Dash Removal and Re-vaneering
Discussion
Hi all.
I'm currently refreshing my cars interior, and the list of jobs is growing rapidly!
Ideally, I'd like to have both dashboard wooden trims re-veneered. However, I understand that getting the larger one off is a nightmare. Are there any tips/good ways of doing it?
Also, when this simple task is done, are there recommendations where to get them wood redone? Ideally somewhere in Hertfordshire?
As always, all help much appreciated.
I'm currently refreshing my cars interior, and the list of jobs is growing rapidly!
Ideally, I'd like to have both dashboard wooden trims re-veneered. However, I understand that getting the larger one off is a nightmare. Are there any tips/good ways of doing it?
Also, when this simple task is done, are there recommendations where to get them wood redone? Ideally somewhere in Hertfordshire?
As always, all help much appreciated.
Edited by Lewis's Friend on Friday 2nd January 10:14
v8s4me said:
Getting the big moulding off is quite easy; it's getting the metal bit off the moulding which is difficult. See my project HERE from a few years ago.
London Carriage Craft is your best bet for veneer work in Herts. That's where I had mine done. It was quite expensive, although the work is excellent and can't be faulted. You do get what you pay for.
If I was doing another one I'd seriously consider laminating the dash and center console with Formica. Before you fall over laughing, have a look at its range of wood effect laminates. There is a burr walnut one in a gloss finish which is really very good. There are ones with a grain effect as well. Have a look
I'm in Chesham if you want to have a look at my dash. I have some Formica samples as well if you're interested. The Bucks meet is at the Crow's Nest near Tring this Sunday. If you can make it let me know and I'll bring the samples.
Good luck.
Thanks for the feedback. London Carriage Craft is your best bet for veneer work in Herts. That's where I had mine done. It was quite expensive, although the work is excellent and can't be faulted. You do get what you pay for.
If I was doing another one I'd seriously consider laminating the dash and center console with Formica. Before you fall over laughing, have a look at its range of wood effect laminates. There is a burr walnut one in a gloss finish which is really very good. There are ones with a grain effect as well. Have a look
I'm in Chesham if you want to have a look at my dash. I have some Formica samples as well if you're interested. The Bucks meet is at the Crow's Nest near Tring this Sunday. If you can make it let me know and I'll bring the samples.
Good luck.
Are the dash tops like in the Chimaera with some threaded rod holding it in?
As for the Formica, how do you cut it to shape? It sounds like an interesting option. I'm afraid I won't be free on Sunday, but thanks for the offer.
v8s4me said:
Just somewhere between two and four Phillips head machine screws holding the top of the moulding and a nut & bolt on a bracket on each side on the bottom of the moulding.
When I've laminated timber I just score with a Stanley knife and then smooth the edge with wet & dry. A Dremmel with a cutting disc would probably do for the fiddly bits around the heater, switch and instrument openings.
I may well give that a go with the Formica. That could save a pretty penny! When I've laminated timber I just score with a Stanley knife and then smooth the edge with wet & dry. A Dremmel with a cutting disc would probably do for the fiddly bits around the heater, switch and instrument openings.
Thanks for all the help.
On the Formica front, I've just ordered a gloss walnut sample so I'll see how it looks, and then hack it about a bit and see if it chips or otherwise comes out!
The hydro-dipping is an interesting idea though. I'll have to see if there is a place near me that does it and make inquiries.
The hydro-dipping is an interesting idea though. I'll have to see if there is a place near me that does it and make inquiries.
I'll get a quote for the veneering, and have a word with the local hydro dipping place and see what the difference is. See if it's worth looking into.
I'll also have a play with my Formica sample and see what that would be like.
I've already stripped all the door cards off and recoloured them and am now attacking the seats and centre console. It's starting to mount up into a lot of work!
I'll also have a play with my Formica sample and see what that would be like.
I've already stripped all the door cards off and recoloured them and am now attacking the seats and centre console. It's starting to mount up into a lot of work!
In case anyone is interested, I have got some rough quotes for this work.
A re-veneer from London Carriage Craft was £366 (this not including door strips).
A hydro-dipping from Wicked Coatings for the same pieces was £260.
Admittedly, Wicked Coatings are by no means local but I had heard of them and they answered the phone, which is more than the local forms seemed willing to do!
Now I'm not sure whether to spend the extra on a proper veneer, or try something different. How hard wearing are the veneers do people know? Mine are rough, but are also pretty old now.
I'm guessing there is not too much experience of Hydro-dipping?
A re-veneer from London Carriage Craft was £366 (this not including door strips).
A hydro-dipping from Wicked Coatings for the same pieces was £260.
Admittedly, Wicked Coatings are by no means local but I had heard of them and they answered the phone, which is more than the local forms seemed willing to do!
Now I'm not sure whether to spend the extra on a proper veneer, or try something different. How hard wearing are the veneers do people know? Mine are rough, but are also pretty old now.
I'm guessing there is not too much experience of Hydro-dipping?
phillpot said:
Is the surface good enough for hydro dipping or would small imperfections such as where securing studs have been spot welded on the back show through? I imagine the "film" is very thin 
I think you're right, but the price would include prepping (either filling or filler primer I imagine) to get a reasonable finish.A lot of interior parts seem to get done and on more modern cars that 'elephant skin' effect has to be smoothed out before applying the finish.
I think I'm going to try buying a hydro-dip kit and do it myself.
This is partly because I've never done it before and I've enjoyed re-finishing the interior up until this point. However, it is also a lot cheaper (around £65) which is very attractive right now!
I keep finding more things I want to change or upgrade and the costs spiral again...
I shall definitely take photos to document my triumphant dipping experiences though as a warning to others!
This is partly because I've never done it before and I've enjoyed re-finishing the interior up until this point. However, it is also a lot cheaper (around £65) which is very attractive right now!
I keep finding more things I want to change or upgrade and the costs spiral again...
I shall definitely take photos to document my triumphant dipping experiences though as a warning to others!
Thought I'd quickly update this. I received my Formica sample direct from Formica UK. I am most unimpressed by it. At first glance it looked good, but on closer inspection you could see what looked like little air bubbles in the finish (similar to a badly applied screen protector, but not so obvious).
I don't think I'll be pursuing that route to be honest.
I don't think I'll be pursuing that route to be honest.
glenrobbo said:
Lewis's Friend said:
Thought I'd quickly update this. I received my Formica sample direct from Formica UK. I am most unimpressed by it. At first glance it looked good, but on closer inspection you could see what looked like little air bubbles in the finish (similar to a badly applied screen protector, but not so obvious).
I don't think I'll be pursuing that route to be honest.
So what's it like with the protective film removed then? I don't think I'll be pursuing that route to be honest.
S3Thunder's Formica dash looks really good.
I bet it took a very long time to whittle it down from a sheet of 10x4 though!
Edited by glenrobbo on Thursday 8th January 01:03
Ah well, I am a rather stupid person... I still think I'm going to try hydro-dipping though. Just because I've never done it before.
AceOfHearts said:
glenrobbo said:
Lewis's Friend said:
Thought I'd quickly update this. I received my Formica sample direct from Formica UK. I am most unimpressed by it. At first glance it looked good, but on closer inspection you could see what looked like little air bubbles in the finish (similar to a badly applied screen protector, but not so obvious).
I don't think I'll be pursuing that route to be honest.
So what's it like with the protective film removed then? I don't think I'll be pursuing that route to be honest.
Edited by glenrobbo on Thursday 8th January 01:03
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