By Jim McGowan
American enthusiasts have
always considered the Porsche the premier
European autobahn cruiser. Far more
affordable than a Ferrari or Lamborghini,
the Porsche refinements of the Sixties
models made them the sporty car of choice
for performance import car enthusiast.
The 911, 912, 914, 928, 924 and 944
models from 1968 through 1986 were equipped
with a vinyl covered dash and arm rest
pads, and like most vinyl parts, they
deteriorate with time.
The Targa model shown here was no
exception. Top off cruising and the
heat of the California sun, dried
and cracked the original dash pad,
while the arm rests suffered from
daily use. The foam used in manufacturing
padded dashboards is comprised of
thousands of small air pockets, which
expand and contract with the temperature.
Eventually the vinyl will crack from
this constant stretching and contracting.
This holds true for any padded dash,
no matter what make or model.
Once the vinyl is cracked there is
no way to correctly repair it without
changing the vinyl skin. Just Dashes
is famous for restoring vinyl interior
parts in American cars and trucks,
but they can also repair almost any
import vinyl interior as well. The
owner removed the original dash pad
and arm rests from this daily cruiser
and brought them to Just Dashes for
restoration. Most Porsche models received
Sierra grain vinyl at the factory,
but the 924 and 944 models were fitted
with Coachman grain. The example shown
here came stock with Sierra grain
vinyl.
Just Dashes will restore your Porsche,
or other import pad or parts, to concours
quality using their hand preparation
and Thermo Vacuum Forming process,
and return the items to you via UPS.
Color matching or color changing is
never a problem, simply send a color
sample with your parts. Here's how
we do it. |
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(Click Here to view a larger photograph)
Even the most high-end sports cars show their age.
This Sixties Porsche is no exception. The California
sun and normal wear and tear have taken their toll on
the interior of this car. The owner, who wants to keep
the car pristine, opted for a Just Dashes restoration.
(Click Here to view a larger photograph)
The dash pad and armrests were removed from the
vehicle and delivered to Just Dashes. After a close
inspection, the restoration procedure was established,
and the parts put into the work schedule. Every part
is examined to determine what it will take to do the
repair work and then assigned to a craftsman who specializes
in that area.
(Click Here to view a larger photograph)
After stripping off all the old vinyl and exploded
foam a new layer of high-density closed-cell foam is
applied to the dash frame. It is then hand sanded and
shaped exactly as the original. Restoration work like
this is labor intensive but the end product is exceptional.
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