Removing upper dash for Alcantara wrap
 

Not sure if this has been addressed before. I am dying to remove my upper dash and wrap it in Alcantara. Like this:

http://www.prior-design.de/PD2014/wp...edes_main1.jpg

I've been researching this for some time, and got some great pointers on this forum: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2401575

I'm reasonably confident that I can pull this off, and have it look the way I want. The plastic dash kills me every time I look at it.

The problem is... I have zero idea how to get the dash apart. Can someone who has done it, or someone with the applicable exploded diagram from the service manual, help explain to me how to get it out? Seems like the perfect project for these mid-winter days. In return for help I'll construct a VFAQ so that the process is documented.

Thanks

Alcantra Dash was only standard on the C63 DR520 Edition.

And Leather dash was standard on C63 Edition 63

http://www.topgear.com/uk/imageresiz...615&Height=347

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/ca...Pad&width=1050

That's fascinating, thanks. But do you know how to get the dash off.

Whoa ressurect!

I've always been interested in this as well and stumbled across this thread. Any new solutions since?

Too many projects and not enough time. I should have done it this winter, but too busy with work to tear into my car much.

Have considered going to like Jo-Anns or something LOL and buying some leather/alc, cut it to dimensions and have some light duty double sided tape, with stitching done myself.

The major tricky points are a) figuring out how to get the upper dash apart with all the hidden clips etc, and getting it back together correctly so it doesn't rattle, and b) finding an adhesive (double-sided tape won't work at all, you need to cover the dash in a thin consistent layer of special adhesive that upholsterers use) for the alcantara that won't bubble or lift with the temperature variations that part of the dash sees.

The tricky part is also the airbag, got to make sure it can actually deploy when needed.

Nah. That's for the passenger. Who cares :rolf: just kidding. And who knows! Maybe it would save them from my Takata airbags!

I'll dig into this and see what I can do.

Also good call on the airbags, I totally forgot. I wonder how it will work to incorporate the safety part of it [similar to why seat covers wouldn't work well here either]

It would be hot, for sure. First time I drove a c-class (C350) I said to my sales guy "why would I drive this when a VW Golf has better quality plastic?".
Then I drove a 63 and I couldn't care less what the interior looked like.
But it would be a yuuuuuge upgrade on the feel of the car.

On the plus side I have lots of materials from my car mats along with stitching materials so on that end I should be good to go! Alcantra won't work as well for my interior since I don't have any so I'll try the leather route. The bad part is I don't have any time lol.

I hope this is a joke :rolf:


The rubber material on the dashboard never bothered me but I did consider getting in done in black leather and grey stitching.
Getting the dash done is quite costly, because it requires skill, experience and removal/install done by a professional.

Don't cheap out by trying to remove and install the dash yourself. If you really want to get it done in alcantara, find a specialist shop who will do it properly. You will regret it if the stitches are crooked or the fabric will start peeling in the hot sun.

Doesn't look so bad. But then again, I have a habit of doing things that probably shouldn't be done by myself...

It's actually rather easy I did my 944 in alcantara and the dash was surprisingly easy to do, I forget what adhesive I used but basically you just cut fabric to fit, stitch portions that are going to have any sharp changes in contour and or wherever visually you want stitching
add adhesive, slowly apply material and stretch it in palce.
the trickiest part was reinstall not messing up the work and being that it is wrapped and has more material the fit is a little tighter
only ****ty part is you pretty much have to do the doors and centre console or it will look dumb

Theres also the low risk route of doing it as a cover instead of a wrap and you just integrate it as best you can. The material won't flow around under the dash but you can't see most of it anyway.

No, it's not a joke. If you can be crafty enough its possible. This isn't rocket science. :nix:

if you had more sewing skills then myself yeah I could see that make some templates and then make a peice that fits but then you can go back.. throw the adhesive on it then failure ain't an option !

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-20...d-1280x960.jpg

Something like this for me ^

Check out this thread, has some relevant stuff:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126...d-leather.html

^^^yeah that looks pretty good. Maybe a little too much white for my taste but definitely better than the cheap plastic dash we have.

This is the stuff right here. $200 worth of material, plus glue and a lot of patience, should do the whole dash and doors.

http://www.jpmsupplyco.com/collectio...ant=7349017093

My biggest complaint for the C63 is the interior. God it just awful. My 335i had better interior and it sucked too.

Wow, thats a lot of colors to choose from. An artsy person can really make a badass interior with that selection.

That looks good but $100/yard? You can get similar for less somewhere else for sure.

My cousin has his business and imports italian and turkish materials all the time. I will talk to him and see what he has.

You might get similar, but you can't get Alcantara.

It's something that has to look good and be durable enough to last. I know for sure that genuine alcantara is up to that task. What are you going to save on 2yds (because that's all the material it takes) by going with something else, a couple of bucks? On something that's a $200 project total? On something that looks you in the face every time you drive the car so you better make sure to get it right? I don't want to have to wonder about the material. Whatever, suit yourself man....