removing the dash! on my own..... advice needed!

[Beedub]

Ok this is a biggy.....

i Love the style of our interiors its a really cool place to be, but the materials leave alot to be desired! sooooooo..... I'm going for it.. i want to remove the entire dash and door cards and I'm going to get it trimmed in nappa leather with ///M style stitch to match the steering wheel.... Ive never took a dash out a car before and I'm guessing this is going to be a whopper of a job, but i definitely capable just need some pointers, can anyone give me some tips, or a guide for removing this at all?? Whatever happens it need to be able to put it back exactly as it came from the factory.

Tips would be very welcome, as soon as i feel ready I'm going to start the strip down.

 

[groovy_hippy]

Try somewhere in here....
http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/z_series_e85/z4_2.5i_n52_roadst/2_repair_instructions/51__body_equipment_(roadst)/16__mirrors-covers-ashtrays-shelves-trays/1_ra__overview_of_storage_compartments_and_side_trim_panels/

Edit - I can't seem to find the dashboard bit, but it must be in there somewhere!

Would be interested to know how it goes. I fancy doing mine in alcantara but it's not a small job is it? :?

 

[groovy_hippy]

Bingo - the dashboard is called the 'instrument panel trim'! Looks like it's an 'everything out' job...

http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/z_series_e85/z4_2.5i_n52_roadst/2_repair_instructions/51__body_equipment_(roadst)/45__instrument_cluster_trim_panel/3_ra__removing_and_installing_instrument_panel_trim/

 

[Beedub]

thanks for that..... after a recent stint in the new cayman, and seeing another members post on his changes to the interior.... i decided.... its time to give the interior a new lease of life :evil: :evil:

look at this!! maybe the colours may not be to taste but wow!

 

[adam1985]

Those seats in red :wub: :wub: do you know what they are?

 

[tomscott]

As long as you dont get the steeringwheel stitched like that :rofl: The lines are terrible.

love the rest tho! Would love the dash top to be done in leather with the tri stitching. Super cool.

Wonder if the bottom part has also been done in leather, the white section. The extended leather packages in the Porsches are lovely.

Would stay well clear of alcantara. Not sure why anyone likes it, it feels awful is a cheap man made fibre that wears really badly as the oils from your hands gets embedded it cant be cleaned so has to be replaced. GT3s etc that have seen some use look awful with patchy dark rubbed up areas. Least with leather unless it gets cut or scratched 30 mins of elbow grease will get it looking like new.



Leather all the way

 

[Roundozo]

I like that interior and wish you all the best beedub! It's nice to see people take a fresh look at things. One thing of note however, isn't that steering wheel airbag cover a bit of an issue though. That part is thoroughly thought out in design so that when/if the airbag goes off its designed to do so in a certain way to avoid injury. Surely that cover will effect the dynamics of the airbag release? Who knows but I wouldn't want to be the first to try.

 

[tomscott]

I like that interior and wish you all the best beedub! It's nice to see people take a fresh look at things. One thing of note however, isn't that steering wheel airbag cover a bit of an issue though. That part is thoroughly thought out in design so that when/if the airbag goes off its designed to do so in a certain way to avoid injury. Surely that cover will effect the dynamics of the airbag release? Who knows but I wouldn't want to be the first to try.

That is probably why the stitching is there, following the release line of the airbag. Weak part to let the airbag release.

Worth considering tho, any good car trimmer should sort this as a normal part of workflow.

 

[Roundozo]

^good point.

 

[MrPT]

Nice - where did you find those pics?!

I've looked into this too - just a copy of extended leather (plus dash in two tone with an Imola lower half), alcantara roof liner, Recaro PPs - but won't get round to doing it any time soon (£££s!).

Alcantara is a thin material and will get you flat seams. If you want that "factory" Porsche/Aston/BMW etc flat seamed look in leather, you need to find an upholsterer with decent skiving skills/equipment, or design everything carefully so the raised seams don't look too amateurish (e.g. follow the edge of the binnacle, the corners of the transmission tunnel etc).

This guy might be a good starting point as he's a forum member and has already done quite a few things for his own coupe.

 

[Beedub]

Nice - where did you find those pics?!

I've looked into this too - just a copy of extended leather (plus dash in two tone with an Imola lower half), alcantara roof liner, Recaro PPs - but won't get round to doing it any time soon (£££s!).

Alcantara is a thin material and will get you flat seams. If you want that "factory" Porsche/Aston/BMW etc flat seamed look in leather, you need to find an upholsterer with decent skiving skills/equipment, or design everything carefully so the raised seams don't look too amateurish (e.g. follow the edge of the binnacle, the corners of the transmission tunnel etc).

This guy might be a good starting point as he's a forum member and has already done quite a few things for his own coupe.

This is who I'm planning to use 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

 

[mcbeee]

I get good info here
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/BMW_Z4M_Tech.htm#body

 

[Darkangelv2]

Nice - where did you find those pics?!

I've looked into this too - just a copy of extended leather (plus dash in two tone with an Imola lower half), alcantara roof liner, Recaro PPs - but won't get round to doing it any time soon (£££s!).

Alcantara is a thin material and will get you flat seams. If you want that "factory" Porsche/Aston/BMW etc flat seamed look in leather, you need to find an upholsterer with decent skiving skills/equipment, or design everything carefully so the raised seams don't look too amateurish (e.g. follow the edge of the binnacle, the corners of the transmission tunnel etc).

This guy might be a good starting point as he's a forum member and has already done quite a few things for his own coupe.

This is who I'm planning to use 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

I've got his previous interior. Still looks and feels lovely. Can seriously recommend!! :evil:

 

[MrPT]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/152715392315

Worth a low bid maybe?

 

[Beedub]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/152715392315

Worth a low bid maybe?

have done so and offers were rejected :-( offers which i felt were fair.