Replacing Dashboard

[waggy]

Hi guys,,, whilst removing my dash the wood veneer literally fell to pieces,, was thinking of getting some wood veneer and doing it myself,, anybody got experience of doing this,, had a search on here but all seem to have them replaced by specialist companys,,, would like to know whats the best glue to use so it doesnt crack again,, alex

[SteveSPG]

ive never done it

tvr mads did mine for not much money and a fantastic finish.

i wouldn't do it myself unless i knew what i was doing, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt have a go!

[waggy]

I just found a site where the guy replaced his wedge dash with veneer and it does take a lot of work, he coated it with 5 layers of varnish and it looked good. The hardest part is cutting it around the switches as the edges are exposed, and fitting the little LEDs in the heater panel. Im now
tempted to go to Tvr-mads and let him do it,,,

[mrmaggit]

London Carriage Craft did Wols, absolutely lovely it is, matches the heater panel they did years ago.

For the money it costs, I'd get them to do it. It will be MUCH better than the original.

Wol (P880 CAY) will be at the Growl on the Saturday for you to see what I mean.

maggit

[EGB]

http://www.veneeruk.com/

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

Supply Jag, Bentley and RR. TVRs deserve it. May do the same, sometime.

I have more links.

Saw some superb burr walnut plastic veneer on an Emerites A380. Toilet seats etc. Airbus probably have the details.

Edited by EGB on Friday 3rd May 21:53

[waggy]

Pen ,, After seeing the pistonheads link im really tempted to do it myself,, have you any more links showing the diy method,,, cheers alex

[PeteGriff]

waggy said:

Pen ,, After seeing the pistonheads link im really tempted to do it myself,, have you any more links showing the diy method,,, cheers alex

Hi Alex, I would recommend firstly cleaning up and making sure the existing dash backing is as smooth and flat as possible, the better you can make it before you start the better the job. Then after choosing and buying your desired veneer, arrange it on the dash to get the grain pattern arranged as you would like and mark up the back. You can use a contact type adhesive, but a thixotropic (slightly moveable) is desirable to give a little flexibility. Apply veneer onto the dash to approximately the marks previously made. Ensure an even application to remove any air. Do all this on a firm flat surface. Press down evenly across the surface ensuring all areas have been pressed. Using a piece of flat board overlay and carefully clamp (use wooden pads on the dash underside), ensure an even distribution of pressure. When fully cured (leave overnight or 24 hours), remove clamps and board. Now comes the tricky bit; work on a flat secure surface, using a scalpel carefully cut around the periphery of the dash, take your time and change blades if not cutting cleanly, then very carefully cut out the gauge and switch holes from the back with a fine scalpel blade again. Any smaller holes will be a pain, I have a set of 'lip & spur' wood drills which would be used here, not too expensive, if not, very careful use of a fine scalpel (buy several blade profiles all available on ebay). Right, the finishing! Flat the surface off with say 240 grit to start, then down to say 400, make sure you carefully go around gauge and switch holes to give clean edges. Now the final tedious stage - the finishing... This is what makes it all look good, you will need to fill the grain first so as many as three coats of clear acrylic may be needed, using a flat pad flat of when dry with 500 grit. This will show any low spots as well as 'de-nibbing' the surface, you may have to apply another base acrylic coat after this! Finally, Apply finishing lacquer, up to two coats will probably be needed. When dry you should have a glass like surface which looks great. By the way, do not forget to carefully clean up around the switch and other holes and I forgot, use 'tack cloths' to remove dust. Simple really....... Regards, Pete

[waggy]

Pete , i didnt know you replaced your dashboard ,, if your going to the meet tomorrow maybe we can discuss it.. I like doing things myself rather than getting a company to do it...

cheers

Alex

[PeteGriff]

waggy said:

Pete , i didnt know you replaced your dashboard ,, if your going to the meet tomorrow maybe we can discuss it.. I like doing things myself rather than getting a company to do it...

cheers

Alex

Hi Alex, didn't know this was you? I have not changed not dashboard yet as it was done not long before I bought the car. I have done a previous cars dash and the methods I explained are all what we would use at work when veneering the studio desks for our trucks. See you tomorrow at the meet, Pete

[EGB]

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

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

http://www.originalmarquetry.co.uk/category_Veneer...

http://www.woodveneeruk.co.uk/categories.php?cat=4...

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

There's a company near Colchester who were advertising a veneered Griff dash. £150. Unable to find the site at mo. Could be in the above, somewhere.

Pete where are you meeting tomorrow? Just done my b....dydy exhaust gasket. No longer sounds like a 26L Merlin on start up. Will be at Duxford tomorrow.

[Discopotatoes]

It just so happens I have purchased some European burr walnut veneer to do my dash on the beast, lets hope it turns out as well as the others that have diy'ed there dash reveneers.
Watch this space

[PeteGriff]

EGB said:

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


Pete where are you meeting tomorrow? Just done my b....dydy exhaust gasket. No longer sounds like a 26L Merlin on start up. Will be at Duxford tomorrow.

Hi EGB, our Mid_Essex group have our monthly meet tomorrow and a barbecue! A lot of us run up to Boreham then convoy in to Great Totham and the Forresters Golf Club (our monthly meeting place. All the best, Pete

[EGB]

Waqggy. Found it.

http://www.walnutdashcompany.com/shop/index.php?ma...

Walnut Dash Co. Copford. Colchester.

Have you paid them a visit? I shall try sometime.



[

Edited by EGB on Sunday 12th May 21:33

[PeteGriff]

EGB said:

Waqggy. Found it.

http://www.walnutdashcompany.com/shop/index.php?ma...

Walnut Dash Co. Copford. Colchester.

Have you paid them a visit? I shall try sometime.



[

Edited by EGB on Sunday 12th May 21:33

Hi EGB, I did not know this place existed, i's only about 20 minutes from where I live!! What a small world. Rgds, Pete

[EGB]

PM Give us a shout if they look good. I'm 1.25 hours away.

[waggy]

I looked up forums that used Walnut Dash company and a lot said they were not pleased with result. it looks very Plasticky and not up to the same standard as a proper wood veneer. some said it was ok. depends on your personal taste.

Pete, if you go there check it out and see what its like. it seems a lot cheaper than the other companies. Wait till your Head gets better

Thanks for the Link, its worth considering if up to scratch...

Edited by waggy on Monday 13th May 12:57