Tranny cover ... padded or not

[John Ibele]

I'm planning on covering my tranny tunnel top with the same leather I used on my dash. I love the look of the dash with the 1/8" upholstery foam underneath. Just the right amount of give. I'm not too jazzed about how easily it takes a permanent dent when pushed on for any period of time. (While working on the dash after covering it, I left it spring-clamped "for a short time" while going out to dinner ... dodged a bullet on that one, but it took 24 hrs to blend back in, and I think if I had left it clamped overnight I'd have a permanent clamp mark.)

For those that covered their tunnel in either vinyl or leather, would you recommend using foam under or going with leather straight to the aluminum panel? Any problems with items left sitting on a padded surface?

[CaptB]

My upholster guy put a pad between the leather and the metal. It's coming out of the shop next week as I had him do diamond double stitch but I'll post pics when it comes out.

[edwardb]

I've done several trans covers. With vinyl and with leather. In all cases with 1/8" closed cell foam. Holds up fine and doesn't take a set or dent with normal routine use. I like a place to rest my elbow and it's better with a little cushion.

[egchewy79]

my tunnel has some closed cell foam as well. I have noticed some indentations just from the harness sitting on it. it comes back, but I'm very careful not to let the weight of the harness buckles rest on the tunnel now.

[John Ibele]

my tunnel has some closed cell foam as well. I have noticed some indentations just from the harness sitting on it. it comes back, but I'm very careful not to let the weight of the harness buckles rest on the tunnel now.


I've done several trans covers. With vinyl and with leather. In all cases with 1/8" closed cell foam. Holds up fine and doesn't take a set or dent with normal routine use. I like a place to rest my elbow and it's better with a little cushion.

That's exactly what I was looking for. I would like padded as well for the reason Paul cited, and can be reasonably observant about anything left on the tunnel top. Thanks.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Padded. They hold up very well with good materials. Had 7 years on my first one. Was in excellent condition when I removed to to match a new dash I installed. Also padded the new one.

[Rdone585]

Used the same leather material for the dash and the tranny tunnel cover. I built it up a little with aluminum + plywood + polystyrene foam + a thin layer of softer foam under the leather material. The cover is about 3/4" total in thickness. Stays in place well and removes with a single bolt (after removing the shifter knob). It's worked well now for almost 20 years. Not too soft but easy to rest you arm on for longer rides.170499

[Blitzboy54]

I used the 1/8 foam that I used in the dash. All modeled off of Paul’s build. I’ve driven it quite a bit and have no regrets. It holds up well.

[GoDadGo]

Not padded, but neither is my dash or switch panel stereo pod.

Final Assembly:
https://youtu.be/ELFJDOVKb4g

Graduation Video:
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

I think you just need to be consistent (Dash, Tunnel Top, Etc.) making it all match to create an elegant solution.

Good Luck!

[John Ibele]

Thanks Jesse and GoDad! Padded it is, to match the dash.