I’m getting ready to install a bead on my ‘70 dash that I’ve had for many years. A couple of years ago I unrolled it and zip tied to a straight rod in the efforts to straighten it out as I do not want a wavy dash accent. It came with nine of the plastic barbs that puncture into the dash, which seems insufficient to me. I was wondering if anyone has a better method of application and if you might share any good ideas to create a long term professional result. I had even considered sliding a stainless tig welding rod inside the bead to hold a straight line.

 

Heath, I used the barbs years back, the trim still looks straight, I did slightly reshape the verticals with a heat gun.
Good Luck!

 

I had one car where it was glued on. The last one I did I used the little barbed clips and worked fine.

 

I recently installed the bead with just the barbs and it’s straight as an arrow. I used more than 9. Maybe 12-15. Can’t remember exactly. I also Pre drilled the holes for the barbs with an 1/8” bit to make it easier to get them started in. I did like the other user above said and used a bit of heat to get that bend on the sides nice. I think the early build 70 dash beads were glued on. I think there was a dealer bulletin that came out early in the 70 build year about adding the barbs. Must have had issues with the glue coming undone on some cars.

 

A correction, I did a recount when I arrived home from work and discovered that I actually have 17 to 18 barbed mounts. Perhaps it will be enough to keep it in line. I’m glad that I started to flatten it out when I did.😄

 

Pics?

 

 

Here is a pic of mine done with the pins. As mentioned above if there is any sharp creases use a heat gun before you install to try and get them to lay out. SLIGHT heat! I probably had as many pins as you show on your bench. Hardest part was punching holes in a mint dash pad! Almost as bad as installing friction fit outer trim on a new paint job.