Alcantara Dash
09-06-07, 06:30 PM
#26
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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
Thanks,
~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports
09-06-07, 07:39 PM
#27
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.
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.
(j/k). Supposedly the material is currently the most fade-resistant available on the market today...Nameless, you guys weren't considering using it in the application I think you were, were ya?
JDMRevolution, Toyo Kogyo, seven lust, do I smell a Group Buy??
~Ramy
09-06-07, 08:43 PM
#28
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But to Ramy's point, it definitely is the most fade resistant that they've had. Like I said, to most consumers it maybe fine.
And buy from Ramy, he'll take care of you =)
09-09-07, 08:03 PM
#29
I didn't realize this thread was active again. So far the material has held up well but honestly it has only spent about 12 hours in the sun. It is usually garaged and not my daily driver. In addition, the car has been on my lift for 2 months waiting for my Racing Brake package (already sold the old brakes).
Like most things, I could do it better if I had to do it again. If Ramey can get true Alcantara, get it (they would not sell to me without a business license). I got Ultrasuede from an e-bay supplier. It is made by the same company but hard facts regarding UV resistance I could not find. They make several grades and colors. I've since found a black I like a little better (less purple shade) but what I have is a closer match to the R1 seats. I put some strips out in the Georgia sun for a couple of weeks and report back to you.
The only adhesive you should use is 3m trim adhesive. They have two (maybe 3) types, I used the medium (08088) and the super (08090). The disadvantage of the super is that is will soak through the material if you are not VERY careful and disrupt the nap. The medium will not soak through but when pulling the fabric around some of the dash curves it is not strong enough. So use the medium when you can. I got it from here
http://www.levineautoparts.com/adhesives.html
I may be doing another dash so I will probably make some patterns out of cotton drop cloths to have on hand for future projects. I also hand sewed a cover for the shift **** - ok result.
For the VIN plate, yes, I drilled out the rivets and replaced them with black screws. The defrost plastic is so brittle there is no way to avoid cracking it.
Alan
Like most things, I could do it better if I had to do it again. If Ramey can get true Alcantara, get it (they would not sell to me without a business license). I got Ultrasuede from an e-bay supplier. It is made by the same company but hard facts regarding UV resistance I could not find. They make several grades and colors. I've since found a black I like a little better (less purple shade) but what I have is a closer match to the R1 seats. I put some strips out in the Georgia sun for a couple of weeks and report back to you.
The only adhesive you should use is 3m trim adhesive. They have two (maybe 3) types, I used the medium (08088) and the super (08090). The disadvantage of the super is that is will soak through the material if you are not VERY careful and disrupt the nap. The medium will not soak through but when pulling the fabric around some of the dash curves it is not strong enough. So use the medium when you can. I got it from here
http://www.levineautoparts.com/adhesives.html
I may be doing another dash so I will probably make some patterns out of cotton drop cloths to have on hand for future projects. I also hand sewed a cover for the shift **** - ok result.
For the VIN plate, yes, I drilled out the rivets and replaced them with black screws. The defrost plastic is so brittle there is no way to avoid cracking it.
Alan
09-09-07, 08:14 PM
#30
Alan, you crack me up haha. 12 hours hehe.
If Ramy can get true Alcantara, get it (they would not sell to me without a business license).
I'd be more than willing to help ya guys get some material from 'em.Thanks,
~Ramy
09-09-07, 09:29 PM
#33
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+1 on GB. Instead of buying a black interior swap like every FC owner i can cover the dash and panels with this stuff. Looks better, feels better, its made of win!
09-13-07, 03:21 PM
#35
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Not sure if i posted it correctly but heres a GB interest thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...36#post7330636
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...36#post7330636
09-13-07, 04:49 PM
#38
Geeeeez man...it's been AGES son. AGES since we last talked. Where ya been hidin?! (Or should I say in which car?
)I'm good...tired, overworked, unpaid, same old really hehe.
Re: the colors, yea man, check the GB thread. I mentioned the options (same old Trav...still can't read
) haha I kiiid I kiiid!!! ~Ramy
09-15-07, 10:05 AM
#41
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David... I went with "doiuble-row" stitching this time in a very few places, like the seat edges. Instead of the Alcantara, I went with a sueded black hide for the dash and door uppers back through the quarters. Used the regular Sabrina hides below and joined with french double stitching.
The tanners said that, while, if I exposed it to sunlight on a regular basis it would eventually fade, they feel it will be fine for my uses. It looks so good, I donlt care. I used a really nice skived and perfed leather for the headliner. We'll see how that looks soon. I can't wait to get the finished interior plastics back from the platers...
Gordon
(Ramy, I an saving the fabric we took off the RZ's...)
The tanners said that, while, if I exposed it to sunlight on a regular basis it would eventually fade, they feel it will be fine for my uses. It looks so good, I donlt care. I used a really nice skived and perfed leather for the headliner. We'll see how that looks soon. I can't wait to get the finished interior plastics back from the platers...
Gordon
(Ramy, I an saving the fabric we took off the RZ's...)
I can't wait to see what your car looks like. Wow! Just Wow!
09-15-07, 11:25 AM
#43
David... I went with "doiuble-row" stitching this time in a very few places, like the seat edges. Instead of the Alcantara, I went with a sueded black hide for the dash and door uppers back through the quarters. Used the regular Sabrina hides below and joined with french double stitching.
The tanners said that, while, if I exposed it to sunlight on a regular basis it would eventually fade, they feel it will be fine for my uses. It looks so good, I donlt care. I used a really nice skived and perfed leather for the headliner. We'll see how that looks soon. I can't wait to get the finished interior plastics back from the platers...
Gordon
(Ramy, I an saving the fabric we took off the RZ's...)
The tanners said that, while, if I exposed it to sunlight on a regular basis it would eventually fade, they feel it will be fine for my uses. It looks so good, I donlt care. I used a really nice skived and perfed leather for the headliner. We'll see how that looks soon. I can't wait to get the finished interior plastics back from the platers...
Gordon
(Ramy, I an saving the fabric we took off the RZ's...)
09-15-07, 11:33 AM
#44
I test drove one (the AMVantage) and didn't like it. While I loved the way it looks, it is very lacking on the handling and performance side. The clutch setup is horrible and very loose feeling. While the exhaust sounds great - it has a baffle in it that opens up under throttle - the pickup is average at best and the car feels heavy to me. The brakes are great thoug. All in all, it just doesn't do it for me. I think the better route to go would be to pick up a used 911 Turbo in a few years.
The 20B FD has spoiled me
The 20B FD has spoiled me
09-15-07, 02:16 PM
#45
I test drove one (the AMVantage) and didn't like it. While I loved the way it looks, it is very lacking on the handling and performance side. The clutch setup is horrible and very loose feeling. While the exhaust sounds great - it has a baffle in it that opens up under throttle - the pickup is average at best and the car feels heavy to me. The brakes are great thoug. All in all, it just doesn't do it for me. I think the better route to go would be to pick up a used 911 Turbo in a few years.
The 20B FD has spoiled me
The 20B FD has spoiled me
09-15-07, 02:17 PM
#46
David... I went with "doiuble-row" stitching this time in a very few places, like the seat edges. Instead of the Alcantara, I went with a sueded black hide for the dash and door uppers back through the quarters. Used the regular Sabrina hides below and joined with french double stitching.
The tanners said that, while, if I exposed it to sunlight on a regular basis it would eventually fade, they feel it will be fine for my uses. It looks so good, I donlt care. I used a really nice skived and perfed leather for the headliner. We'll see how that looks soon. I can't wait to get the finished interior plastics back from the platers...
Gordon
(Ramy, I an saving the fabric we took off the RZ's...)
The tanners said that, while, if I exposed it to sunlight on a regular basis it would eventually fade, they feel it will be fine for my uses. It looks so good, I donlt care. I used a really nice skived and perfed leather for the headliner. We'll see how that looks soon. I can't wait to get the finished interior plastics back from the platers...
Gordon
(Ramy, I an saving the fabric we took off the RZ's...)
P-P-Pleasssse post a ton of pictures of your work! Also, what are you getting your interior plastics plated in?
Regards,
Charlie
