Dashboards are hard!, --- Let's talk vacuum bagging Options

[Bob L.]

Hello World, Happy new year!

I have removed the dashboard from the car and have tried to recover the dash by hand using a heat gun and brute force stretching//pushing/cramming etc.
As much as it was a PITA, it was coming along pretty well.



Both times!
The first time I realized the glue wouldn't hold up in the heat. The second time I realized I want to use a Uv protected vinyl. Generally marine vinyl. I had no idea about the vinyl I was using, so off it came. I found some that will hold up well and is much stretchier than what I what I had been using. Awaiting samples.

Now, I have seen a lot about Vacuum bagging/pressing and want to try it on my dashboard. I think it would work well at normal temps with the stretchier vinyl and the right glue. (Weldwood)

So, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience they would like to share.
I have a vacuum pump but no bag yet. I've found a few options. They're
expensive!

I feel that the vacuum bagging will show the cracks much more than hand fitting so I want to fill them better. Is RTV the best thing to use? Maybe CA glue?

Advice and suggestions welcome.
TIA.
Bob.

[Dr Evil]

Very thin foam is a nice way to cover the cracks. For vac bags, you can use painters plastic sheet in a not too thick MM. Cheap and easy. I second the plumbers putty and fittings. With a dash it is easy because the bottom can be where you put the fittings so any marks are not an issue. I have been toying with this idea for a while.....it is on the back burner with other projects. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

An idea I have had for a cheap pump, try to find a used breast pump (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Probably cheap.