Replacing dash covering .... contact cement/foam residue?

[Lynnhowlyn]

Long story short - I'm replacing the covering on my dash.

Being removed is one (1) layer of foam, and one (1) layer of vinyl - both of which were applied using contact cement.

The vinyl stripped off pretty easily - as did the bulk of the foam - using a thin razor-type blade slipped between the layers in a "sawing" motion.

Working now on the last bit of foam and the residual (long ago dried) contact cement.

Contact cement container says to use "mineral spirits" (aka paint thinner?) to clean up tools and etc after application of contact cement.

So that's what I'm using along with the "scratchy-side" of a kitchen sponge ("borrowed" from my wife - mum's the word! ;) ).

Anyone else done this (removed existing dash covering and old contact cement) and did it different/better? If so, please share your wisdom!

Thanks

Lynn

[Blue MK3]

I've had pretty good luck using toluene or xylene (high quality paint thinner) to remove glues like contact cement and/or spray adhesive. Protect the carpets/seats and let the solvent soak in and have time to work. The crud should come off easily. If it fails to work, try acetone (be careful with this). All these solvents are available at your local big box DIY store. Good luck

[Bob Cowan]

Once the glue has been dry for a long time, Solvents don't work that well. They will soften the glues eventually, but it takes a while.

Sandpaper and a finish sander works pretty good, though. Use 80-100 grit. If it's too fine it will clog the paper really fast. Too coarse and it will damage the aluminum.

[BigLeo69]

lacquer thinner will remove contact cement
once you have the bulk off of the aluminum, take some naptha and wipe across the face, let sit for a few minutes and the rest of the glue will ball up and come off with ease,
when using the Lacquer thinner keep away from painted surfaces and plastic lenses.
the naptha we used all the time for cleaning up contact cement on laminates and tools.(basically its a hot thinner)
the lacquer we used to squirt between the 2 surfaces to remove the laminate.
helps to wear the correct gloves with both solvents.
good luck

[tanderson]

I replaced my dash covering and used a heat gun and paint scraper to remove the old cover and contact cement - worked great.



Edit--
BTW I heated from the back of the dash and gently peeled the cover off and most of the cement came off with it.

[Lynnhowlyn]

Good alternate ideas --- as we always get on the Forum.

Thanks to all who made suggestions and shared experience.

With the dash out of the car and all the instruments and lights etc removed, it all came off using the paint thinner and scrubbing pad .... and a bit of elbow grease. Helped to use a piece of thinner soaked paper towel laid over the dash panel a section at a time to allow the thinner to pentrate the foam residue/contact cement.

Next step ... cover it (again) with new foam and vinyl, get the instruments etc re-installed and get on with the build (and dash wiring .... OMG!)

Thanks again

Lynn

[Ray]

Good alternate ideas --- as we always get on the Forum...

Next step ... cover it (again) with new foam and vinyl, get the instruments etc re-installed and get on with the build (and dash wiring .... OMG!)

Thanks again

Lynn

Why cover it again. How about painting it to match the car. If you've got stripes, pull them down the dash as well.

Ray