Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

Vinyl dash and door upholstery

September 02, 2015, 12:34:18 pm

The vinyl dash covering / sun visors / entry door roller shade / and entry door interior covering on my 1995 U300 have recently exhibited self stick properties !  Other than the fact that it's hot here in Florida and the coach is stored outside nothing else is different in the 7 years I've owned the coach. When not in use I keep reflective foil in the front window (along with closed shades) and all window shades down.
Anyone else experiencing similar issues and have a recommended treatment ?

Jon

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #1 – September 02, 2015, 12:49:31 pm

Jon, did you ever touch the window on the outside (one in direct sunlight)? It, due to the aluminum reflector on the inside gets incredibly hot! I know as I have the same problem here in Wisconsin, even tho we are "UP NORTH"
You might try wiping the vinyl with Turtle Wax Interior Detailer.

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #2 – September 02, 2015, 01:35:05 pm

Yes, we have the sticky vinyl syndrome.  Possibly from the oils that made the stuff from leeching out.  We tried cleaners and they work for a while.  Even tried the steam cleaner that we have.  Same result.  No real answer but maybe try 303 protectant next.

Keith

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #3 – September 02, 2015, 02:03:07 pm

Yep.. got it too

The mother ship will fix it for 2 coach bucks

So I'm looking.. for an alternate..

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #4 – September 02, 2015, 02:11:31 pm

Anyone brave enough to tackle the reupholstery job?  I think between Beth and I we could do it if we had to.  This way you use the material you want.

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #5 – September 02, 2015, 02:30:20 pm

We finally got tired of the sticky vinyl syndrome on the "ultra leather" so had them recovered in Mexico. Forgot about the little pieces up by the dash but will have that done the next time. Our dash top is covered with an indoor/outdoor type carpet so not a problem. Would suggest you visit an upholstery supplier in your area and ask them to recommend someone that does good, independent work (read shade tree).

Our seats exceed the OEM factory work/materials and with a bit of research, anyone can get quality work at very reasonable prices.

Pierce

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #6 – September 02, 2015, 02:58:54 pm

Dianne and I did it on our 1993.  Removed the opening section, then removed the instrument cowling section and did each piece separately. 

Did NOT, repeat NOT remove the front section. Merely stripped it down to bare plywood. Then made an exact pattern on paper.  Then transfered that to thin plywood (luan).  This included cut outs for defroster, etc.  Just used thinner padding.  No way to tell it from the OE. 

Used an OE-type ultra-leather we got from Flexsteel that matched the new captain chairs.

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #7 – September 26, 2015, 06:21:27 pm

Update.  I used isopropyl alcohol on the vinyl to remove the stickiness.  Worked like a charm and it looks like new.  Try on a small area first.

Keith

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Re: Vinyl dash and door upholstery

Reply #8 – September 26, 2015, 06:48:05 pm

Pierce.......are you going to have Munoz remove that front piece of dash? I understand it is glued down. I had a dash mat made instead.

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