Shiny bits are all well and good...
Discussion
...but does anybody know where to buy veneer? My veneer isn't awful, but I would like it to look new.
It can't be hard to just stick new veneer onto the dash can it? Has anybody tried refurbishing their veneer? I'm guessing it isn't as easy as it sounds to do. It just looks easy.
So does anybody know what kind of veneer is used in the wedges, walnut, ash perhaps? Also is there anything a fool like me should know before attempting such folly?
Any info would be helpful.
It can't be hard to just stick new veneer onto the dash can it? Has anybody tried refurbishing their veneer? I'm guessing it isn't as easy as it sounds to do. It just looks easy.
So does anybody know what kind of veneer is used in the wedges, walnut, ash perhaps? Also is there anything a fool like me should know before attempting such folly?
Any info would be helpful.
As far as I know Harrogate Horseless Carriages & Wedge Automotive both do them made up and ready to fit.
I think the going rate for a centre panel is about £80.
If you want to do it yourself you can probably buy the veneer from somewhere like Woolies Trim, but I think you'll need a special cutting tool (drill bit) to cut the circular holes.
Mine needs sorting too, so let me know how you get on.
I keep wondering about carbon fibre.
Or maybe something shinier!
I think the going rate for a centre panel is about £80.
If you want to do it yourself you can probably buy the veneer from somewhere like Woolies Trim, but I think you'll need a special cutting tool (drill bit) to cut the circular holes.
Mine needs sorting too, so let me know how you get on.
I keep wondering about carbon fibre.
Or maybe something shinier!
The early cars were veneered in burr walnut, with the characteristic strong swirly grain. This was then lacquered.
Later, TVR resorted to a wood-efect vinyl, also lacquered to give apparent depth and shine.
Real wood veneering is not that easy a task, involving animal glue bubbling on the stove and frayed tempers as the veneer splits! I know.... ;-)
The later panels can be re-covered in Fablon or similar then lacquered with a suitable clear spray; just finding an appropriate 'grain' may be a problem. I have heard of people using fake carbon-fibre effect, but you wouldn't be that sad now would you...?!
;-D
Ian
Later, TVR resorted to a wood-efect vinyl, also lacquered to give apparent depth and shine.
Real wood veneering is not that easy a task, involving animal glue bubbling on the stove and frayed tempers as the veneer splits! I know.... ;-)
The later panels can be re-covered in Fablon or similar then lacquered with a suitable clear spray; just finding an appropriate 'grain' may be a problem. I have heard of people using fake carbon-fibre effect, but you wouldn't be that sad now would you...?!
;-D
Ian
I have details of a place in Bristol that can do Veneer for TVR dashboards.
Ill dig it out this evening and post it on here.
STeve Jenkins ( ex Cerbie S6 owner ) used them in the past for his old 350i. They do the classic and trade shows, and from what I have been told, do a great job.
Jason
Plus of course the only answer to adding more wood and shiney stuff is not weight reduction, but to increase power
Ill dig it out this evening and post it on here.
STeve Jenkins ( ex Cerbie S6 owner ) used them in the past for his old 350i. They do the classic and trade shows, and from what I have been told, do a great job.
Jason
Plus of course the only answer to adding more wood and shiney stuff is not weight reduction, but to increase power
Dont do it .... I think it spoils it. Wood looks far nicer
I would have to disagree there, i think aluminium suits the style of the wedges more than wood. Wood looks far better on the traditional shaped TVR's such as the S series, I would like to replace the wood in my 400 for brushed aluminium if anyone knows of a supplier?
Just my opinion but I already have a factory fitted aluminium steering boss, so someone once had the same idea!
Check out this thread...
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=12&h=&t=16909
V8 Mark's your man for aluminium dashes.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=12&h=&t=16909
V8 Mark's your man for aluminium dashes.
I´ve done it, took some research/testing first, and ended up using "24h" EPOXY(2-component stuff used for GRP and carbon fibre) to glue/attach the veneer in "uncut" pieces to the metal plates under MEDIUM PRESSURE. The EPOXY will penetrate the wood and it will first look a bit scary. Doesn´t matter. Then cut out the holes and then some careful sanding all over. Topped up with multiple layers of 2-component CLEAR polyurethane lacque. PROBLEM is to find high quality veneer that won´t CRACK during the glueing process!(like the burr walnut i got did 3 times...)
quote:
Dont do it .... I think it spoils it. Wood looks far nicer
I would have to disagree there, i think aluminium suits the style of the wedges more than wood. Wood looks far better on the traditional shaped TVR's such as the S series, I would like to replace the wood in my 400 for brushed aluminium if anyone knows of a supplier?
Just my opinion but I already have a factory fitted aluminium steering boss, so someone once had the same idea!
Dont take out of context, we were talking of carbon bash's not alimunium.
IMO they too look awful for the record.
quote:
I´ve done it, took some research/testing first, and ended up using "24h" EPOXY(2-component stuff used for GRP and carbon fibre) to glue/attach the veneer in "uncut" pieces to the metal plates under MEDIUM PRESSURE. The EPOXY will penetrate the wood and it will first look a bit scary. Doesn´t matter. Then cut out the holes and then some careful sanding all over. Topped up with multiple layers of 2-component CLEAR polyurethane lacque. PROBLEM is to find high quality veneer that won´t CRACK during the glueing process!(like the burr walnut i got did 3 times...)
I got some burr walnut from a place in Boroughbridge, N. Yorks., the name of which escapes me but it was within spitting distance of Sports & Specialist Cars!
A sheet about 18 x 6 inches was just under 10 quid if I recall correctly. As you say it splits like a fresh schooly; I think the solution is to dampen it first - though of course I'm no expert! I still have the animal glue beads and veneer hammer somewhere...
Ian
Currently undertaking restoration of wood (vote 1 for wood) by taking dash, door pulls and glove box to a french polishing firm. Suggest you talk to your jag driving mates to find a good tradesman. Quoted around A$300 all up (GBP100). Bear in mind dissolving down insect carapaces is not for the casual DIY'er. I was told it would take a month from the start date....
Can anyone tell me if early central instrument panels are supposed to be veneered or not. Mine is black painted steel, completely out of character with the rest of the cockpit but I've seen posts from owners with timber veneer in the central panel. Is this after market? How do the switches still locate in the panel with the increased thickness??
Cheers.
Can anyone tell me if early central instrument panels are supposed to be veneered or not. Mine is black painted steel, completely out of character with the rest of the cockpit but I've seen posts from owners with timber veneer in the central panel. Is this after market? How do the switches still locate in the panel with the increased thickness??
Cheers.
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