Dashboard pains

Dashboard pains

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Discussion

andybe1

Original Poster:

5 posts

282 months

Tuesday 13th November 2001
quotequote all
At the moment I have a 1992 4.0L Griffith whose dash is, how can I put it; slightly beyond it's best.
I was looking to replace the aformentioned with a aluminium dash but have been told by TVR and dealership that this is not possible for my age of car and style of panel.

I just wondered if anybody else had come across this problem and whether there is any solution?? bar having to buy a brand new replacement veneer dash from TVR costing god knows what??

any help would be greatly appreciated.

sybaseian

1,826 posts

282 months

Tuesday 13th November 2001
quotequote all
There must be a few around in some to the breakers yards - might be worth while giving them a call.

JeffGleed

111 posts

277 months

Tuesday 13th November 2001
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I am not sure if this helps but I think the veneer is a pretty thin template glued to the dash. If this is so you coud try replacing it with a sheet of Carbon Fibre which would be much easier to work with than most other candidates. Not sure what it would look like but you never know.

tvr_nut

390 posts

281 months

Tuesday 13th November 2001
quotequote all
quote:

I am not sure if this helps but I think the veneer is a pretty thin template glued to the dash. If this is so you coud try replacing it with a sheet of Carbon Fibre which would be much easier to work with than most other candidates. Not sure what it would look like but you never know.



Carbon sheeting stuck to a wooden backing is how my brother made the dash for his kit car, and looks every bit as good as a factory car. Time consuming though!
Alternatively, can't you take out the original dash and use it as a template for a custom made aluminium one?

Alan Cockell

7 posts

289 months

Tuesday 13th November 2001
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I believe that Wedge Automotive (0114 281750) offer a Dash Refurbishment service at £99.95.

stig 69

16 posts

277 months

Wednesday 14th November 2001
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Not sure if this is of any interst but I Bought a sheet of carbon fibre (about £75, 800mm x 300mm) and used my old dash and radio panel as a template to cut a new one, and am pleased with the result. It looks a lot more contempory than the wood.

Marshy

2,749 posts

291 months

Wednesday 14th November 2001
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Stig, where are you, and how much would you be looking for to help other (slightly less "handy") owners (i.e. me) do this?

stig 69

16 posts

277 months

Wednesday 14th November 2001
quotequote all
Marshy
I am in the Northampton area, am also looking at making a 'spun ali' (little circles like the old 4 1/2 bentley)

stig

andybe1

Original Poster:

5 posts

282 months

Wednesday 14th November 2001
quotequote all
Stig,

That is exactly what I am looking for!! Spoke to "Wedge Automotive"and was told that the company they used to re-furbish the dashes are out of action now but will start doing these again in the new year.
Apparently just send them your dash and they will re-veneer the thing for £99 quid.
I mentioned that I was looking to cut a machined alluminum one and he said that a laser cutting company can do this , but make sure that all measurements are exact and that when you braize the bolts onto the back that they are in the exact position or your LED's will not fit!!
Question being now , does anyone know of a company that can do lazer cutting to "clone" the existing veneer dash???

apache

39,731 posts

291 months

Wednesday 14th November 2001
quotequote all
Steve Howard @ Thames Valley Racing had a spare Griff dash in his 'workshop'give him a call and have a chat, you could borrow it for a template maybe

tractionman

21 posts

281 months

Wednesday 14th November 2001
quotequote all
quote:

Not sure if this is of any interst but I Bought a sheet of carbon fibre (about £75, 800mm x 300mm) and used my old dash and radio panel as a template to cut a new one, and am pleased with the result. It looks a lot more contempory than the wood.



Stig,
Where did you buy the sheet from?
I was thinking of doing the same in my Grif, current dash is ali and I don't like the reflections you get in the sun.
Do you think it is possible to laser or water cut carbon fibre? I asked TVR if they have any cad drawings of the dash to make my life easier. Had no reply!
I would be interested to see any photos if you have any.
Thanks Neil.

Edited by tractionman on Wednesday 14th November 18:51

Edited by tractionman on Wednesday 14th November 18:53

stig 69

16 posts

277 months

Thursday 15th November 2001
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I bought my sheet from www.fibre-lyte.co.uk/

it took about a week to come through, I cut mine using a 'dremel'

darrenlens

2,526 posts

290 months

Thursday 15th November 2001
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I paid £275 for my carbon fibre dashboard and heater panel, I'm not sure where it came from as the mechanic I use got it.

tractionman

21 posts

281 months

Thursday 15th November 2001
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quote:

I paid £275 for my carbon fibre dashboard and heater panel, I'm not sure where it came from as the mechanic I use got it.


Do you have a contact number for him?

darrenlens

2,526 posts

290 months

Thursday 15th November 2001
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Contact David Batty @ The Garage, Guildford 01483 811995.