[433lemans]

I know they do superb quality work and are maybe the only player that does this work so not knocking them.
I just got a quote from them to recover my 69 Lemans center console glove box lid, just the lid. $300 to $400!!! I haven't replied to them with specifics required, which might reduce the cost some but, can you say sticker shock?
Has anybody here had a lid recovered by them lately and what was your experience?

[JSuchma]

Have you been to a grocery store in the last four years? Inflation affects all industries.........just saying. I'm self-employed and use oil-based products, I have had to raise my prices every year. I'm sure Just Dashes products are oil-based as well. I feel your pain!

[b-man]

Not surprised.

Quoted me 1000 dollars middle of last year to do my ‘64 dash pad which really isn’t much more than a dash topper, 1300 total if color matched to my Saddle interior.

[433lemans]

Originally Posted by JSuchma

Have you been to a grocery store in the last four years? Inflation affects all industries.........just saying. I'm self-employed and use oil-based products, I have had to raise my prices every year. I'm sure Just Dashes products are oil-based as well. I feel your pain!

Oh ya, I get it. I had been looking around and, ok, from a couple years ago, about a hundred dollars or a little more for a lid - roughly 6" x 12" x 1". But 200 to 300% more? Not standard inflation where I come from lol.

[JSuchma]

The problem is that they are the best and the only ones that provide the service, and they know it!

[433lemans]

Bingo!!!!
I've asked this question long ago but does anyone know what the vinyl material is that is used by companies for this kind of resto work? And where to get it? It's like the same material as the upholstery material for seats and door panels but without the reinforcing backing. In other words it's a thin vinyl that can be vacuum formed with a little heat.

[graygator]

Might try Al Knoch Interiors, near El Paso Texas. I couldn't handle the price of Just Dashes. The 69 GTO/LeMans dash is the worst to refinish. From research, it seems that Just Dashes is the gold standard for this type of work. But for my project, the dash in a 69 Lemans resto-mod, Al Knoch Interiors was just fine. And they had a sale on last year. I'm happy. It wasn't absolutely factory perfect, I had to trim a lot of excess flash around the back on openings, and maybe a bit puffy around a couple of openings. But 99% is good enough for me. I don't remember how much cheaper it was, but significant. I'd use them again.

[tom s]

JD did my 69 Firebird and my 69 Judge.Was very happy with the quality but even years back they were expensive but worth it.Tom

[rohrt]

There is a video out there that shows the amount of work that goes into restoring a dash. It was much more labor intensive then I would have ever thought.

That said I recovered my own dash in a 64 tempest for the cost of a can of Weldwood adhesive, padded dash filler and few yard of the correct color of vinyl.

[433lemans]

Yup. I watched the video with Jay Leno on their website. I don't disagree with the amount of labor that goes into restoration of this stuff. My only point is the amount of money I think it takes to do a part this small is far too much, but that's up to them. I'd do it myself if I could find the vinyl that is used.

[burd]

Go to Joanne fabrics, get the vinyl, stretch it on yourself.
Better, put a dash mat on your car and it wouldn’t be all cracked.

[Squidward]

If the price of nicely restored collector vehicles wasn't so expensive, then Just Dashes would either be unavailable due to low margin, or it would be more affordable. My guess is the expensive state of the collector market driven by BJ/Mechum/etc. is what pushes some of the pricing, because really wealthy people grabbing at a youthful reminiscence are willing to pay it.

Wish it was cheaper. My 67 Firebird has a big metal dash, which is awesomely cheap for restoration, but horrible if you take a bite out of it in an accident.

[433lemans]

/\ /\ /\ Bingo!

[Goatracer1]

Are you talking about the console door? If you are Ames sells a reproduction for $43.00

[433lemans]

Yes. I am aware of theirs. I'd really like to have one already in my interior color, which isn't black. Thanks

[Goatracer1]

Rather than pay $50 and dye it yourself you consider paying $300-$400?

[BB70]

I am under the impression that if what is recovered is not black , it is dyed- painted after being recovered. It would be nice to hear how its done.

John

[TAKerry]

Is the interior colour of your car available in a SEM product? Its pretty simple to apply. Unless the concours judge is going to scrutinize the glove box lid then a repro and dye would be high on my list.
I have restored a bunch of dashes with success, but that is with filler. My next go round is going to be with vacuum forming. There is specific vinyl made just for that process. I am pretty sure thats how they were originally done.

[srmmmm]

The JustDashes refurb was the most expensive single component item purchase of the entire restoration of my 1970 Firebird at $1850. Number 2 was the CVF serpentine kit at $1800 and number 3 was the TCI Turbo350 at $1400. It also took 9 months to get done at the tail end of their covid business back-up. But, I was extremely pleased with the quality and appearance, and still consider it worth it today.

[433lemans]

Originally Posted by TAKerry

Is the interior colour of your car available in a SEM product? Its pretty simple to apply. Unless the concours judge is going to scrutinize the glove box lid then a repro and dye would be high on my list.
I have restored a bunch of dashes with success, but that is with filler. My next go round is going to be with vacuum forming. There is specific vinyl made just for that process. I am pretty sure thats how they were originally done.

That is my point.
I know there is a specific vinyl used and all I've been trying to find out is where to get some. My original padding is in good condition but needs recovering, and the color is not dyed. A small piece like this should be fairly easy to do.

And no, there's no way in hell I'm considering paying $300 - $400 to have it done. Sheesh!
Thanks for all constructive comments.