removing dash pad

[CarGuy]

Okay - I've unscrewed all the screws above the instrument panel (3 on driver side & 2 on passenger) and the 4 within the heater vents. I tried pulling on it a little - but the center part of the dash still seems tight or screwed down. I don't want to pull to hard and break something. Is there any advice someone can give to help me get the dash pad out? Thanks

[SVOeric]

after you remove the instrument cover, there are 2 more screws one right above the heater control, and one on the left side.

[CarGuy]

Ok - after the instrument cover fell down - I felt pretty stupid While still in the current state I better ask another ? I trying to get to the back of the speedometer to spray some lithium grease. If I unscrew the small bolts in front of the instrument cluster - will it pull apart ok to get to the speedo? I don't want to damage anything while pulling it apart

Thanks again

[SVOeric]

well.. i'm not sure about the 3 screw thing
But the way I always do it is to put my hand back there, and there is a plastic tab that you need to squeeqe in (towards the cable) on, and it will slide right off...

[CarGuy]

I'll give that a try - Thanks!

Now I can get back to the dash pad...I figured I'd remove it to put some good elbow grease into restoring it. It doesn't have any cracks - but most of it has like a "sun stain" on it. I tried some vinyl cleaner (Tuff Stuff) and some 3M plastic cleaner, but the stain is still there. Is it hopeless with this dash pad - or is there something that can get it out? If not - any recommendations for replacing it?

[richsvo]

CarGuy,

Talk to Paul at SVPU and get some interior dye. It comes in a can (like spray paint), and just clean it good, and spray it. You'll be impressed how well it works!

HTH,

Rich

[drewkeen]

how much for a can of that stuff?

[SVOeric]

It's relatively cheap -- i don't recall right off-- but it does make them look BRAND NEW!

A tip on the elbow grease -- BE CAREFUL!!!
the speaker grills on these things are especially weak -- rubing them hard in that area will result in a big hole!!!
Ask me how I know

[richsvo]

Don't quote me here, but I think the can goes for 11.95 + shipping...

HTH,

Rich

[drewkeen]

to those that have used tha paint, how well will it hide other covers? my dash pad is completely gone and i need a new one. do any 79-86 dash pads fit?

[richsvo]

drewkeen,

I believe any pad from that era will fit. The only thing that is "special" is the color.(as far as I know) The paint will hide just about any color as it is not a "paint" but a "dye". It may take a couple of coats for one color versus another, but it will cover!
I have used it on some of the interior (hard) plastic, as well, and also the padded armrests, etc... It works VERY WELL. Will not crack, peel, etc. if done properly. I will eventually get around to "dying" my entire interior, but what I have done so far looks great!

HTH,

Rich

[CarGuy]

Well, I went ahead and ordered some spray dye from metro mustang:

http://www.metropartsmarket.com/catalog/image_paint_7807.html

It’s a little more expensive (because you buy a pack of 4 cans), but it also comes with a primer. Rich – what are your suggestions for preparation? My dash pad is pretty rough where the stained parts are. I was going to continue a bit with the vinyl cleaner, then soap and water. Next I was going to rough it up just a hair with a scotch pad then wipe it down with lacquer thinner. Finally spray the primer, then dye.

[richsvo]

CarGuy,

Yep, you have the right steps there! That is exactly what I did. I first tested the stuff on a piece of scrap vinyl that I had. I was able to stretch, pull, twist, etc. The stuff just doesn't come off. It is truly a dye, not a paint.

Did you check with Metro Mustang about the colors? Do they have an SVO specific color? (Normal Charcoal Grey is not "SVO" charcoal grey, so be prepared to want to paint the whole interior. After you see the improvement, it's hard not to.) That is the hardest part...finding one that matches! Even some cars with original interiors don't match from the factory. That is why I am going to do my complete interior with this stuff. I am actually going a shade or two darker than original. I just think it looks better, and matches the darker grey door panels and grey fuzzy dash pads better.

As far as covering the stains, it might take a couple of coats...just be patient, it is well worth the wait. (You can recoat in an hour or so)

Good luck, and keep us posted with the results!

Rich

[CarGuy]

I didn’t ask if it was SVO specific. I didn’t know there were two different charcoal colors for 84-86 (they only showed white, red, light sand, & charcoal that fell in the 1986 range). I’ll give it a test spray on something else and see how it matches up. With 4 cans, I should have enough to do most of the interior if needed. I’ll keep you’ll posted on how it goes. – Thanks again!

P.S. I did see “SVO” exterior trim paint on the website if anyone is interested

[Ken Potter]

Sun Stains...

The stains you are referring to are actually the vinyl covering "plastisizing" or "outgassing" the fire retardant chemicals that are blended into vinyl. This is what also causes the haze or film on the inside of the windows. Car interiors only remain fire retardant for about 18 months ( Department of Motor Vehicles Safety Specification / Standard DMVSS-302 ). No amount of scrubbing will remove them. You will only mar the surface.