Replacing the lower section, radio area, of the dash

[finestjammy]

Hi

My original walnut radio panel is peeling and flaking a bit. I want to replace the whole dash with aluminium/steel at some point. At the moment though I'd just like to replace the radio area.

1) How easy is it to do this?
2) Do I have to remove any of the dash to do it?
3) Anywhere, or anyone, selling just the radio panel in steel or aluminium?

Thanks

[Ron McC]

finestjammy said:

Hi

My original walnut radio panel is peeling and flaking a bit. I want to replace the whole dash with aluminium/steel at some point. At the moment though I'd just like to replace the radio area.

1) How easy is it to do this?
2) Do I have to remove any of the dash to do it?
3) Anywhere, or anyone, selling just the radio panel in steel or aluminium?

Thanks

Hi Mate,

In answer to your questions,

1) Haven't a clue,
2) Haven't a clue,
3) Currently in the process of making a new custom alloy dash out of 2mm thick high grade aviation aluminium alloy. Also making up radio panels out of the same material but at 1.8mm thick though hoping to use 2mm if I can find some. I'm using an original Chim dash and radio panel as a template. Dash and radio panel with the wood veneer are 2mm thick. Should hopefully have a radio panel finished in the next few days as doing all the work by hand and air tools. After it's finished it'll be highly polished. Will attach some pics to let you see what there like.

Not sure who does alloy dash-boards and radio panels but I know Leven did a stainless set and sometimes you see dash/radio panels on the classifieds on PH, Driven Image Ltd are still advertising.


Cut to shape


Cut,marked out,drilled,finished and polished


Cut to shape

Cheers Bud

Ron McC

[miniman]

The only tricky bit is that the panel is attached with two small metal brackets which are bonded onto the back of it.. You have to measure up where the pieces go and then transfer them to the new panel and glue them on. If you use Araldite, give it a couple of days to set properly. I had to reglue mine several times due to attempting to refit it too soon.