dash refurb

[andy390se]

have stripped out dash and cleaned off what was left of the venner dash/center console/glove box . i am thinking about having the metal polished or chromed not sure how it would look also got a worry with the sun reflecting off it while driving any ideas?

[l33]

I have seen a couple of wedges with all the dash panels chromed (one at Wedgefest this year).
In my humble opinion, I don't like it - but each to their own. It doesn't necessary look bad, its I don't think you can beat the warmness and classiness of fresh veneer and I don't think it goes with the character of the car.

If veneer is too costly, I experimented with the stick on plastic stick on stuff that you can get from Halfords and had good results. It is discussed here:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=299840

One comment in particular was not that encouraging but on the whole it looked far better than having a ropy veneer, although lacks the depth of a true veneer.

Good luck - no doubt someone will be along soon with a couple of pics of a chromed dash.


L33.

[jollygreengriff]

Hi Andy - just a quick word of caution on any high shine finish dash covering - if the sunlight is at a low angle from behind, the reflection, particularly off an angled 400se centre panel is truly blinding and whilst driving its effect can literally prevent you from seeing anything ahead, which is less than desirable.

The dash on mine was then changed to a carbon effect finish - looks good easy to apply and less glare in sunlght.

Best wishes

[convert]

Mine was the White Wedge @ BBWF with the chrome dash / etc.
I bl00dy hate it, always gets covered in prints, looks a bit chavvy too IMHO, but it was there when I bought the car, and the plan is to change back to wood over winter. Problem is I just can't stop taking the car out for a quick blast, so I've not made time to start all the little jobs yet...

[l33]

convert said:

...Problem is I just can't stop taking the car out for a quick blast, so I've not made time to start all the little jobs yet...

I think we all have this "problem"

[pwd95]

l33 said:

convert said:

...Problem is I just can't stop taking the car out for a quick blast, so I've not made time to start all the little jobs yet...

I think we all have this "problem"

Yep had this problem today just had to have my fix
Had a few "twitches" with the damp surface though.
On the topic of sun glare, I get it sometimes off the centre of the steering wheel, that's bad enough, hate to think what it would be like off a dash panel.

[s.hogan3]

i no a place in solihull in birmingham which will do all 3 parts for 250 pounds if this helps anyone

[GV]

One comment in particular was not that encouraging but on the whole it looked far better than having a ropy veneer, although lacks the depth of a true veneer.

I'll get my coat....

[andy390se]

have gone for carbon fibre not sure just yet but see how it goes if dont like it will go for having it revennered but fancy s/s exhaust with the money .
will see how it looks!

[l33]

andy390se said:

have gone for carbon fibre not sure just yet but see how it goes if dont like it will go for having it revennered but fancy s/s exhaust with the money .
will see how it looks!

If your interested, this wedge currently for sale has what looks like a carbon dash - see pics.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/106418.htm



Edited to add link

Edited by l33 on Wednesday 6th December 14:13

[GV]

I have just got a batch of veneer in to do my dash. Will post some pics if the finished job if it turns out ok...

[rev-erend]

This is 'how' to do it with Veneer :

www.streaky-bacon.co.uk/Wedge/reveneering.html

[numbnuts]

andy390se said:

have gone for carbon fibre not sure just yet but see how it goes if dont like it will go for having it revennered but fancy s/s exhaust with the money .
will see how it looks!

Whats the damage for the carbon fibre look then?...