Cracking Dash

[shortlad]

Hey guys and girls.

Looking at buying a Chim but it has a crack in both veniers on the dash. Contacted the local TVR dealer and was shocked at how much they wanted to repair it.

Any comments, suggestions?

Can this be a DIY job?

[manek]

You can effect a temporary repair using contact adhesive with care but frankly, it won't look as good as if you sent it off for re-veneering at a specialist eg Anita Marquetry (no connection, just heard they were good).

[shortlad]

Do you have any contact details??

No problems..... found via google. Cheers for lead.

>> Edited by shortlad on Wednesday 30th April 16:14

[incorrigible]

Can this be a DIY job?

Yes, but you need to be keen

Dash top off, all the gauges out, dash out, repair dash, re-fit

Plenty of info on how to do it, but not for the faint hearted

Edited to say: Check Trefor's site (link in his profile) for a good explanation of what's going on under the dash

Ben

>> Edited by incorrigible on Wednesday 30th April 17:13

[PhilipC]

I've been thinking about this one, because my "little dash" has now lost a section under the stereo. I've still got the bits, so I think all my options are still open:

1) glue it back together. Messy, short-term, and not very "zen". Plus, it's just wrong.

2) get a replacement unit. Simple. Expensive (but then it's a TVR, so no shock there!). Will only crack again in the future, etc., etc..

3) get the existing panel re-laminated. New option this - hadn't thought of it before. Could be an option, but will still crack again, eventually.

4) replace the offending part with solid walnut. No more differential expansion, no more cracking. Expensive. Difficult to source?

5) replace the offending part with walnut on plywood. No more differential expansion, no more cracking. Difficult to source?

6) replace with a metal dash. ugh. 'nuff said :-)

What does anyone else think? Am I correct in thinking that the dash only cracks because the heater causes the metal backing to expand more than the walnut facia? Has anyone tried to make have made a replacement dash section? I've not managed to get in touch with a supplier yet, either, so if anyone knows how much sheets of walnut cost, that would be good to know...

PS: Sorry for the blatant thread hijak attempt shortlad.

[GAZ_3884]

Anyone have any idea how much it is to have a new dash veneer made up by specialists???

Edited to add a small explanation... I want to replace the current dash with a different colour wood and therefore am looking to have a whole new veneer section made up!

>> Edited by GAZ_3884 on Friday 2nd May 23:02

[davidn]

Gaz,
Try Malcolm Hall at London Carriage Craft.
[e-mail]
They advertise in the back of Sprint, quoted £150 to re-veneer Griff dash.
David