After lusting over ALMS Ferrari dashes for a while I decided to give it a try. I got some black Ultrasuede from an upholstery shop and some 3M trim adhesive and went at it. Overall I'm happy with the result but like most projects, I could do a better job if I had it to do over. I trimmed the dash, instrument hood, A-pillars, and window triangles.

Attached are some images, the color is a little off in some but you get the idea. I'm resisting the temptation to do the entire interior but I think that would cross the line from functional (no glare) to gauche.

 

That looks great!
I was thinking of doing this also, but finding the right type of
alcantara/suede that doesn't fade and turn purple to exposed sunlight.

Any issues?

 

What was the total cost, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Around 150 all told. We'll see what the response to sunlight is.

 

Very Nice, I was thinking of doing the same thing, what would you have done differently?

 

You just get better at working with the stuff over time. Nothing different really.

 

That looks great!

 

Looks like a quality job - congrats on being different and succeeding!

 

Looks great! I plan on doing the same. Some people that have previously done such a project say that the actual more expensive European Alcantara brand stuff is a lot more resistant to fade. I do not know if that is just speculation or actual first hand experience though. I believe the Alcantara rolls are like twice as much money as Ultrasuede. Please keep us updated on how your dash holds up.

 

What was the process ? Did you simply lay the material over the rubber/plastic ?

Just glue it on and that's it ?

 

Updates on how they're holding up? What 3m trim adhesive did you use?

 

Paging Gordon Monsen... Paging Gordon Monsen

 

regarding the fading, You could always tint the windshield. 3m even makes a clear film that is 99.9% UV reflective. That would probably stop the fading.

 

also, did you pop the rivets off and just screw down your VIN plate?

 

I think it looks sick!

 

there is also a method where you can spray gliue over the surface and just spead small fibers over it. It's being used in the car music industry. It will take out the canhce of fabric loosening from the dash

Great work though

 

The dash looks great. I like how the plastic trim pieces look with the ultrasuede. The drivers side a-pillar looks weird because of the gauge but it could be the picture. How many pieces did you use on the dash? How's it holding up since you did this?

 

Hey Gordon, shoot me an email plz at Info@FDNewbieImports.com. Emailed you a few times, but it keeps on bouncing back...

 

That's loooking pretty sweet!

 

would like to know how this is holding up to the heat from the windshield. Have you been happy with the results? update .

 

where can we order alcantara?

 

The real deal top-of-the-line alcantara (same that's used in the interiors of cars like BMW, Aston Martin, etc) is only sold through distributors, and while they will sell to you directly, you get raped on price if you're not a vendor yourself. I already have an account w/ 'em, so I can get it for ya cheaper if you're interested. Just lemme know.

Thanks,
~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports

 

Being that I've had extensive discussions with Alcantara, Toray and Ultrasuede, I know that there are still currently problems with fading on areas exposed to the sun. The black WILL fade in the sun, you can use sun blockers, and park in a garage to prevent (or slow down) this.

They still haven't found ways to meet most car manufacturer's standards for fade resistance... but that doesn't mean it can meet end-consumer standards =)

This looks really good.

 

Definitely interested. I tried to send you a pm, but your box is full.

Send me a pm!

 

^ +1. Interested also.