhesive and let it dry before you bring the bits together.
If the pillar material is pre-cut to size and shape, start at the top and work down. I leave the last 10mm or so unglued so i can finish it up when I get there.
The most difficult bit is to get the material to fold back on itself and stay there while the glue cures.
I've seen bulldog clips, pegs, welding clamps and wooden battens but what ever you use be prepared before you start and have a plan.

It is not too hard if you are carefull.

[Rusty old S]

The vinyl sometimes seems to shrink or peel back over time to show the body colour so around the top rail / pillar joint . what I do is to use a satin black spray can around this area so if it happens the eye is not drawn to it . I know its a bodge but it works !

[ricardo]

You can see clear photos of mine here: http://www.smelloctane.com/project/post ... /interiors

[ranchlands]

guys you,ve previously restored cars can you advise me on the best make and type of adhesive to use, your experience would be much appreciated

[smithyrc30]

Dunlop Thixofix. Not sure but I think this is the stuff they used in the factory.

Tried evo-stick but it seemed to be thicker and more difficult to get an even thin layer.