Griffith Dashboard Profile

[PeteGriff]

Hi all, does anyone out there have or can get a drawing or CAD file of the Griff dashboard? I would like to eventually make up a new dash with veneer for my Griff, and as part of it want to make it up as a separate NEW assembly so as I can just swap it over when done. I am intending to get the metal backing which the veneer is stuck to, laser profiled.

If not has anyone a spare dash that I could borrow to get drawn up on CAD?

I fancy getting some nice walnut veneer and creating a highly lacquered dash assembly. Never know if successful could do several! Regards, Pete

[Barreti]

Talk to veneer people before you start cutting steel backing plates Pete.

When I collected by newly veneered dash the guy told me if it was a wood dash which was veneered it would last a lifetime whereas the metal dash veneer probably has a lifespan of 10 years max.

Also, if you get a spare backing plate check all the hole cutouts match yours for size.
Don't ask how I know that one

[LordGrover]

There is a lot of variation even between otherwise identical models. Maybe an opportunity to modify the layout? Make sure you get the dial sizes right though.

[PeteGriff]

PeteGriff said:

Hi all, does anyone out there have or can get a drawing or CAD file of the Griff dashboard? I would like to eventually make up a new dash with veneer for my Griff, and as part of it want to make it up as a separate NEW assembly so as I can just swap it over when done. I am intending to get the metal backing which the veneer is stuck to, laser profiled.

If not has anyone a spare dash that I could borrow to get drawn up on CAD?

I fancy getting some nice walnut veneer and creating a highly lacquered dash assembly. Never know if successful could do several! Regards, Pete

Cheers guys many thanks. With respect to the veneer, I am going to use a thin piece of ply to first glue to the metal, then veneer onto that, will make the dash a tad thicker but will also make a better surface for the veneer. In our business we make hand crafted wooden desks to go into the mobile TV studios we make, the desks are metal structures covered in a wood cladding. Quite often the wood is veneered if the customer wants some fancy type wood. I will get one of my wood specialists to apply the veneer for me, then they can also apply the several coats of lacquer to give the 'glass' like finish! Now, is that cheating

[Barreti]

Nope, it's not cheating.
I asked my veneer guy how to clean mine and he said with a sponge because it's lacquered so you are wasting your time with anything else.
When I mentioned Mr Sheen he actually laughed!

[LordGrover]

Sounds like you have the resources to do a good job. Best of luck.

[Simpo Two]

I have some figured ash already stuck onto aluminium sheet expressly for the purpose of making a Griff dash - then decided I liked the version I had, so it was never used. The finish is not a perfect flat gloss - it still has some grain, but am open to offers if you're interested. I have some matching spare veneer for the other sections too. PM if interested (nr Colchester).

[EGB]

Pete. I presume the guys at Copford were not up to top standard. I have a spare Griff dash which I intend at some time, some time, to re veneer proper with best selected burr walnut.

[mrmaggit]

London Carriage Craft did Wols over the winter, you can inspect it at the Growl, I reckon it's superb.

[Pete Mac]

PeteGriff said:

Cheers guys many thanks. With respect to the veneer, I am going to use a thin piece of ply to first glue to the metal, then veneer onto that, will make the dash a tad thicker but will also make a better surface for the veneer. In our business we make hand crafted wooden desks to go into the mobile TV studios we make, the desks are metal structures covered in a wood cladding. Quite often the wood is veneered if the customer wants some fancy type wood. I will get one of my wood specialists to apply the veneer for me, then they can also apply the several coats of lacquer to give the 'glass' like finish! Now, is that cheating

Pete, I would (and I am sure others would) appreciate any tips as well as feedback on how this goes as it is something I will be doing in the next year or so. I am just wondering, if you use, say, a 4mm ply to glue to the metal, whether the thicker dash will actually notice or not. Keep us posted, cheers Pete

[PeteGriff]

Pete Mac said:

Pete, I would (and I am sure others would) appreciate any tips as well as feedback on how this goes as it is something I will be doing in the next year or so. I am just wondering, if you use, say, a 4mm ply to glue to the metal, whether the thicker dash will actually notice or not. Keep us posted, cheers Pete

Steve (aka g8ape) has offered me his old spare dash to borrow for the exercise. I shall try and arrange to collect this from him (thanks Steve) and use this to have a master CAD file created so as I can have further metal dash backs laser profiled. Hopefully when I get a sample done will experiment with ply covering and a veneer. Shall keep you all posted, though will not start for a while. Rgds, Pete