New wooden dash - Long term reviews
Discussion
Hi, time to get a new dashboard, looking at the wood veneer ones available . Has anyone had theirs in for several years? Just want to know if they still fall to the same problems as the original ones. My cars a keeper, currently 15 years and I don't want to spend £300 plus on something that will need renewing again in a few years time. What to keep original to an extent. Any comments, pointers would be much appreciate . Thanks
I have a second hand one I got off a gent on here about 4 years ago. It was fairly new at the time but I estimate it's at least 5 years old now.
Cracking has formed around the usual places first. Heater illumination on the cold ( green ) light has cracked and also the stereo surround but that's fairly easy to glue back down and not very noticeable.
All in all it still looks excellent and compared to the original that was cracked in many areas looks new. The original was 11 years old when it was replaced.
My car is subject to hot and cold/ sunlight etc as it lives outside but it's had little ill effect on it. I'm sure using the car regularly keeps the damp out more so stops the cracking happening as the cars interior is at a more stable temperature. Stopping water leaks is another one.
I'm very happy with mine overall.
I read somewhere the replacement ones use glue that can flex more so less cracking occurs.
It looks like the one I've got now should last many years yet before any major cracks appear, talks to soon!
Cracking has formed around the usual places first. Heater illumination on the cold ( green ) light has cracked and also the stereo surround but that's fairly easy to glue back down and not very noticeable.
All in all it still looks excellent and compared to the original that was cracked in many areas looks new. The original was 11 years old when it was replaced.
My car is subject to hot and cold/ sunlight etc as it lives outside but it's had little ill effect on it. I'm sure using the car regularly keeps the damp out more so stops the cracking happening as the cars interior is at a more stable temperature. Stopping water leaks is another one.
I'm very happy with mine overall.
I read somewhere the replacement ones use glue that can flex more so less cracking occurs.
It looks like the one I've got now should last many years yet before any major cracks appear, talks to soon!
Thanks guys, so they look like they do have a relitivly long shelf, dash , life. I had been putting it off for a while due to the stories about dash top removal. Took 10mins in the end. Always just dive in. Will get the TVR mads dash on order, would it be better to get one of their stock ones or my old one re done? It's a 94 black dial type.
200OOM said:
Thanks guys, so they look like they do have a relitivly long shelf, dash , life. I had been putting it off for a while due to the stories about dash top removal. Took 10mins in the end. Always just dive in. Will get the TVR mads dash on order, would it be better to get one of their stock ones or my old one re done? It's a 94 black dial type.
For £240 delivered, it's a no brainer to have a complete new dash 
Andav469 said:
200OOM said:
Thanks guys, so they look like they do have a relitivly long shelf, dash , life. I had been putting it off for a while due to the stories about dash top removal. Took 10mins in the end. Always just dive in. Will get the TVR mads dash on order, would it be better to get one of their stock ones or my old one re done? It's a 94 black dial type.
For £240 delivered, it's a no brainer to have a complete new dash This, my TVR Mads dashboard has been in place a few years now and still looks 100% perfect
There are subtle differences in the dial positions if the pics of cars I've seen are accurate. Do give them full info on your cars year/dials used etc.
Here's my original backing plate with veneer removed which took seconds. 2000 car. You might or might not notice subtle differences in the heater knob and 4 gauge positions from your own.
This might be a red herring as it probably makes very little difference. I'm sure more than one template was used though?!!!
The locating lugs are the same positions on all cars I think so maybe use that as reference points to check if you need to.
Looking at what's left of my original veneer it's very thin and I'm pretty sure the quality replacements are thicker so should last longer IMHO
Here's my original backing plate with veneer removed which took seconds. 2000 car. You might or might not notice subtle differences in the heater knob and 4 gauge positions from your own.
This might be a red herring as it probably makes very little difference. I'm sure more than one template was used though?!!!
The locating lugs are the same positions on all cars I think so maybe use that as reference points to check if you need to.
Looking at what's left of my original veneer it's very thin and I'm pretty sure the quality replacements are thicker so should last longer IMHO
Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 27th July 14:07
200OOM said:
Looking at the TVR Mads site he may not have my type of dash in stock, waiting email back, I a M plate car 94 with black dial surrounds, light switch in the radio panel.
Try Central: http://www.centraltvr.com/product/dash-set/Message Board | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff