Cali T Binnacle removal again

Common issue on Cali T. Terrible........
Leather shrinking issue on binnacle and also on the top dashboard trim and also on roll over strut valve covers on rear.

I removed the binnacle on mine and had it re-trimmed. Done.
I also had the roll over valve caps retrimmed. Done.
Next, I will be replacing my upper dashboard trim.

Here you, please see attached photos and info.
Hope that helps.

Dan
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Mine has shrunk so badly it’s having to be retrimmed at a cost of £900.

I would be interested to know how to prevent this? Is it caused by strong direct sunlight and heat? In which case I guess the solution is a windscreen sun shield for when the car is parked.

 

We have a really good leather specialists here in Seattle area.

The binnacle on mine including the center piece with holes only cost $300.00 to get both retrimmed.
Looks like original.

The roll over caps, instead of made of plastic that will most likely warp again the specialist made a new one out of aluminum.
Works great and looks great. Will not warp again. The entire leather retrim cost me $1,100.00.

Next is replace the dashboard top part as that leather has shrunk too.
Instead of getting it retrimmed I purchased a new part so it will be a one to one swap out.

Yes, the main reason for the shrinkage is extreme heat so I had my windshield ceramic coated to reduce UV getting inside the car and I also bought a windshield sunvisor.
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Can someone please help. I'm in the process of removing my Binnacle but am stuck. I already removed the 2 Torx screwed from underneath the gauge clusters. From there, I was able to remove the center top trim piece to get access to removing the 2 Philips screws and the 2 additional Torx screws towards the end of the dash closer to the engine. I can't see any other screws to remove but I cant seem to get the binnacle off.
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You have to remove the steering column surround, to access the screws holding the gauges, and remove two screws, that secure the binnacle from below.

 

Thank you. I was able to finally get it off. For those who may try the same repair, there are 2 hidden Torx screws behind the steering column. They're on the top left and right of the steering column if you pull back the loose leather cover. Once you remove those two screws the odometers easily comes out and you can look underneath to see the two remaining Torx screws that are holding the binnacle together.

Fingers crossed now on getting the leather stretched. Mine shrunk a lot and doesnt seem to have enough fabric to pull back in place. Did everyone have to remove the leather completely to re glue or were you able to just pull from the loosened parts?

 

I had both parts stripped clean and recovered with new leather.
Using adhesive capable of withstanding the heat.

 

Im having the same issues and I’m in Seattle too! Where did you go to get yours redone? TY!

 

Gliptone Leather Conditioner is the best product I have come across so far for maintaining leather trim.

About a decade ago I used it to “recover” (if you pardon the pun) the shrinkage around the a/c vents in my 355 where the leather had shrunk badly. I slathered it on over a period of about 10 days and the leather literally relaxed enough to look almost new.

I now use it preventively on my convertibles, including my Cali T. I apply it twice/year, at the start and end of the driving season. I also think It also smells great (if you like the leather smell).
So far, the leather in the Cali T still looks & smells like new, despite 9 very hot summers in South Europe with lots of roof down driving.


I recommend anyone to give it a try, it’s not very expensive.

And no, I am not affiliated in any way, shape or form.

 

Thanks for the recommendation!

 

Hi Michael,

I got my leather repair done by Northwest Crafted Interiors. They are located here in Everett.
Contact them and tell them Dan Loyola sent you and they will take very good care of you.
Jordan Straton, one of the leather expers is my contact there.

https://nwcraftedinteriors.com/

Dam