Has anyone addressed the dash leather shrinkage near the windshield vents? Do you have to replace the whole unit (if so, how big of a deal is it) or is there some magic repair an upholstery shop can do?

I've not seen any early (01-02) without the shrinkage and mine is starting to bother me.

Thanks in advance.

 

what year is yours?

Bond

 

2001 with 16k miles.

 

What exactly do you mean by shrinkage?

 

Wrinkling / pulling of the leather specifically at the defroster / dash interface. I suspect it is either heat or UV related. Very common on Ferraris but the first time I have had it on a Porsche.

This isn't my dash but a pic that I found on eBay. Mine is mich worse and runs from speaker to speaker.

 

What part of the dash is that? Is it the center where the remote sensor goes?

FYI, mine is a 2001 and has no shrinkage. I thought the leather was glued to the plastic and it could not shrink, unlike many F355's I have looked at.

Adam

 

Yes, at the remote sensor and outward to each side.

Glad you don't have this issue.

 

I'm certainly not an expert but doubt it could be repaired if it shrinks. Are you sure it just doesn't need to be glued down?

Also, I have seen many leather dash's for sale on e-bay if the dealer does not cover it under warranty.

Lastly, there is a company called LA Porsche Dismantler (no affiliation). I don't know the website but they sell parts from damaged or dismantled cars.

Good luck.

Adam

 

I had a big bubble pop up on my dash before. They had to replace the whole dash.

 

That is not shrinkage. Shrinkage will cause cracks in the leather.

The leather on the dash has had most of the water removed...it's preshrunk so to speak. This is why the leather should not be treated with anything that adds moisture content to the leather.