Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

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Chris Skinner
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Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Chris Skinner »

I just thought I would show off my new dashboard.
After giving up hope with NIssan I decided to go to LeatherTek in Pta North.
They re-covered the dash in 2 days and did a fantastic job. Coenie at Leathertek says they have done many patrols and never had a comeback, while I have heard that even dashboards replaced by NIssan have again bubbled...
It costs R1300 at Leathertek plus a cost to remove/replace the windscreen - I had to get a new windscreen anyway so did at same time.

Oh yes, I have also added fittings and bulbs to the dummy tail lights at the back - looks great!
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Last edited by Chris Skinner on 04 Mar 2012 22:24, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Jules »

EXCELLENT and the cost is minimum !!!!

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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Tinus lotz »

Cool man !!!! Will last forever now :woo:
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Tony »

That looks really good and nicely done - any rattles in the dash after removing ?? Who fitted the globes in the rear light clusters ? I've been looking for someone that can do a proffessional job, maybe with led's to minimize voltage/current draw. Please let me know contact details.
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Chris Skinner
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Chris Skinner »

Dash - They do not remove the dash, just pull out the instrument clusters and panels below where the black top ends, so no rattles.
They get to the front part of the dash by removing the windscreen.
Contact Coenie at LeatherTek - 0824403840

Tail lights - I did these myself, very simple and cheap. The fittings are about R15 each (only need 5 as there is already one for the existing reverse light). They take conventional type globes. I made the bottom one lights and brake with a dual type globe, the middle clear ones are now both reverse lights, the top ones are indicators. The wiring for the lights already exists at the rear of the light cluster, so all you need to do is get some connectors. I cut the holes for the globe holders with a 25mm circular saw and the fit is really nice and tight - no need for glueing. If I get a gap tomorrow will take a few pics and post these.
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Grootseun »

Looks great Chris have you tried the winch yet ?
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by AndriesS »

Hi Chris,

Do you know if they remove the dashboard's existing plastic? I did my dashboard myself sometime ago and have experienced two problems, my leather started shrinking (I used proper leather ) and I'm very surprised by it and the bubbles are showing up as bulges through the leather. Did they do anything special around the passenger airbag. Imagine the surprise if you get face slapped with a dashboard size piece of leather when the passenger airbag pops.
The work does look great.

On your windscreen, check that the little plastics clips that hold the vent/wiper tray in place has been refitted. Second and third from the left is crucial and you might find water leaks in passenger foot well if they are stuffed. I had to seal mine with some silicone.
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Chris Skinner
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Chris Skinner »

Drico - the winch seems to work great but have not used under load as my trip to Sodwana was cancelled due to obvious reasons...cyclone Irina! :thumbdown: (Ends up being a very expensive non-fishing event!)

AndriesS - yes, they pull off the old vinyl top and put the new vinyl straight onto the foam core with some kind of adhesive I suppose. I asked Coenie about using leather, and he said it woud shrink and crack as yours is doing. Yes, they did replace the securing clips as you suggest (...I do have a few new ones spare if you are looking for such clips).
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Daniel »

Hi Chris,

Dash looks great. I also have a 2007 Patrol but no blistering as yet.

Please explain how the tail lights are fitted - are there nuts/screws and clips? I have tried removing mine with no luck. Scared to use force as I might do some damage. Would love to fit the extra globes!!! Lights look amazing and very visible.

Thanks and regards,
Dan
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Chris Skinner
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Re: Dashboard Re-Covered and Tail Lights Done!

Post by Chris Skinner »

Hi Dan
There are two bolts holding the light fitting in place. You access and loosen the nuts from the inside (inside the panel where the jack is kept on the right back and similar panel on left). Then there are 2 or 3 plastic and rubber clips that hold the whole fitting in place. Its quite difficult to prise out the light, be careful of damaging the paintwork or cracking the edge of the light fitting if you try to lever it out.
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