For a few months I've been talking with a couple of shops in FL about creating a solution to our cracked dashes. Some have gone with a dash-mat which works but doesn't look that great. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in an Alcantara Cover that can be put on with fabric adhesive. I was considering getting one done for my TL and I've been talking about making patterns of mine so you guys could buy it from the shop or you can make your own with the idea from this thread!

The shops I spoke to said it'd be from 100-500 dollars depending on the level of complexity with the stitching between pieces, the breakaway stitching for the passenger airbag vs relief cuts and as well the quality of the material, backing, etc.
No stitching, just a simple cover which is the cheapest:


I was thinking about getting something simple with stitching behind the gauges and along the "crease" that's on the center area of the dash. That way it'll be 3 pieces that are cut and stitched together. I was quoted about 350 for this all said and done with the installation This way you could box it up, mail it and install it with some glue at home or through a competent shop.

 

This sounds like a great idea and a worth while solution to folks with cracked dashes. Id like to see some more pics...but it does look nicer then a dash topper. Thanks for sharing the info!

 

 

Interested to see how this turns out. Right now I have a dashcover, but this could be a cool alternative.

 

That looks much better than I thought it would. I've already replaced my dash but if I hadn't, I would be in on this.

 

Get this and an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel and the interior might just be stepped up a notch or two. Good solution IMO!

 

^^ I like the above idea lol..

I'm actually contemplating this not having any cracks in the dash if the alcantara cover looks good.

So this cover has to be glued directly to the dash insomuch that removing it would cause damage to the dash if it were in good condition before?

Would the pattern mean we could buy the dash cover and just install it or have it installed for us by someone or would we have to have it cut from material and installed as well?

I think the stitching would look good in that area and much better for the passenger airbag instead of relief cuts, those relief cuts really throw off the look of the dash covers.

 

Personally, anything placed over the dash looks quite unappealing to put it mildly and using a product that requires an adhesive isn't the answer IMHO. The Alcantra cover also needs periodic cleaning using specific solutions/cleaners.
If the dash is now cracked, it may be a viable option for some rather than dash replacement.
Keep the dash well lubricated and use windshield shade when parked.

 

Yeah but this would be a full fit cover that tucks under the gauge pod, under the clock display, etc. It'd need to be adhesive since there isn't a much better way to get it to stay and fit properly other than velcro'ing it in on the underside.

Basically it'll be like a seat cover. Remove the A/C vents, gauge cluster cover, time display silver strips and loosen the glove box and driver vent kick covers. Apply the glue and simply stretch the cover on like a bedsheet!

 

Ummm.....


BTW, I like it! My dash is still perfect, but if things were to change, I'd do this in a heartbeat. Alcantara is sweet.

 

You will need to fill the cracks or they will telegraph thru the material

 

Might be a deal breaker...Fill the cracks and get new ones. Hmmm, how do you get around that?

 

Maybe a thin layer of a firm foam layed down first and then the alcantara over the top of that. Foam should even out the cracks mostly.

Dunno, how obvious it'd be, guess someone would have to give it a shot and see how it looks or test it over an area with cracks before committing.

 

Interesting, mines cracked. I might consider this.

 

I don't talk about the status of my 04' dash, don't want to jinx myself.

 

If it is glued to the substrate that is cracking and has gaps it will telegraph

 

That's true, I guess at the least you could cap the dash and wrap the cap in the alcantara, it'd be expensive though I think the company that makes the cap sells it for like $186 or so and then there'd be the expense of the alcantara on top of that.

That would definitely take care of the cracks though, it'd be expensive but less expensive than replacing the dash and I don't know how good it'd look to cover the cap.

I think I saw one guy here with the cap on his dash

 

Anything happening with this?