Trans Tunnel cover vinyl & pad thickness

[Brian76]

I'm about ready to cover the transmission tunnel cover with vinyl and was wondering what material you guys used. I would like to use a thin layer of foam padding under it, but don't want to go overboard and make it look too spongy/plush. From my brief research, it looks like vinyl comes in different grades (marine, UV resistant, etc) and has different backing (cotton, polyester, foam attached, etc). I'm curious what you guys used and where you purchased it. Too make this endeavor more challengeing I will need to try to match my FFR plastic vinyl dash. :eek:

Any info would be much appreciated!

Thanks
Brian

[Steven K]

I was thinking of the same thing and considering using 1/8" foam. I tried a piece on the dash to give me a padded dash look and and it gave me about what I was looking for, but I am still looking into it.

[GTBradley]

⅛" is what I used and it's a perfect feel. I had an upholster do it in leather which that adds a bit of a padded feel too. I think vinyl might be a better choice for carefree longevity as the leather is intolerant to moisture sitting on it for any length of time.

This is beyond what you asked for, but I thought I would share it because it has been a success for me.

The way to make this trans tunnel cover feel right, IMO, is to use the thicker metal from FFMetal (http://ffmetal.com/) and cover the underside with Cool It Thermo Tec (https://www.thermotec.com/products/sound-and-heat-barriers/suppressor-acoustical-and-heat-control-mat) sound and heat insulation. I could literally stand on this cover and it feels substantial when you touch it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=109112&d=1560905542

[JJ in Cbus]

I used the foam padding you would use under laminate flooring. It is about 1/8" thick and covered it with Marine vinyl from JoAnn Fabrics. It gives you a softer padded feel without looking puffy.

Here is a shot of the finished cover:
119181 119187

Here is the cover before I wrapped it in vinyl:
119182 119183

I just used velcro strips under the cover to hold it down to the tunnel.

[Al_C]

I used marine vinyl and put a 1/8" pad underneath. The padding that I would recommend is closed cell foam (Volara). PM me if you would like specifics on the product and the source.


As it turns out, I'm re-doing the tunnel now in leather to match the dash (which I am also re-doing). I got a great deal on a whole hide and elected to do the whole thing over! (Yes, I probably am crazy.)

[Papa]

My upholsterer used a 1/8" Landau pad under the leather. It provides a bit of cushion, but is a fairly firm or rigid foam that doesn't look "puffy".

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84714&d=1524445005

[EngineeringHiggy]

Hi JJ,
Love the wood dash and console.
Really like what you did with the e-brake configuration.
Where did you get the cup holders from?

[JJ in Cbus]

Thanks. I got those on Amazon. I will see if I can find the link.


Found it:
https://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-Stainless-Holder-Marine-Camper/dp/B009DCGT74/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1489006970&sr=8-3&keywords=stainless+drop+in+cup+holder

[Brian76]

Thanks for the replies! Looks like 1/8" padding is the popular choice. I like that its not too puffy. A couple more questions:
1. What is the process and products used to secure the pad to the aluminum THEN the vinyl to the pad? Obviously if the vinyl comes with foam backing the second step is not required
2. Has anyone found a vinyl that matches the factory five plastic vinyl dash?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Also used 1/8" under the vinyl & made a second piece for the u-joint cover. Both have stood up well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=105224&d=1554745065

EDIT also got my material from a local fabric shop.

[jrcuz]

I did my dash with black felt and black marine vinyl from Joann fabrics and I plan to do the trans tunnel top with the same.
JR

[JJ in Cbus]

I used DAP Weldwood contact cement to adhere the foam to my luan cover and the vinyl to the foam. Two driving seasons in and nothing has come unglued. You do need to be careful when using DAP though, depending on the foam and vinyl that you use. It is solvent based and can dissolve the foam and/or vinyl. Test on small pieces before committing to the tunnel. I wrapped a 6" x 6" piece of plywood with my foam and Vinyl and it held up fine.