Question: Possible replacement for Happ Vinyl?

[Jabba]

Hi All,

While rumaging around in my basement, I came across a piece of vinyl that I was thinking of using for my control panel (top). Do you guys think this could be used in place of the Happ Vinyl you all use for your cabs or is Happ Vinyl special?

If you think I can use it, any ideas on best way to apply it? I was thinking of hot glue and securing edges with T-Molding.

Anyone has pics of Happ Vinyl (front and back?)

Here is a pic...

Thanks for your feedback...

[Brax]

That stuff is quite a bit thicker but it should work fine. It'll feel a little "padded". At least one other person has used it here.

Hot glue is too thick, you'll feel the bead through the overlay. Use spray glue. 3M Super 77. Don't cheap out. There's a huge difference in spray glues. This stuff isn't cheap but if you follow the directions your vinyl will be permanently attached.

[Stingray]

I'll second that. Good 3M spray adhesive will do the job.

-S

[Jabba]

Thanks guys. Another question...

How do I make sure the corners do not bulge like when I wrap my XMAS gifts  . Do I I need to cut out any part of the vinyl to make it seamless (maybe I should post this on Trading Spaces)...Anyone have experience or links to how this is done so it looks clean (maybe Minwah?)?

[rampy]

eightbit once took regular vinyl from a "fabric" store and used contact cement to adhere it to his control panel.

Came out pretty good IMHO.

no idea on how to perform the cuts to make it fold over "square"/clean.   Oscar had a great write up in a thread about using the partsexpres self adhesive vinyl with great pictures and info on applying it.

If I remember I'll dig up that gem from  way back

rampy

[Minwah]

Thanks guys. Another question...

How do I make sure the corners do not bulge like when I wrap my XMAS gifts  . Do I I need to cut out any part of the vinyl to make it seamless (maybe I should post this on Trading Spaces)...Anyone have experience or links to how this is done so it looks clean (maybe Minwah?)?

What I would do is this (I'm kindof assuming your CP is wooden & rectangular):

Stick the main bulk of the vinyl down,
Wait for that to stick well (if the glue requires time to stick),
Cut a small slit in each corner at 45degrees, but not quite right up to the edge of the CP,
Turn the CP over,
Lift and fold each side of vinyl in turn (be quite firm*) and then glue and if possible staple gun the vinyl.

* This is the important bit, make sure you evenly pull the vinyl up and around the edge making sure you have no saggy-bits - for this part it is always helpful to have at least 3 hands  

FWIW I have used the kindof vinyl you have quite a lot to re-trim car interior panels (door cards etc.).  One piece of advise is to test whatever glue you have before doing the main thing - I found some types of glue can make it's way through the backside of the vinyl and discolour or mark the top side...

[Jabba]

Thanks all for the excellent suggestions (and thanks again minwah). I think I'll give it a try this weekend. The Vinyl I bought is pretty thin, only about 1/16" thick so it should not be too "plush"