Upholstering Underdash Panels

[Jack the Knife]

I have seen some discussion in antique threads on here about upholstering the fiberboard panels below the dash in leather or vinyl, though I have yet to see any photos of this in any cars. I am surprised Mercedes themselves didn't do such a thing, as the existing fiberboard seems more like something that would be in a 1970s subcompact Japanese product.

Has anyone done this? Are you satisfied with the results? I need to replace my panels anyway, as they are slightly warped and the foam has long deteriorated into some substance that makes it feel like your soul is leaving your body when you touch it.

[WRe]

Hi,
In the German Pagodentreff, a member cut the panels from 1 mm aluminum sheet and covered it with vinyl  and foam on the back. The built-in cardboards look very similar to the originals and can now hold the loudspeakers reasonably and stable.
...WRe

[ja17]

Well, a lot of these pagodas are even missing the card board (press board) panels these days. Mostly after the pagoda, Mercedes begin upholstering the under dash panels. Basic practicality and functionality, were more important in those days. The pagodas did not have a fully carpeted interior until the 280SL, before that, rubber floor coverings in front were standard. With the Mercedes post war 170 sedan, even the heaters were optional. Mercedes was also slow to adapt automatic transmissions, power steering, right side mirrors, and cup holders compared to some other manufacturers. They built there reputation on being rugged, well engineered, extremely reliable, safe and long lasting.

[Figoulu]

Another lesson learned
I still have those sort of carton board, and very rarely saw them on other pagodas so that, I even wondered weather it was a sort of aftermarket part. Now I know

[Jack the Knife]

Hi,
In the German Pagodentreff, a member cut the panels from 1 mm aluminum sheet and covered it with vinyl  and foam on the back. The built-in cardboards look very similar to the originals and can now hold the loudspeakers reasonably and stable.
...WRe

WRe, thank you so much for this, it's exactly what I had in mind. I will contact Lukasz, a gentleman from this forum who made me a really cool cupholder, and see if he is interested in producing some of these for me upholstered with cognac leather.