Before and After of a Dash Restoration

[Cuda Cody]

Restoring a car is nothing more than a bunch of small restoration projects (or steps) combined to make a complete restored car.  Some steps are easy like door hinges or seats while other steps like bodywork / paint and engine building can take many months and lots of money.  Most anyone can restore a car if they have determination and have some guidance.  I think that sharing information is the best way to learn.

So, I'm thinking about documenting online for free a step by step restoration of a Challenger or Cuda.  The information would be presented in a 'How To' sort of format (similar to the steering column 'how to' I did about 6 years ago) but this time it would have all the tips & tricks along with the vendors used for restoration listed.  Since this would add about 6 months to one of my projects I wanted to see if anyone would even use it?  I could set it up so that you can click on a section and go right to whatever you need to see.  Videos will most likely go along with the photos and text to make things easier to understand.

Here's a few before and after photos of a dash I just finished with the correct texture finish.....

[Cuda Cody]

Here's what the dash looked like to start.....

[Cuda Cody]

Some photos of the process:

[Cuda Cody]

Some more:

[72rtchallenger]

nice thread,,good work on the dash

[tman]

Now that is NICE.....Is the steering column post still available for viewing?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I don't know about the steering column post, but he had a good "how to do" about recovering seats a few years back.

CODY,

   You Da man!!   

[340_6pak]

Great Job! I just did mine and it is acceptable, but nothing like yours. Using the clamps on the wood finish is something I wish I had thought of. Once again, great job, looking forward to more.

[Todd Smith]

AUSEM just *&%#ing AUSEM   Do the how to 

[Matt70]

Hey Cody great work, I would use the "how to" site for sure. I think it would be really helpful.  Matt

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Great work Cody!  A how-to site would be a real asset to the members but lots of work for you. It would get lots of use.  PK

[Jesus H Chrysler]

OUTSTANDING!!!  I'd personally love a "how to" thread to research.  My methods get the job done, but usually the hardest, most expensive and painful way possible.  It'd be nice to be able to look over the shoulder of someone who knows what they're doing.

I for one thank you!

[burdar]

Are those new dash woodgrain overlays or original ones?  The new ones come flat and you have to bend them into shape.  I'm curious what the best way to bend them is...

[4Cruizn]

Did you restore the pad also?

[TreeFrog]

Awesome!  That is class A Work!