Wooden dash

[stonedrive]

Hi all, what is the best way to get old veneer off wooden dash.Many thanks Steve

[DJT]

Steve,

Start by getting the plastic coating off first, then evaluate the condition of the veneer underneath. You might find that the veneer is good and only requires re-coating.

To get the plastic coating off, the best way is by carefully warming it with a hot air gun until it starts to lift. Then remove it with a paint scraper. Go careful as it is easy to overdo the heat and burn the veneer. If the veneer is basically sound, but you want to remove it, use a flat sander. If you want to keep it, then lightly sand and re-coat. There are several threads on here with tips on how to re-coat, or on how to fix new veneer.

[stonedrive]

Many thanks DJT . Steve

[elvimto]

If you do need to veneer then I did use one of those vacuum sealing things from the kitchen it helped hold the veneer to the plywood while the glue dried also I made a wooden shaped block similar to the curve of the gauge panel and clamped the part to it might have been a bit ott but it worked out.consol6.jpg

[stonedrive]

Elvimto, many thanks for advice ,it's going to be one of my winter jobs.l was in California in 2000 had a great time ,took the kids to all the attractions they loved it back then their ages were 6 & 3, both left home now. Cheers Steve.

[surreyone]

Hi All,
I am trying to fix the veneer around the gear lever, does anyone know where I can buy a sheet of veneer to match the original dashboard.
Thanks
Colin

[StagJonno]

Think you could be struggling to get a good colour match. My PO got a replacement panel, and supplied with the car, but its several shades darker due to age lightening of the remainder of the veneer work, so I'm living with the cracked original for the forseeable.

Jonno

[jbuckl]

I used old school paint stripper & rinsed thoroughly with water. (some yellow stain seemed to come out too)
I didnt need any, but i believe the veneer is american straight walnut.
Then I used rustins plastic coating (2 pack & it stinks!) used 17 coats, with a 1/2" wide sable brush.
It dried in the oven (low heat 50 degrees c) & i could do 2 / 3 coats in an evening.
IIRC the stuff goes off, quite quickly but there was enough time to do 2 coats, if using heat in between coats.
The place i got the rustins from was in stratford u avon.... they also sold a couple of foam pads for light sanding, 1000 grit & 2000 grit.
This enables either a high gloss or satin finish to be achieved as desired.

Time consuming but satisfying job in the end.

Heres a link to the rustins stuff

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rustins-Plastic-Coating-Clear-inc-hardener-1-litre-Gloss-/291276150308?hash=item43d1695624:g:JeoAAOSwr81UT4Yh

Heres an ebay link to some veneers
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/jan-8753?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

[surreyone]

Thank you Jonno and Jbuckl, I will have a go at fixing it.