Flash Dash?
Peeling veneer? What's the answer?
As Griffiths and Chimaeras age there are an increasing number of owners seeking replacement dash panels for their cars. Moisture and heat can easily damage the thin veneer on these cars and obtaining replacement parts at reasonable prices can be tricky - particularly with the variations in dashboard style that came our of Blackpool in the 90's.
There are two companies currently offering solutions to the problem. The first is London Carriage Craft. Set up by a gent who's spent much of his life working on hand built British Cars, LCC offer replacement dash panels for TVRs and from what we're told - at significantly cheaper prices than original replacement parts. Unfortunately their website doesn't mention TVR specificially but drop them a line with your requirements and they'll be happy to help.
The other option - a new one - is the stainless steel dash from Leven Technology. They've chosen a 'check' pattern not dissimilar to the weave of carbon fibre which brightens up and modernises the interior. They have virtually all the Chimaera, Griffith and Cerbera panels available ex-stock.
Links
Leven's new dash
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My rev-counter is being replaced under warranty as soon as I can get to the dealer. My dash is a little cracked in places and I'm really tempted to have have the Leven dash done at the same time as the rev counter as I imagine the dash will have to come out for this (although I guess the major labour cost is removing & refitting the dials).
If anyone has any ideas on labour costs I'd be interested to know. I would do it myself but am bound to make a complete ar5e of it.
Cheers
chumley said:
Did you fit it yourself or get a dealer to fit it? Was it a pain, or (if the latter) expensive?
My rev-counter is being replaced under warranty as soon as I can get to the dealer. My dash is a little cracked in places and I'm really tempted to have have the Leven dash done at the same time as the rev counter as I imagine the dash will have to come out for this (although I guess the major labour cost is removing & refitting the dials).
If anyone has any ideas on labour costs I'd be interested to know. I would do it myself but am bound to make a complete ar5e of it.
Cheers
I want one for my silver Griff. In terms of fitting - it's apparently an utter pain in the arse - I've been quoted 8 hours labour to fit it (Fernhursts). The labour will cost MUCH more than the parts!!
Problems are due to the time taken to refit all the dials / LEDs to the new dash - often the LEDs are araldited onto the old veneer and can be tricky to remove.
I'm getting tempted to try fitting it myself. I'd rather spend all day getting it right than have my pants pulled down over the price.
- Joolz, have you got prev experience on DIY maintenance? Would you recommend a complete novice to give it a go? Any special tools req'd? I've had a quick flick through the bible and reckon I can cope with fiddly stuff, I just don't have any techie knowledge!
>> Edited by chumley due to p1ss-poor spelling on Wednesday 24th September 14:07
>> Edited by chumley on Wednesday 24th September 14:09
simpo two said:
That looks great, almost makes me want to go out and buy a griff just so I can get one of those dashes
Best buy a Chimaera then, 'cos that's what it is!
The way it reads its for griff & chips
"The other option - a new one - is the stainless steel dash from Leven Technology. They've chosen a 'check' pattern not dissimilar to the weave of carbon fibre which brightens up and modernises the interior. They have virtually all the Chimaera, Griffith and Cerbera panels available ex-stock."
chumley said:
- Joolz, have you got prev experience on DIY maintenance? Would you recommend a complete novice to give it a go? Any special tools req'd? I've had a quick flick through the bible and reckon I can cope with fiddly stuff, I just don't have any techie knowledge!
Chumley,
No special tools needed, a screw driver for the 2 screws on the dash front, a spanner/socket to lower the steering wheel and something to lever up the clips(?) on the radio cage and some Araldite. That's about it. I'm ok at DIY but by no means an expert. I also took the precaution of lubing the dash surround with leather polish to help prevent any leather damage. It's a tad time consuming as you have to wait for the glue to dry and have to remove and re-attach the numerous dials etc. but I found it simple.
That said, I've read a few threads this afty about the s/s dash's - have you had any problems with reflections from the sun? Any other downsides noted?
chumley said:
That said, I've read a few threads this afty about the s/s dash's - have you had any problems with reflections from the sun? Any other downsides noted?
Got to say can get a bit of reflection off it when the sun's low but not found it that bad so far. Not got any more neg. comments about it, I would imagine it could get a a pretty hot if the sun's directly on it. What are the bits you've been reading?
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=54620&f=13&h=0&hw=dash
I like the sound of the carbon one but think I'd need to physically see one before ordering. Unless anyone local has one (anyone Yorkshire-way) I'll go for S/S I reckon.
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