Good walnut vinyl veneer

[V8S]

It's about time I sorted out my terrible dash, switch console and door trims. The painted veneer is flaking off big-time and has been for years.

I read Andrew's guide here:

http://www.andrewc.org.uk/tvrgit/dashpanels.html

I'm looking to get some vinyl veneer and do the same, but try to match as closely to the original dark painted effect as possible.

Does anyone have a good product they've used and can point me to a source?

Strangely, I put "vinyl veneer" in eBay and almost nothing comes up.

[Geoff38]

Some of the wedge Guy's have used this companies products to good effect.

http://www.vinylwarehouse.co.uk/woodgrains-85-c.as...

[V8S]

Geoff38 said:

Some of the wedge Guy's have used this companies products to good effect.

http://www.vinylwarehouse.co.uk/woodgrains-85-c.as...

Thanks. Can't see any burr walnut though. I think that's what the painted effect is supposed to be.

I'll have a search in the wedge forum for some pics.

[GreenV8S]

Ceejay73 posted recently about his dash/trim refurb using water transfer printing. I must say the photos of the end result looked superb.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Ragtop]

I was looking for something similar recently, for a different application, and the closest I could find was this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-DI-NOC-364GN-WG364GN-...

There are quite a few shapes/sizes available.

I've got lots left - PM me your postal address and I'll post you a sample!

Graham

[Scoobimax]

I've just picked up a new V8S and that veneer is hydro dipped and looks very good and realistic.

It was the previous owners brother so could ask for details if you're interested.

I'll post a pic later too if that helps.

Max

[Top Gear TVR]

this would obviously make the car lighter and stronger

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3D-CARBON-FIBRE-EFFECT-V...

[Oldred_V8S]

Scoobimax said:

I've just picked up a new V8S and that veneer is hydro dipped and looks very good and realistic.

It was the previous owners brother so could ask for details if you're interested.

I'll post a pic later too if that helps.

Max

Yes please Max

[gmw9666]

I did my wedge in vinyl

Very pleased and cost £3.99

[kevroe]

I've wanted to do this with my S3 but I just couldn't get the dash out. Is there a template anywhere I could use instead of trying to get the whole thing out?

[Top Gear TVR]

kevroe said:

I've wanted to do this with my S3 but I just couldn't get the dash out. Is there a template anywhere I could use instead of trying to get the whole thing out?

attached to your dash?

[V8S]

I've been looking into doing that water transfer stuff myself.

Seems all you need is a tub of water that's big enough (plastic sheet suspended in a trough or similar) , 'activator' aerosol (about £8), the patterned sheet (about £10 for a metre), thermometer and a cheap aquarium heater.

I reckon I could, with some practice on some other metal bits first, do the dash for about £60 all in, including practice materials.

[JumboBeef]

Or get it done professionally...

[v8s4me]

How about a Formica laminate? Someone on last year's EuroTour had done his dash this way and it looked amazing. No issues with heat or damp. He probably still has 90% of the sheet left over I ordered a sample of this to see for myself and it really was convincing.

[V8S]

v8s4me said:

How about a Formica laminate? Someone on last year's EuroTour had done his dash this way and it looked amazing. No issues with heat or damp. He probably still has 90% of the sheet left over I ordered a sample of this to see for myself and it really was convincing.

How does that work then? Is it like a normal real wood veneer but formica?

[V8S]

JumboBeef said:

Or get it done professionally...

It doesn't satisfy the DIY instinct, nor the pleasure at saving a wedge of cash. Sort of pun intended.

[v8s4me]

V8S said:

..How does that work then? Is it like a normal real wood veneer but Formica?

It's a manufactured laminate with a burr walnut effect. If you're curious, send off for a sample and see what you think.

[V8S]

And you stick it to the metal dash backing like you would veneer? Or you cut it as one solid piece to replace the whole thing?

[v8s4me]

You would stick it to the metal dash plate with contact adhesive. Just like you were laminating a tabletop or similar. It is flexible so it will bend slightly with the shape of the dash without cracking.

Possibly your best bet would be to call in to your local laminating specialist to see if they have an off-cuts and then pay them to glue it on to the dash plate for you using their vacuum bag. You'd still have to cut out all the slots and apertures with a Dremmel or similar.

The main draw-back is that to do this you will have to take the dash off, whereas you can stick vinyl on in situ.

[tvrgit]

v8s4me said:

The main draw-back is that to do this you will have to take the dash off, whereas you can stick vinyl on in situ.

Either way, it's very difficult to get a good finish around all the switch and dial cut-outs with the dash in situ, whereas if you take the dash panels off, you can heat the vinyl and stretch it around all the edges of the panels, and the insides of the holes, which gives a good solid-looking finish to the front, that doesn't look stuck-on at all...