Dash Leather Part 1

Time to move onto the dash. Not being sure how much to open the holes up by, I warped a dial with leather and then measured it. Worked out 2mm bigger than the dial.
I checked the marked holes and a couple were marked a little bit bigger than I worked out, so I remarked them. Checked they were all central to the body and each other by offering the dash up in the cockpit and all was spot on.
Next was to cut out the holes, I would have used a hole saw but have suffered with it wondering in the past on various things, so opted for the trusty dremel and a tile cutting bit. easy to use and with a hoover next to it you can get real close and detailed.

The small lamp holes were cut out with a step drill to 12mm then opened to 12.5 with a normal drill bit on reverse so as not to dig in or chip the edges.
Same process with the start button and switches.

The switches, if using Lucas type, need recessing on the back so enough thread can poke through for the retaining nut.
Now for the foam. Sprayed adhesive onto the dash face and the foam with the fabric face taking the glue. Laid the dash on top and cut out the holes.Took the foam round the bottom edges.
While I was in this far, I attempted some leather work. Another first.
As my dash curves down in the centre, the bit of leather supplied follows this line quite nicely. But is a little tricky getting it wrinkle free around that bit. Thinking of it as 3 sections made it easier to approach
It seemed to work best by gluing the bottom middle bit first with the seam lined up and then glue the top of the middle.
I didn't pull it too tight but enough to take any wrinkles out. Then work the tops L/H and R/H, pulling the sides if needed to remove any wrinkles.
Lastly the bottom sides were pulled and glued, snipping the curved edge as you would when folding the dial holes in.

That's enough for today.