458 upper dash panel

So i have the cursed "deteriorating" foam on the upper dash panel. See pic. I took it to a local custom upholstery shop and was told they could not salvage the leather because the fear would be not being able to stretch it back smooth. I was told that the leather was "dried" out. Just curios if anyone has been able to remove the leather and replace the foam and use existing or if they had to have new leather over the foam. If new leather was the case. were you able to match the leather? My concern is even a slight mismatch in the leather or in the stitching will be very noticeable since it sits on top of the rest of the dash. Thanks!
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My local Ferrari Indy shop (Merlin) has this repair being done every time I visit, it seems. They outsource the repair but the new leather is official Ferrari, so it should match perfectly. I’ve also had my previous car’s audio system additions covered in official Ferrari leather and it was a perfect match. You should be okay as long as they use that.


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I understand that Ferrari uses "wet" leather (leather that is not completely dried) as it is more supple but that it more prone to shrinkage. I hear you can never re-stretch or reuse the leather. I had this problem with my F12 recently. I took it to Ferrparts in Sacramento, CA and they refinished it with new OEM Ferrari leather. It came out near perfect. The leather did not have the right sheen when it arrived but that is because a previous owner had used conditioner on the dash. I used condition on the dash and it matched fine. I did not have stitching like your piece though but I am sure they can handle that. See the picture below. The center piece (binnacle) is the new piece.
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I had the door inserts re-done a few months ago by an indy and you cannot tell which is old and which is new. I asked him about the dash, he said the color match is easy, but the details, like the SRS Airbag stamp and stitching, is what separates the good repair from the bad.

He was adamant that it is only a matter of when, not if. So I'd find an indy and deal with them directly, this won't be the first time you have leather work done if you want to keep your car nice.

 

I went through Scuderia parts which they ordered brand new from the dealer. Color & stitching were matched perfectly by vin. The good is there was no down time. I was still able to drive the car. The bad it took about 6 weeks.


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What was the cost to replace it from them? I have a quote for re-doing the whole thing for about $600 but i have the concerns above. Might be worth it to order new.

 

The part was only 800. Then you tack on tax, shipping & insurance came to 933.48. Tax was a little steep because of VAT from Europe. A local shop quoted me 650 but he couldn’t promise me when he would have the material. The little extra was all worth it in my opinion. No 2nd guessing if it’s going to come out right.

Ed

 

Thanks. Very helpful and I could not agree more. please share the part number if you have it handy. Thanks again!

 

Part # 082510719


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I've removed the leather from that part - not real fun. The foam under there is not easy to duplicate as far as feel. I had to try out several different high density closed cell foams before finding one that perfectly duplicated the one Ferrari used. Glue is another issue. I doubt the leather would stretch to the point where it cannot be put back on. My gut reaction is find another shop.

Someplace I've got the number to a really good shop that might be able to help you out. I'll see if I can find it tomorrow when I'm in the office.

Ray

 

I went a different route when my leather pulled away at the corners. Mat CF by MACarbon. No reflection, no leather problems. Has held up perfectly in the sun. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

That looks awesome. i was thinking the same i did not know anyone made that.

 

Can you post where to find this product? I cant find it on Mat CF by MACarbon

Thanks,
Ray

 

Or a contact person? Do you mind sharing the price?

 

Before and after. Came out great
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Very nice, I ordered a new one. Have to wait 6 to 8 weeks..

Ray

 

Just call John at MACarbon. It was a custom job, believe it was about $600, but can’t remember exactly.