Dashboard Recovering and Dash Pad Repair
Cracked and sun-split dash pads recovered in leather or vinyl over the original core, with the vents and gauge openings cut to the original part. The recovering is done in house.
The dash has to come out first.
In most cases a dash cannot be recovered while it is still in the vehicle.
New material has to be stretched around the whole pad and every opening cut by hand, and that cannot be done properly with the dash sitting under the windshield. The pad needs to be out of the car before the work starts.
If your dash is still installed, have it removed by your mechanic or restorer before bringing it in.
Not sure how yours comes out?
Call with your year, make, and model before you book, and we will talk through what is involved.
Call (586) 939-9090What we recover
Cracked and sun-split pads
Sun splits a dash pad along the top, often near the defroster vents and the gauge hood. The pad is recovered over its original core, and the vents and gauge openings are cut from the original part.
- Recovered over the original core
- Leather or vinyl
- Openings cut to the original
- Color matched to the interior
Restorations and custom interiors
Vinyl for a restoration that has to look original, or leather and suede for a custom build. The same pad can go either way.
- Restoration vinyl
- Leather and suede
- Custom colors
- Matching console and door panels
Recovering is not a crack filler.
Filler kits and dash caps cover a crack. Recovering gives the whole pad a new surface.
A recovered dash has new material over the entire pad, fitted around every curve and opening, rather than a patch over the damaged spot. The original core has to be sound enough to recover. If it is broken or badly warped, we will tell you before any work starts.
The center console and door panels can be recovered to match; see Door Panels and Interior Trim. For classic cars, see Vintage Restoration.
Dashboard questions, answered.
What people ask most before bringing in a dash.
Can you recover a dash while it is still in the car?
No. In most cases the dash has to be removed from the vehicle before the work starts, because the new material is stretched around the whole pad and every opening is cut by hand.
Leather or vinyl?
Either. Vinyl suits a restoration that has to look original. Leather or suede suits a custom interior. The same pad can go either way.
Is recovering better than a dash cap or crack filler?
A cap or filler covers the damage. Recovering puts new material over the entire pad, fitted around every curve and opening, so there is no patch to see.
What if the dash core is badly damaged?
The original core has to be sound enough to recover. If it is broken or badly warped, we will tell you before any work starts.
Ready to start?
Send a photo of the dash with your year, make, and model, or call the shop at (586) 939-9090. Most estimates go out within one business day.
Request an Estimate