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Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Tell us what you have done or want to do, or any problems you have hit that we can help you with
The Captain
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Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby The Captain » Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:46 am

A while ago now I decided that the dash top on our MKI was looking a little bit tatty, now I am not an upholster by any means but thought I would give it a try.

I ordered from ebay an automotive grade leather hide that was already perforated. I didnt want to take the dash out so I made a template from thick brown paper and set to work with a stanley knife and some sharp scissors.

It wasn't an easy job, but after a good few hours and plenty of cutting and trimming I am pleased with the result.

So, if your dash is looking past its best then give it a go, all you need is courage, a knife, some brown paper and some impact adhesive.

I had already fitted a leather cowl cover. The vents were the biggest problem so I ordered the chrome covers and the side vent chrome insets I already had from the porn site.

This is the result.

Image

Image

Image

By buying a hide there was more than enough leather to tackle other areas of the interior, so I decided to do the tops of the door cards.

Image
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flea
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby flea » Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:51 am

Very nice it looks too :cool:
Eunos 1.6 special 1989 with a few added extras
Eunos 1991 1.6
Eunos 1990 1.6 project
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby Mazda Mender » Wed Jul 18, 2012 12:23 pm

:clap:
M-m
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This post is a natural product made from recycled electrons. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects, the articles/answers/comments are provided for information purposes and they are not intended to substitute informed professional advice, I or mazdamenders.net cannot personally be hold responsible for any damage occurred from following this procedure or any injuries from it. Proceed at your own risk.


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DavesBRG5
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby DavesBRG5 » Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:56 pm

Cracking job! You could cover that steering wheel too if you`ve got any left :wink:
DAVE

1992 1.6 BRG V-Spec - 2003 MK2.5 Sport - 1992 ROADSTER 1.6.
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby D666G » Fri Jul 20, 2012 10:24 am

THAT LOOKS COMPLETELY AWESOME!!!
have you got the ebay link for the seller, I fancy doing something like that, have you cut around the front vents ect?
The Captain
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby The Captain » Fri Jul 20, 2012 10:39 am

Thanks, it could be better, but first attempt and that...................

I think this is the seller, although this link shows it in blue, if you contact them they may have black available.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Full-Leather- ... 4160804c86

I made a rough template from brown paper, its pretty awkward and easier if you take the cowl off and possibly the wheel. I deliberately overcut so that I could trim it a piece at a time while in the car. Once I had the leather cut out I then positioned it in the car and then marked where the vents needed to be cut out, it was then a case of keep taking it to the cutting board and back again, and then the final cuts were made in place, but be careful, leather cuts easily sometimes, and when you least expect it.

To be honest the way I looked at it was that if I messed up I had lost ÂŁ60 and some time, just take your time, measure twice - cut once is the saying. The side are tough and need accurate cutting with the leather in place, pull out the vent covers and they will probably need some cutting underneath to get them back in, mine are held in place with glue.

The screen vents are also tough as I couldn't work out a way of getting the leather to look neat, thats why I bought the chrome vent covers, these have some bits of cut up cable tie glued to the base of them to give them some extra height and then glued to the plastic bars inside the vents.

Good luck, its very fiddly but very, very satisfying once you have done it. But dont glue until you are happy with it, to keep in place for cutting and tidying up I pushed it between the dash and the crash panel with a plastic scraper.
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Hamish
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby Hamish » Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:40 pm

Neat, tidy, well executed and well finished.

Nice work. It's seeing stuff like this done that inspires others confidence :clap:
Regards, Hammy.
1990 Eunos 1.6 Classic Red, soon to be a different colour
Gabriel
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby Gabriel » Thu Jul 11, 2013 2:57 pm

Great job there looks wicked!
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby Popup » Fri Jul 12, 2013 6:32 am

More than impressed !!!!!
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby paggers » Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:51 am

Yes, that is very nice. I like the fact that you have used the leather with 'holes' in it - makes all the difference. I have seen a couple of covered dashes before and really didn't like the effect but this one works.
Niall


1997 1.8i Roadster in Black
- Induction kit, Stainless Exhaust System, Lowered Springs
1998 1.8i S MX-5 in Silver
- Under restoration

Also into taking a few pictures - check out my website.
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flea
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby flea » Fri Jul 12, 2013 10:31 am

It looks even better in the flesh :handgestures-thumbup:
Eunos 1.6 special 1989 with a few added extras
Eunos 1991 1.6
Eunos 1990 1.6 project
Mk2 1999 1.8
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Ricolas
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Re: Covering a MKI dash top in leather

Postby Ricolas » Fri Jul 12, 2013 12:40 pm

Hats off, sir. That looks brilliant. :clap:
Ricolas
UK registered MX5 1991 Mariner Blue pretty much all original!

Beckenham, Kent

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