How to cover a car dashboard

If you are planning to change the interior design of your car, you cannot do without reupholstering the front panel or, as in everyday life, the dashboard. You can choose a new color scheme and texture for it. Or you can use materials similar to those listed above and just lightly refresh the scratched and worn finish. Many car enthusiasts do not risk pulling the panel with their own hands, fearing that it will ruin the appearance of the interior. However, the biggest challenge in this process is getting started. In addition, if you already have experience in tightening other internal elements, then this task will also not cause you any difficulties.

Selecting material for reupholstering the front panel of the machine

The torpedo is constantly in sight, which means that its appearance and quality will surprise both you and other passengers. The choice of material for the front panel must be approached responsibly. Most often, the following materials are used in car interior design:

leather (artificial and natural);
Alcantara (another name is artificial suede);
vinyl.

You should not select materials on the Internet. Images and descriptions do not give a complete picture of the product. Before purchasing, visit a specialized store and try out each of the proposed materials. It is also worth writing the manufacturer and the name of the shade. After this, you can safely order goods from the online store.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is a good choice for upholstering the front panel. This is a durable material that is not afraid of extreme temperatures, humidity and fire. In addition, its surface is resistant to mechanical damage. Of course, you shouldn’t deliberately scratch the skin with your nail, but white stripes won’t appear on their own. Leather can be easily cleaned of dirt by regularly wiping it with a damp cloth. There is no need to be afraid that the panel will catch fire in the sun - it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation. And it’s not even worth talking about the appearance of genuine leather - it will fit perfectly into the interior of even the most expensive and pretentious car.

Genuine leather gives the car interior a sophisticated look

Eco leather

If you can’t afford genuine leather, use its modern replacement - artificial leather. This type of material is called environmentally friendly because it does not emit harmful substances during operation. Nothing like the cheap leatherette of the late 1990s. This is a durable, moisture- and steam-resistant material that can retain its appearance for a long time. Do not be afraid that the leatherette will tear in a short time. The characteristics of the material are not inferior to genuine leather. In addition, eco-leather is suitable for drivers with allergies.

eco-leather has good performance characteristics, but is much cheaper than natural leather

Alcantara

Recently, Alcantara has become one of the most popular materials for interior upholstery, including the dashboard. This is a non-woven synthetic material resembling suede. It combines a soft, velvety surface, ease of care and high wear resistance. Like skin, it does not fade in the sun. High humidity and temperature changes also do not have a negative effect. Many drivers prefer to cover the entire interior with Alcantara to create an atmosphere of home comfort. Others use it to create individual elements to break the gravity of the skin. In any case, Alcantara is perfect for covering the dashboard.

Alcantara - a synthetic fabric similar to suede

Vinyl

If you want to create a unique interior design, consider using vinyl. Today there is a wide variety of textures and colors on the market. You can choose black or calm gray, or you can find an imitation python in acid green. Films made of chrome, as well as films with a carbon or metallic effect are very popular. They are even easier to care for than leather. Vinyl films have, perhaps, only one drawback: they are easy to accidentally scratch. But the low price allows you to drag the panel as many times as you like.

using vinyl film you can imitate various materials, including carbon

Some motorists, in order to save money, buy not a special automotive material, but a similar one intended for reupholstering furniture. At first glance, there is no difference between them. However, this is not true: upholstery leather and other materials are designed to be used at a constant and comfortable internal temperature. The car heats up in the sun and cools down in the cold. Furniture materials will quickly crack in such conditions.

Repair methods

There are three main approaches to repairing a dashboard after airbag deployment:

Functional repair of instrument panels includes mechanical restoration. The dashboard and steering wheel are installed in place, and new airbags are mounted under them. After this, the program resets information about airbag deployment;
A complete interior dashboard repair includes not only mechanical repairs, but also aesthetic ones. The console is dismantled, a complete reupholstery is carried out using selected materials, a new SRS complex is inserted under the steering wheel and covers and reprogramming is carried out. This method makes it possible not only to recreate the transport security system, but also to change its internal appearance;
A rough repair is suitable for cases where the car has received minimal damage and does not require major restoration procedures. In this case, the holes where the pillows used to be are filled with polyurethane foam, and the covers are installed in their original place. This method is bad because in the event of a new accident, the SRS complex will not work, because there will be nothing to work. By resorting to the third type of repair, you endanger not only your life, but also the lives of your passengers.

Do-it-yourself car torpedo reupholstery

Extending the front panel begins with disassembling it. This is a labor-intensive process. In addition, the pattern of fasteners and clips does not correspond to different car models. A large number of wires are connected to the panel, and if you are afraid of damaging them, contact a car service center for help.

If you want to do this yourself, do not neglect the car’s operating instructions - all parts and fasteners are described in detail there. Removing a dashboard always begins with disconnecting the battery terminals. After de-energizing the car, you can begin disassembling.

Before you start stretching the panel, it must be disassembled

Video: how to remove a torpedo

As a rule, disassembling the steering wheel takes longer than the vehicle itself. Be careful not to forget to disconnect any interfering cables.

Tools

To drag a torpedo, you will need the following tools:

set of screwdrivers for disassembly;
sandpaper (both coarse and fine);
degreaser;
antistatic wipe;
self-adhesive interlining or tape;
marker;
sharp tailor's scissors;
roller or spatula with a plastic blade;
a sewing machine with a presser foot and a leather needle (if you chose this material);
special glue for leather (or the material you use);
hair dryer (higher quality design);
material for upholstery.

Preparatory stage

When the torpedo is disassembled, it is necessary to prepare it for transportation with new material. This is done as follows.

The part is degreased with a special product. It is not recommended to use acetone-based products for this.
The surface is sanded over the entire surface, first with coarse sandpaper, then with fine-grained abrasive.
Residual dust after sanding is removed with an antistatic cloth.

In case of severe damage to the body, the panel can be grouted with a special plastic compound. After the surface is completely dry, you can begin making the pattern and tightening the part.

Your further actions will depend on the shape of the panel. If everything is simple enough, with right angles and unspoken bends, you can try gluing a torpedo from a single piece of material. But if the shape is complex and has many bends, it is necessary to make a cover in advance. Otherwise, the lining will fall into folds.

The coverage is composed as follows:

Cover the surface of the panel with transparent non-woven film or adhesive tape
Carefully study the shape of the part. All sharp breaks should be outlined with a marker on the film (tape). At this stage, mark the locations of future seams. Don't do too much as it may ruin the appearance of the panel.
Remove the tape from the torpedo and lay it on the fabric from the wrong side. Draw the outlines of the parts, paying attention to the seams. Don't forget to add 10mm on each side of the piece. You will need this when sewing.
Carefully cut out the parts.
Connect the parts to the control panel. Make sure the size and shape match.
Sew the pieces to the seams.

If you don't have a suitable sewing machine, you can do things a little differently and glue the parts directly to the surface of the panel. But in this case, special care should be taken - this approach is dangerous due to the appearance of cracks in the joints. If the material is not stretched and laid correctly, it will come apart and come off the torpedo.

Making a cover for the front panel

To sew pieces of material, use special threads for natural and artificial leather. They are quite strong and elastic, so the seams do not tear or deform.

Constriction technology

If you decide to stretch the panel with a single piece of material, be prepared for painstaking work.

First of all, apply special glue to the surface. It is necessary to wait some time until the composition dries, but do not dry completely.
Place the material against the top edge of the panel and press lightly.
To replicate the shape of a torpedo, the skin must be warmed with a hairdryer and stretched. Do this as carefully as possible so as not to damage the material.
Make sure the material is the desired shape before pressing it firmly onto the surface. This approach is useful when working with deep pits and pits: first stretch the skin and then secure the edges.
In the process of leveling the surface, you can help yourself with rollers or plastic spatulas.
Fold the edges inward and glue. Cut off the excess.

Gently stretch and smooth out wrinkles when tightening with one piece of material

Video: how to reupholster a panel with a single piece of material

If you have prepared the case in advance, the reupholstery process will be much faster and easier. All you have to do is stick the piece to the surface with glue, make sure all the curves are in place, then press and smooth the surface.

Video: useful tips for correctly covering panel parts

What the experts say

Professional auto shop craftsmen have accumulated extensive experience in reupholstering car panels inside and out. Here is a short list of tips from experts:

Practice first. Take a small piece of material and drag some object.
Prepare the surface carefully, because any bump or grain of sand will definitely appear on the fabric (defects are not visible on dense fabrics).
Take your time, otherwise you will have to tear everything off and start again.
Remove the backing carefully to avoid the adhesive surface sticking together.
Do not bring a hot hair dryer close to the material and do not hold it at one point for a long time, otherwise you can easily burn the material.

A cracked or shabby torpedo is not a death sentence. It is easy to put in order, capable of bringing joy to the car owner and arousing the interest of passengers. It is enough to select the appropriate material and allocate some free time for the event.

The cost of reupholstering the front panel of a car yourself

The amount spent on transporting a torpedo directly depends on the cost of the material. The average price for high-quality natural perforated leather is about 3 thousand rubles per linear meter. A standard size panel will take no more than two meters.

Faux leather is already much cheaper - it can be found for around 700 rubles, although there are more expensive options. The price of vinyl film varies from 300-600 rubles, depending on the type and quality. As for Alcantara, its cost is comparable to the cost of genuine leather, so you won’t be able to save money on artificial suede.

High-quality hot melt glue will cost you 1.5 thousand rubles per jar. We do not recommend using cheap superglue or Moment glue - you will be bothered by an obsessive smell, and the upholstery itself will deteriorate when the car is very hot. Threads for leather goods are sold at a price of 400 rubles per spool. Let's say you already have a hairdryer and a sewing machine at home, which means there will be no additional costs for equipment.

Thus, we get from 1.5 to 7 thousand rubles for material plus 2 thousand for consumables. As you can see, even when choosing expensive leather, you can spend 10 thousand rubles. In the salon, the price for this procedure starts from 50 thousand rubles.

The process of tightening a car dashboard with your own hands has many nuances. However, the price difference between self-employment and car service is so great that you can spend some time studying the instructions, and then the transport itself. In addition, it will not take much time: the panel can be disassembled in 1.5–2 hours. The same amount of time will be devoted to coercion. And if you find an assistant, things will go much faster.

I saw a video on YouTube about reupholstering a torpedo, everything is broken. As I understand it, ordinary leatherette at 140 rubles per meter from a hardware store will not work or will not work? Tell me where I can order the skin.

Comments 57

I don’t know about you, but we have an automotive materials store in Ekbe. All materials used in the car are there))

It will work if you get a new panel tightly on a leather rag base!

Don't put this skin on, your face will crack, dry out, etc. There is a good alternative to this - this is plasticized, usually thermocarbon leather, which is used to wrap car dashboards, especially since now there is a huge selection of structures.

Look at the rubber material.

what do you want to achieve? Faux leather is generally a pleasant material.

Flock???? or Alcantara

How to install the dashboard...

Just like in the joke.

Teacher in a Georgian school during a Russian language lesson: - Givi, tell me which words end with a soft sign. Givi: - Salt... Beans... Rosin... Teacher: - That's right, Givi. And you must pronounce words that end with the soft sign NE. Givi: - Fork... Plate... Bottle.

You can separate the leatherette from the tram seat and pull the panel!

hello, the action diagram that you have already written for models, but for a good result, make models of old T-shirts, bodysuits, bathrobes, shirts and see how this “model” one day falls on a torpedo for 2105 I even made a case for transporting torpedoes, which I betrayed I put 2mm isoplex under the lid; it flattens a lot of joints and when stretching, you can pull somewhere stronger, somewhere weaker. if you yourself know how to scribble on a typewriter for yourself + a huge main problem is even seams.

Yes, find a book on the Internet on transporting yacht interiors, there are many useful nuances there, good luck, ask about the result.

Any leatherette will do, the main thing is that it stretches at least a little and does not tear.

I think that if you want to do it WELL, it’s better to immediately turn to SPECIALISTS, so that there are no questions later - I covered it with super cool vinyl at 178 rubles per meter, and everything fell off and became a stake...))) There is a real professional in Kazan - Alexander Martyanov, he is everything to you will tell...

Unfortunately, I haven’t been to the cauldron for a long time and won’t be back soon.

You wrote - KAZAN

Now they can tell you for free how to get through 3 letters)) Everything else is purely for money, especially from professionals.

Not at all .. not all people are bastards)

There is automotive eco-leather with an adhesive layer. It stretches well and holds well. They come in different colors and are also perforated. Look in my bulletin board on the rims of the top shelf, I have dashed off these visors.

Leather vinyl. This is leatherette, which stretches well + dismacol glue (coat both surfaces, wait 40 minutes, use a hair dryer to heat the dry glue and start gluing, it is instantly fixed and nothing gets dirty!) Many shoemakers use it with this glue, you can try ordering it.

In addition to specialized material for the dashboard, you will also need high-quality glue. Material (plasticized horn leather), 888 ultra + glue. If you have any questions, write, I will answer you.

maybe it's better to flock?

agree! Flocking is the simplest and most beautiful way out! I covered the door cards myself with self-adhesive Alcantara, it didn’t turn out very well and I came to the conclusion that flocking is the right thing to do!

ok you have to look at what self adhesive is, it stretches a lot and then comes out so that other tables come in waves of leatherette and leather require skill and experience

crumbles if I rub nakedness on the children...

Well, at least a panel with nails... Only a guillotine will help here.

Why won't he do this? I pulled it on my 09 and did it for the first time, but the jambs here will be written correctly.

Try ripped jeans with pockets, studs and zippers)

I made a mistake in the title. So not “Panel”, but “PanEl”)

It won't work normally. Doesn't stretch well. Already tried it

Rubber material is used for the constriction.

I'm also thinking about something like this.. and so I'll share my thoughts: it won't work the first time, don't even hope.. but then: take the material as cheaply as possible and experiment.. but first it would be nice to think and prepare action plan: sketches of what you want to get, plan of action, approximate patterns, where and how to fix it, how to hide the jambs... and so: concepts are made almost by hand, and before that tools and machines are made from them, i.e. actually people They simply methodically implement their ideas. Honestly, I envy these people.. That is, if you want, you can do it! the report is also interesting regardless of the result. if the result is negative, subscribers will receive valuable experience))

Sound insulation of the instrument panel, also known as the dashboard

Soundproofing the dashboard makes sense and has a positive effect, since the dashboard itself is usually the source of a variety of noises and squeaks that occur inside the car. The most interesting thing is that this applies not only to our domestic cars, but also to most foreign ones. Today, there are several factors that can cause your dashboard to squeak while you drive your car, so soundproofing your dashboard is a process that should be taken seriously.

Difficulties of functional tuning

Often, functional tuning is limited only to replacing older or faulty car devices with newer and more modern ones. However, we should not forget that functional tuning also includes the installation of additional vehicle control elements such as an immobilizer, on-board computer or built-in additional devices. The main problem with such modification is not so much the choice of components as their proper installation. Most often, novice tuning enthusiasts who want to carry out such an installation at home will have to face such a problem as difficulties in calibrating devices. Imagine that the speedometer will show an inadequate speed of the car or the fuel gauge will deceive you at the most inopportune moment.

Separately, it is necessary to say about such a point as the legality of modifications. That is, if the design of the car provides for a speedometer or tachometer of the exact model that is installed at the factory, it will be quite difficult to explain its replacement during maintenance. Therefore, it is better to carry out aesthetic tuning of devices that have already been installed on the car, and place additional ones either on top of the dashboard or in those places that are still free. Aesthetic question

When carrying out aesthetic tuning, you need to carefully plan everything, because you will need no less skills than when carrying out a functional improvement of the dashboard, and in addition to it you will also need an excellent sense of taste. If you yourself know what you want, all that remains is to prepare the necessary materials and elements, and we’ll talk about this a little later, but if you don’t have a clear plan, then it’s worth developing it in advance.

First of all, look for inspiration on car forums or ask for advice from motorist friends who have tuned their cars. Naturally, each person has his own taste, but someone’s ready-made improvements may well lead you to an interesting solution that you can later implement. In addition, knowing what you want to achieve with your car, you can easily select the necessary materials and apply certain solutions related to the manufacture of elements necessary for tuning.

Where do the sounds come from?

The main reason for the occurrence of various noises emanating from a torpedo is the lack of integrity (strength) of the structure:

Since a modern panel is completed (consists) of many plastic parts that are fastened together using various latches, clamps and screws
Such fastenings weaken and break from time to time, and this leads to vibrations of the torpedo elements; when friction occurs, the elements begin to emit rebounds and squeaks
General background noise is amplified by the dashboard fill
Loosely attached interior heating elements, wiring, pads, electrical system, etc., when the car moves, especially on uneven sections of the road, begin to knock on the dashboard lining, producing an unpleasant clanging and buzzing sound.
The quality of the car's dashboard finish also greatly influences the noise level.
Such problems can be easily fixed with your own hands and without the help of specialists.
You just need to study our article in advance, purchase the necessary materials, be patient and work carefully
Everyone can disable the control panel themselves
In addition, you can also turn the dashboard into additional noise protection, in other words, into an “acoustic shield”
This will protect the car interior from noise from the engine compartment and engine.

Remedies

There are two ways to attach sound insulation to the dashboard:

The first is dismantling the entire dashboard, followed by its complete disassembly and covering with sound insulation.
The second is dismantling the lining and its partial sound insulation
Of course, a much greater effect from this procedure can be achieved by performing the first method
However, this method, unfortunately, is not always possible
For example, in Russian models of inexpensive foreign cars and cars, the first method solves this problem
And in imported luxury cars, which are filled with various electronic components, as well as airbags and other complex systems, you cannot complete the first path yourself
Fortunately, soundproofing the dashboard of an expensive car is usually not necessary.

Errors

You don't gain experience right away. Therefore, for the first time, you can get air bubbles, uneven seams, and unnoticed defects in the original surface.

There may also be errors when choosing the material. You should especially remember about the persistent odor in the cabin if substances not intended for this purpose are used.

Note to you: How long does alcohol last in a driver’s blood?

Cheap, widely used glue can take years to wear out, so it is better to purchase all consumables from a specialized supplier as a single package.

The importance of carefully performing assembly and disassembly operations has already been mentioned. At the installation stage, you may encounter a changed panel geometry; you need to think about this when marking the patterns.

Tools and materials

Before you begin the process of soundproofing your entire dashboard, you need to gather the tools and materials needed for soundproofing. Required material:

Vibration damper type Vibroplast M1 (silver thickness)
Sound-absorbing - Bitoplast, thickness 5-10 mm
Non-slip – Madeleine

From the tool we take:

Rotating roller
Tape measure and long ruler
Sharp knife
Wipe down rags to remove lint.
Sharp scissors
White spirit for degreasing surfaces
Screwdriver Set

Sequence of work

Car interior reupholstery is divided into several stages:

replacing covers on previously dismantled chairs;
replacement of door panels;
Carrying out upholstery work with armrests;
updating the upholstery on the ceiling.

This is the sequence in which work is often performed at the station or during independent replacement.

Upholstered ceiling

Step-by-step instructions for updating the interior may vary slightly in different cars, but the general algorithm will be as follows:

fasteners and fittings are removed in the interior;
the wiring must be disconnected; to do this, unscrew the battery terminals and, if necessary, disconnect the connectors;
old upholstery material is dismantled to use it, if possible, as an example for cutting, and the surface is cleaned of dried glue;
metal surfaces are degreased;
patterns for future upholstery are formed on cardboard or thick paper;
the surface of the new upholstery is coated with glue and fixed in place; if necessary, use an industrial hair dryer to smooth out wrinkles;
After reupholstering the interior with your own hands is completed, the glue has dried, you can return the fasteners and decor to their places.

Removing the dashboard

Soundproofing panel 2115, like all others, will consist of four stages:

Removing (disassembling) the dashboard
Vibration-isolating bonding of plastic coverings to panels
Bonding panels with sound insulation from the inside
Gasket against squeaking at the joints when installing (returning to the original position) the instrument panel

There is no point in going into detail about disassembling a torpedo; firstly, there are millions of car models, and secondly, there are several torpedo options for one model. You will find it easier to find this information in the disassembly and installation manual for your specific type of dashboard, which is full of information and available online. Pay attention to extremely important nuances that coincide with this procedure:

First we disconnect the negative terminal (preferably both) from the battery; after removing the panel you will have to tinker with the wiring, it is better to protect yourself from short circuits in this way
Align the wheels in the direction they are moving straight ahead
Disconnect the rod from the choke control lever on the carburetor and disconnect the speedometer control cable from the gearbox
When starting the disassembly process, after removing the elements, immediately screw the fasteners back to the fastening points so as not to lose them or get confused
Before disconnecting the pads, be sure to mark them, otherwise you will get confused when editing
After the torpedo is completely removed, it is disassembled into its component parts, so that only a monolithic part remains
Then use a rag to thoroughly clean all panel elements from dirt and dust.

Important points

If the folds of leather formed on the cover after putting it on the dashboard cannot be smoothed out with your hands, you should use a rag soaked in hot water. To avoid burning your hands, this operation should be performed only with thick rubber gloves;
Care should be taken to ensure that drops of glue do not fall on the front side of the leather. If this happens, you need to let the drop dry and carefully cut it off with a knife. And the stain remaining on the skin can be erased with a regular eraser.

So, all a car enthusiast needs to re-tighten a dashboard is patience. The only difficulty may arise at the stage of stitching the fragments, especially if the car owner has little idea how to work with a sewing machine. If this is so, then before working with leather, it is worth practicing on ordinary matter.

Author: Alexey Stepanov
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We start with vibration isolation

The best anti-vibration material is Vibroplast (Silver), with which we glue all flat areas of the plastic shell, as in the photo below:

This increases the weight of the plastic, which significantly reduces its vibration
About 50-60 percent of the total area is glued on flat areas
However, it is not recommended to make the torpedo too heavy, since as the weight of the structure increases, we leave the fasteners unchanged
Parts of the dashboard must be covered with vibration insulation, as well as air duct elements, a cabin stove and a metal frame for rigidity
Simply put, all parts that, when touched, can produce various sounds and vibrations
And after pasting the surface with a vibration isolator, the sound becomes much more muffled than before

Tuning techniques

To successfully complete any modification to a car or its dashboard, you need to know a few simple techniques that will allow you to perform the necessary actions. We have already talked about how to properly stick tint film, and these are the same techniques that are used when gluing translucent films to the back of the device display with slots so that the divisions and numbers glow with the right light. Another no less interesting technique is the use of fluorescent paints to paint the needle or scale divisions of the device. To apply this paint evenly, it is enough to use either a simple template over which you can safely paint, or simply carefully apply it with a thin brush. Also, do not forget about the need to correctly calibrate the pointer after removing it, because an incorrectly calibrated device is a very serious problem that can only be solved in a service center.

Sound insulation of the panel from the inside

After vibration insulation, we proceed to gluing the second layer - sound insulation:

Instrument panel covered with sound insulation (sound absorber) from the inside

Anti-noise, included in the second layer and on the internal insulation of the dashboard, 5-10 mm bitoplast is recommended
it is much better to use thicker material for the panel, sound insulation will give a better effect
The entire area from the inside of the panel skin should be covered.
Exclusively for the most complete coverage of the entire territory, Bitoplast will be able to simultaneously perform two functions
The first is a sound absorber for the hum coming from the engine compartment (the implementation of an “acoustic screen” is achieved), as well as a gasket that prevents the internal “stuffing” of the dashboard from beating inside the plastic case
Bitoplast is a very elastic material with expansion and contraction properties, which allows it to adhere very well to uneven textured surfaces
And then you can carefully trim off the resulting excess material around the edges with scissors.

Step-by-step instruction

DIY repairs save money. However, during work, difficulties often arise due to errors or fasteners in unexpected places. This can be avoided by studying the car's structure and step-by-step instructions in advance.

Removing and disassembling seats

Dismantling is necessary in order to sew new covers as accurately as possible. Before starting work, it is better to disconnect the battery from the car, and then unscrew all electrical connectors (if any). Frame-by-frame recording of the process will also help to reassemble the parts. In addition, from the photographs you can understand how the fabric is attached. After this, you can unscrew the screws that secure the chairs to the runners.

Creating a pattern

The final appearance of the interior will depend on the accuracy of the pattern, so it needs to be done as carefully as possible. If the old sheathing still retains its shape, you can use it as a template. It is better to number the sides so as not to forget which part is adjacent to which. If the old casing is too damaged, then it is better to draw up a template on paper, having first measured all the parts. But it’s better not to throw away worn-out fabric just yet, as it can serve as a hint for further action.

Important information! When cutting, it is better to place the patterns as close to each other as possible to reduce material consumption.

Sewing covers

When the parts are ready, you can start sewing new covers. For starters, you can learn from the headrest trim. If everything worked out, then you can proceed to more complex elements. When reupholstering seats, certain seams are used that affect the appearance and strength of the upholstery:

basic - the simplest option, which consists of stitching along the edge of two folded pieces of fabric;
double – two parts are sewn together, right sides pressed against each other;
edging - a strong seam that prevents the fabric from unraveling. It is recommended to use it for the manufacture of car covers;
decorative - does not hold anything together, but is used solely for decoration.

If new covers are made of leather, it is better to process them with a basting stitch before starting work so that they get the correct shape. In addition, do not forget about the margin of 2 cm, which must be set aside from the edge. In order not to make a mistake with the size or order of parts, you can from time to time apply the cover to the seat and try it on.

Note! The places where the airbags are located in the seats cannot be stitched.

Dressing and assembling seats

After this, you need to glue foam rubber to the parts. This is best done with glue in a can, which penetrates the pores of the polyurethane foam and reliably holds the material together. The seam flaps also need to be glued with high-temperature glue using a brush.

Stretching the resulting product requires a lot of time and effort. This is especially true for the back, which has a closed shape. The interior upholstery process ends with drying with a hair dryer and steaming the seats.

Sealing joints and eliminating squeaks

Sound-absorbing panels not only absorb sound, but are also a source of it, this occurs at the joints due to friction between the material and the material:

After applying the sound insulation, you can begin installing the panel and simultaneously perform parallel gluing of the joints of the contact (rubbing) parts of the Torpedo
Make sure that all joints of the parts are treated with sealant; here it would be better to use Madeleine
Madeleine adheres primarily to all moving panel elements (for example, to the glove box lid), to the air ducts where they are attached to the deflectors, and to the fastening elements of the trim panels

Treatment of joints from scratches

When installing the instrument panel, carefully check the condition of its fastenings to the body.
If the fastener is missing or damaged, be sure to replace it
And if there is such an opportunity, make a couple of additional fastenings to increase reliability, since after the “noise” the mass of the torpedo increases greatly
Don't ignore wiring clutter, it's best to take them apart and compactly twist them into thicker bundles
Bitoplast or Madeleine strips can be used to tie bundles of thread
Try to keep them tightly together so that they do not have the opportunity to swing freely

Note: It has long been known that internal oven doors are an additional source of noise. Therefore, when completely removing the dashboard, you need to glue the heater frame and shock absorbers, which often do not fit tightly and have large gaps. This procedure will not only remove excess noise, but also reduce heat loss in the cabin.

How to upholster a car dashboard yourself

You should not expect that all the work can be completed without disassembling the interior. The entire front panel will have to be removed to provide full access.

Tools

You will need both a standard plumbing tool for assembly and disassembly work to remove the torpedo, and a more specialized one directly for tightening operations.

A set of screwdrivers and wrenches for working in hard-to-reach places. Mirrors, flexible holders and gimbal extensions may be required.
A special device for removing plastic clips and latches.
Industrial hair dryer with adjustable air temperature.
You may need a sewing machine for working with leather.
Marker, knives and scissors. The cutting tool must be of high quality and sharp.
Spatulas, rollers and brushes.

You should not hope that a cheap and low-quality tool will allow you to get a decent result.

Even in skillful hands, they can ruin everything, after which they will have to start over, suffering material losses.

Consumables

The list of consumables is determined by the selected material. But some list items will become common to all coverages:

liquid and wipes for degreasing surfaces, used in painting;
sandpaper of varying degrees of grain, very fine is not required here;
glue for the selected covering material;
non-woven fabric for creating a model - patterns, preferably with spot application of glue;
threads for stitching leather, here you cannot skimp on quality and decorativeness;
directly the covering material itself, preferably with a reserve.

You will also need disposable gloves to protect your hands and antistatic wipes to remove dust from the part.

Preparation (removing the dashboard)

You must work in accordance with the repair manual for a specific car, since not all fasteners are visible to the eye.

Plastic elements, especially those that have already served, must be handled with care; they become brittle over time, and if broken fastening points are not restored, in the future this place can become a source of annoying noise. Moreover, the mass of the torpedo will increase noticeably.

Constriction technology + video

Work on the removed parprise begins with the preparation of patterns. The locations of the seams are determined, and a decision is made on the size of the pieces of material. Various options are possible, starting from a single cover and ending with pasting in small fragments.

Non-woven blanks are glued to the workpieces and seam tolerances are determined.

Non-woven fabric, unlike paper, has increased strength and is used in the sewing industry as a lining material. After complete pasting, the patterns are carefully separated from the parts of the torpedo.

Note: What does the Knock Sensor affect and how to check it

The removed patterns are placed on the wrong side of the material lying on a flat surface. The boundaries, taking into account the seams, are outlined with a marker, and the parts are cut out.

For the final check, sheets of material are once again applied to the dashboard, and the entire geometry is checked. After this, the cover can be sewn, if required by the technology of the specific material.

Before pasting, the surface of the torpedo must be prepared. The parts are sanded, degreased, and dust and other contaminants are carefully removed from them. A layer of primer is applied, which can be primer or glue. The same is done with the details of the tight material.

A layer of glue is applied to the dried material, in accordance with its technological features. After this, you can proceed directly to pasting.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the elimination of air bubbles, so it is better to work from the center to the edges. All seam locations must be aligned and located along the intended lines.

The glued parprise is blown with an industrial hairdryer to ensure uniform shrinkage and complete distribution of the glue over the surface; at this stage, it is still possible to smooth out the resulting folds and bubbles. A rubber roller is used to roll out the material. Complete polymerization of the glue usually occurs within a day.

Partial sound insulation

The second method of partial panel “noise” is used only if it is impossible to remove the entire torpedo:

However, this method can also give tangible results and the price will be lower.
To carry out partial soundproofing of the panel, it is necessary to remove all possible parts of the hinge and lining from it
Removable elements include: glove box, center console, side trim, fuse box cover and others
Then all parts of the panel are treated with anti-vibration and soundproofing materials, the instructions are described above
And if you still doubt the need for soundproofing your dashboard, then it’s time to tell you about the additional benefit
Many drivers note that in winter it is almost impossible to warm up the car interior to a temperature of about -15º so that the windows do not freeze
And immediately after treating the panel with sound insulation, even at -20º, the car quickly becomes hot, because air begins to blow from all the nozzles (the flow goes both to the windshield and to the outer side windows)
In addition, the noise in the engine compartment is significantly reduced; the jingling of wires and the creaking of moving panels are no longer heard

Therefore, watch the video, you can safely get down to business, we wish you success and enjoy the resulting effect.

Comprehensive tuning

Quite often, motorists who improve their dashboard with their own hands modify several instruments at once or the overall lighting of the dashboard to make it look more stylish. In this case, it is better to prepare in advance the same templates for the instrument scales and the same color LED backlights. In the same case, if you do not have access to LEDs of the desired color, you can get by with ordinary white LEDs and simply stick a translucent film of the desired color to the desired places. This film will be a regular light filter, and you will achieve the same effect as when using LEDs of different colors.

This is interesting: We diagnose the brake system with our own hands

Preparing for work

Now you can get to work. Naturally, first you need to assemble the entire tool. But reupholstering the interior with eco-leather or other material does not start right away. First, all surfaces must be prepared. For example, you need to remove all the devices from the front panel and the handles from the doors.

Next, you need to remove the seats and thoroughly clean the interior. Naturally, this involves removing all the old upholstery from the ceiling, doors, seats and other parts of the car. This is done carefully. During preparation you will have to use a knife and screwdrivers

Perform all actions carefully so as not to damage the base

Since the work will be quite dusty, try to vacuum the interior before starting upholstery with new material. Naturally, wear work clothes. Upholstery of the interior with leather, vinyl, Alcantara or other material can be done in the garage or on the street.

Cover technology

Interior upholstery always starts with the seats, as they are subject to wear and tear more often than other decorative elements. To do this, the old sheathing is cut along the seam and will act as a template for the pattern. When cutting new pieces, try to make a small supply. It will need to be folded when sewing, in addition, the bend will stretch the skin well and will have a fairly attractive appearance.

There will always be doors on the second line. To do this, the removable panel is disassembled into separate parts and sheathed individually. This approach will allow you to show creativity, for example, sheathing different elements with different materials. If the plastic is preserved normally, then it does not need to be sheathed. It also looks good compared to other materials.

The ceiling is the most difficult area of work. To begin with, the old casing is dismantled, lamps and everything that interferes with further work are dismantled. If you plan to cover the ceiling with a leather substitute, it is recommended to heat it first. As the temperature increases, its elastic properties will improve, and it will stretch quite nicely. The edges of this material are secured with glue. Then ceiling panels, handles, hooks are applied, cutouts are made for the lighting shades and their further installation occurs.

It is recommended to choose one color for the ceiling, doors and all other parts. This makes the car look more solid and attractive.

To cover the trunk, it is not necessary to use the above-mentioned materials. Typically, panels for such doors are made of plastic in compliance with the required dimensions. Fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws. However, there are models for which this panel is not provided. In this case, you will have to drill the holes for the screws yourself. As a last resort, you can use the above-mentioned materials and simply cover the trunk lid.

How to Quickly Renew Faded Car Exterior Plastics

When using a car, especially if it is parked on the street, the color of the external plastic parts of its body fades over time under the influence of sunlight. Plastic fades in the sun or, as they say, burns out. In such a situation, the only way to qualitatively update the color of a car is by painting it again, but this is expensive and relatively troublesome.

Resourceful car enthusiasts have found another, very fast and practically inexpensive way to update the color of faded plastic elements of the car body (bumpers, linings, fender liners, etc.), provided that they are made of soft plastic. The only equipment you need is a regular gas burner equipped with a cylinder.

Let's look at how this method works using the example of resuscitating the color of a sun-bleached, unpainted plastic trim on the body of a Honda CR-V crossover. The piece was originally black, but when exposed to sunlight it changed color and became an unattractive pale gray.

The work is carried out as follows: 1. Light the burner, bring its torch to the plate and begin to evenly move the flame over its surface. It is strictly not recommended to remove the part from the body before this, since in a free position from heat it can change shape. The main thing when working is not to overdo it with heating the surface of the plastic and not to hold the burner torch in one place, so as not to melt the lining.

2. First, heat the edges of the lining, since they take longer to warm up, and only then its middle.

3. When the torch heats the surface of the lining, its color very quickly changes to the one it had before fading. This becomes noticeable almost immediately.

4. Thus, progressively, starting from the edges and without holding the burner torch in one place, the entire surface of the plastic part is heated. After treatment with a burner flame, the trim becomes black again and, unless you look closely, looks like new.

With a certain amount of skill, you can treat all elements of a car body made of soft plastic with a gas torch in literally half an hour. This method works, most likely, because when the plastic is quickly heated, only its upper layer, which is only a few microns thick, melts, as a result of which the lower layers, untouched by fading, become visible.

By the way, this method allows you not only to renew faded plastic, but also to make small scratches on it previously treated with fine sandpaper invisible. Video on how to renew faded plastic parts of a car body: Source

Demand for color

Designers advise painting the dashboard in the same color as the interior, choosing a slightly lighter shade. This reduces the strain on the driver's eyes. To make the interior of the cabin original, you can use one of the current colors: anthracite (charcoal color with a dusty effect) or titanium (golden hue with matte or dazzling glossy effects).

Repairing a car dashboard using “liquid rubber” paint is popular. When dry, this composition forms a smooth, rich matte surface, pleasant to the touch and resistant to negative influences.

Let's look at the main options for tuning dashboard elements. Since each car brand has its own special layout, you may not be able to exactly copy the ideas below to your car, but in any case the sequence of actions will be the same.

1. Re-upholstering the instrument mask Upholstering the instrument panel visor is not the easiest task; the complex shape of the part does not allow the mask to be re-upholstered without a seam. The dashboard visor can be covered with Alcantara, artificial or genuine leather. The material and neat seams beautifully complement the panel. // do not try to drag the panel with carpet. It turns out ugly. In the case when the part is strongly curved, then you cannot do without a pattern and seams. First you need to dismantle the dashboard mask by unscrewing 2 bolts at the top and 2 at the bottom. Now you can remove the pattern, marking the places where the seams will go. It is better to add 1 cm to each seam. Thick Whatman paper or paper tape are perfect for making a pattern.

2. Starting the engine with a button The engine start button is an ignition method that smoothly moves from luxury cars to the middle segment. An increasing number of modern cars are getting rid of the old engine starting system.

There are several options (schemes) for installing a button to start the engine. They differ in several nuances:

1. The key to start the engine through the button is used (the key turns on the ignition, the button starts the engine) 2. The key to start the engine through the button is not used (pressing the button completely replaces the key) 3. You can turn on the ignition separately through the button (press the button - it turns on ignition, pressed the button and the brake pedal - started the engine)