Wrapping a Dasboard.

[John042]

Anyone ever "wrapped" a dashboard in wood effect? J C.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi John

Some have and it looks good but I know someone else who did it and it has already bubbled up...I was going to try something like this...it can be stained and then lacquered with Johnstones wood varnish...(Water based)...
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...

[John042]

Hi Mark, thanks. My "new" project 350i dash veneer has delaminated off the steel backing. I would think that wood veneer on steel would present problems in the different rates of expansion and cause cracking? I've initially been in contact with one local firm who think it's possible but have misgivings on the finish.

[mrzigazaga]

Thats why I was going to try the iron on veneer...It shouldn't expand...and once sealed up shouldn't ingress water..

[french dave]

Hi,l did my S3 dashboard a few years ago.Sorry I have no picks of it but it looked mint.I used wood effect sticky back plastic onto degreased metal dash panel and any cutouts for gauges/switches i carefully painted the edges with black paint before spraying a couple of coats of clear laquer all over.it was a tight fit back into the dash surround but it never cracked or bubbled.i think the wood effect was made by 3m.dave

[John042]

Thanks for the replies. One observation I've made is the holes for the gauges are slightly bigger on the veneer than the metal backing panel? I like the idea of using vinyl, at least if you cock it up it's not to expensive to redo.

[gmw9666]

£4 = https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[mrzigazaga]

John042 said:

Thanks for the replies. One observation I've made is the holes for the gauges are slightly bigger on the veneer than the metal backing panel? I like the idea of using vinyl, at least if you cock it up it's not to expensive to redo.

There is that...I wasn't knocking it as an option, just thinking out loud if it starts to bubble...mind you, I like a bit of bubble & squeak ..

[John042]

Thanks Glen/Mark. I like squeak not to keen on bubbles though. The vinyl looks a good option though Glen.

[Tonymg]

Hello John

I did my dash in sticky back plastic all them years of Blue Peter has payed off lol

9.99 from homebase

[Tonymg]

I did not do it because it was cheep I just like hands on

[John042]

Nice Tony, it's stood the test of time. Satisfaction in self help. Cheers J C.

[eesbad]

I wrapped my dash with some vinyl from Amazon (£8 worth). Flattened the wood that was there and wrapped that rather than onto the metal. It's fine, but the lower dash (done after the pic) bubbled up due to the heat just parked out in the sun.

Edited by eesbad on Sunday 26th August 09:29

[John042]

Thanks Rick, it looks good. Mine would have to be direct on to the metal, veneer broken. Pity it was affected by the sun on the lower panel only? Mixed feelings on which way to go with this one.

[das2000m]

How about Hydro dipping?? there are a lot of options for different finishes. I’ve not personally seen anything that’s been done but the results I’ve seen on the likes of YouTube look great.

[ElvisWedgeman]

das2000m said:

How about Hydro dipping?? there are a lot of options for different finishes. I’ve not personally seen anything that’s been done but the results I’ve seen on the likes of YouTube look great.

I have been experimenting with hydro dipping. It’s not as easy as it looks on screen. I have had success with small items and they do look good in wood effect. There is a good choice of wood type like walnut, rose wood etc. However, when it comes to bigger parts it’s tricky to do at home. I’ve been trying to dip the dash veneers, but with big sections I have only had partial success, unless you have proper equipment. I have done quite a lot of experimenting and am still in the process. I’ve wasted quite a lot of film trying to dip larger sections. Ash trays and such are easy because they are small. When the area to be dipped is large, the film tends to either spread in the tank, over dissolve or under activate, so you have to get it just right and you’ve only got seconds to decide when the part is large. If you have proper equipment, like professional dipping tanks etc. then the job becomes a lot easier. These are my findings so far on home dipping. I’ve not given up and will continue as it’s getting better each dip. Don’t forget, the film and actuator are not cheap and quite a lot can be wasted in the process if you’re not well clued up and have the right equipment.

Tony. TCB.

[John042]

Thanks all. I did contact a company that does "Wrapping" and they obviously have the kit. Maybe worth a visit and see what they have to offer. One thing I've noticed, the small wood inlays on the door cards are really a light oak colour were as the dash/centre part veneer is a real dark finish. Maybe previous owners have changed the dash veneer? I guess they should have match originally? J C.

[Rockettvr]

I did this to mine

However I’ve now gone more original

Lighter than standard but I’ve a light coloured interior and I want to complement rather than contrast
It’s vinyl sheet but you wouldn’t know Until you get up really close

[Rockettvr]

As fitted

[John042]

Nice one Ron.😁