Mk III Sprite cockpit surround - trying to recover

[slacsteve]

I tried to recover my rear cockpit surround. First glued on 1/4 inch foam and then glued Moss black vinyl but ran into problems at the 90 degree bends. Applied a little heat but the vinyl split on me. I have to start over. I searched and found a few old posts but nothing giving me a recommended technique at the corners. Can someone who has done it help? Or know somebody that will do it for me? I also noted the polished aluminum approach but .. the dash and sides are vinyl so .... I would rather keep the original look. Or may have a lead on a parted out car.

 

[Guest]

Instead of polish how about black wrinkle paint?

 

[slacsteve]

Good Idea. Worked well when I did the dash 12 years ago.

 

[nomad]

I have repaired the original covering on my 65 midget and have to do it yet on my 64 sprite. As you mentioned the 90 degree turns are a problem.
I did the repair by using a heat gun to help stretch the cover back into shape. I then applied contact cement and stitched the cover together to hold it in place around the bend. Stitching is hidden when its bolted in place. Worked great and looks as it should.

Kurt.

 

[slacsteve]

Did you use 1/4 inch foam under the vinyl? Did your heat/form it before gluing to get the shape right?

 

[nomad]

I had the original foam still in place. i don't believe it is 1/4 inch thick....more like 1/8. The heat just aided in softening the old cover and I only used it when forming it back to the original shape. I seem to remember using something to hold the shape around the bend but don't remember what I used. After getting it formed I used a heavy needle and light cord to stitch it in a couple of place's. Then I just zig-zaged across the whole bend to make sure it stayed.

Kurt.

 

[Whitephrog]

The original padding was 5/16" thick on my 66.

 

[nomad]

Maybe it was thicker, Ray, its been awhile and my memory fades....pretty quick!
It must have been pretty soft foam though as I don't remember having any trouble with it.

Kurt.

 

[Whitephrog]

Maybe it was thicker, Ray, its been awhile and my memory fades....pretty quick!
It must have been pretty soft foam though as I don't remember having any trouble with it.

Kurt.

I had a piece to measure yesterday or I wouldn't have been able to remember either. It is very soft and will compress to nearly paper thin.

 

[slacsteve]

Thanks all. With your techniques and my newfound patience in retirement I'll give it another shot.