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Posted by: Stuckon914 Feb 17 2020, 03:31 PM

I’ve searched but can’t find anything; does anyone have a write-up on how to replace the vinyl and restore the center console/dash that holds 3 gauges.

Posted by: StarBear Feb 17 2020, 04:52 PM

Can't say that I have either. Several vendors sell reproduction units though don't know which ones are best (just starting that road myself...).

Posted by: 914Sixer Feb 17 2020, 05:01 PM

What makes them difficult is the pieces are heat sealed on. Closest process for doing this is the home food bag sealer. Always though the sides should have been done it carpet and just the center in vinyl.

Posted by: Stuckon914 Feb 17 2020, 06:13 PM

Hard to do and reproductions are available; sounds like a good combinations to keep DIY activity low

Posted by: jagalyn Feb 17 2020, 07:07 PM

There are no good reproductions of the original console. All have seams that do not replicate the factory seams. That is the reason the original console values are so high... there are in great demand for a perfect one. Many of the used ones for sale have burns, tears or the seams coming apart. If you can find one in excellent condition, it is the exception and not the rule.

Posted by: bkrantz Feb 17 2020, 09:57 PM

I would like to know, too. My console is in good shape except where the PO cut holes in the sides for speakers.

Posted by: Mark Henry Feb 18 2020, 12:25 PM

The hard part is it's a fitted cover, the factory does this with molded vinyl and a faux stitching along the edges.
A higher end car would have done this in leather with real stitching along the outside edge. Unfortunately vinyl doesn't stitch well, even heavy cloth backing doesn't sew well on the top of the edge, as it pulls the holes too big and looks like crap. You can stitch from the inside, but the seam isn't correct and can bunch up in hard spots.

Posted by: cuddy_k Feb 18 2020, 12:45 PM

I bought a console from @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=3348 a few years back. I don't know if they still make em. Not quite OEM but close. And they had them to fit the original gauges or modern ones, which are a bit smaller.

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 18 2020, 05:12 PM

Ours are not thermally sealed but do look close. We are in production of another group of them now.
Mark

Posted by: DucRS Feb 18 2020, 06:32 PM

Not concours but good enough for me. Had a local gal cover it for $60 bucks

Posted by: Stuckon914 Feb 18 2020, 07:41 PM

QUOTE(DucRS @ Feb 18 2020, 07:32 PM)

Not concours but good enough for me. Had a local gal cover it for $60 bucks

Posted by: StarBear Feb 18 2020, 08:15 PM

Very nice!

QUOTE(DucRS @ Feb 18 2020, 07:32 PM)

Not concours but good enough for me. Had a local gal cover it for $60 bucks

Posted by: StarBear Feb 18 2020, 08:17 PM

Would be great to be able to match the faux top seams. Mine split many years ago; wide black electrical tape used since then - most people don't notice, except other 'teeners.

QUOTE(Mikey914 @ Feb 18 2020, 06:12 PM)

Posted by: morsmanlaw Feb 22 2020, 07:58 PM

Because I wanted to experiment with a 911-style rubber shift boot, I remade the horizontal portion of the console, using MDF and some extra door material I had. Not correct, of course, but doesn't look too out of place.


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