Plywood veneer dash

[hrepo]

Has anybody tried to "backdate" later wedges with the metal veneer dashes to the earlier plywood one? Any issues? All gauges and switches and whatnots fit well through the holes?
I have to say I prefer the earlier look.

[v8s4me]

Have you thought about laminating your metal dash with a laminate.

I'm not sure if the Arpa laminates come in high gloss, but you could always ask for a sample. Formica used to do a very convincing high gloss burr walnut laminate, but I think that might have been discontinued. The example I saw of this laminate on an 'S' was very good indeed, and difficult to differentiate from my high gloss wood veneer except the one on the 'S' cost a fraction of what mine did.

[hrepo]

Nah, I prefer walnut veneer. But I also like the look of gauges through the dash as opposed to dash on top of gauges. Hence my interest in the plywood version.

[Wedg1e]

I can't see why it wouldn't work; the GRP dashboard wasn't changed as far as I know so the plywood slab should drop straight into a later one.

[hrepo]

Tempting... I may try it then.

[RCK974X]

For kit car builds I often used a plywood dash.
I haven't been in UK for a long time, but you used to be able to get "exterior grade" ply which had a hardwood veneer layer on the top. Sand this smooth and use a good stain+varnish finish and it looks very good, although not quite walnut....

Or choose one with a nice grain visible, is another way....

[hrepo]

Bah. Earlier dashes (that are available as plywood) have rectangular clock between the air vents.
Means I either have to make my own, or then find the correct clock.
Back to the drawing board.