Instrument panel and dash laminate replacement idea.

[tonys1980124]

So... Here is a question for he group, in a attempt to make the 1976 the car i see in my mind, I need to replace some faded parts, and or parts that have been neglected over time. If only that were it however, I want to start withe instrument backing board, center dash trim glove box and the trim on the center shifter box. I'm looking at cost effective way and came up with this idea. Laminate flooring planks. They are like 3feet x 6 inch and 1/2 inch thick. They come in all kinds of wood grains colors etc. And as long as I clear coat the ends I cut it should last.

Anyone else think or have tried this?

It will be my goal to the week.

[joelittel]

I say you try it and see what happens. Worst case scenario is that you learn from this attempt and improve your next.

There are veneer options available for less than you might think.

You could also vinyl wrap some sort of backer board.

Post pictures of what ever you end up doing. We’d love to see it.

[Slartibartfaster]

Very interesting idea... If you do this please post results!

[hayesbd]

This may sound like heresy, but I am in the process of replacing the dash wood and am using luan plywood from Home Depot (~$10 or so). I stained it with a something I think goes with the the faux wood steering wheel and I rather like the result. I coated it with some good polyurethane spar varnish that went on nicely.
The hardest part is the glove box, which does not match the original in thickness. If you double it, it's too thick. I got the correct thickness by using a piece of Masonite for the backing, which went together well and accepted the brass inserts perfectly. Since the original car's design philosophy was sort of "cheap 'n' cheerful", I could not see spending a lot of money on this. Here's a shot with most of it done; just need to replace the two small pieces in the center panel.

[tonys1980124]

That looks really good!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

... Laminate flooring planks. They are like 3feet x 6 inch and 1/2 inch thick. They come in all kinds of wood grains colors etc. And as long as I clear coat the ends I cut it should last.

Anyone else think or have tried this?

Yes, I did exactly this for my '71 Fiat, using some "engineered hardwood" that I had left over from redoing the floor in my office. The only hard part was cutting the holes for the gauges, but I managed to do a pretty decent job with a scroll saw.

Turned out great, and I'd share a picture if I could figure out how to post a picture. By the way, if anyone can tell me what I am doing wrong as far as posting a picture on this forum (without having to upload it to a 3rd party site), I'd be most appreciative.

-Bryan

[tonys1980124]

Awesome , I we to home depot to get the one I liked, and the see guy said home depot is no longer stocking that and he didn't know why the display and sample were still out. So I am on the hunt for something close to what I want.

I am glad t worked for me one, so there is hope for me.

[aj81spider]

If your existing dash panels are not broken, but just faded the easiest way is to buy some veneer and glue that on. That eliminates problems with thickness and fit and gives you a completely new looking dash. You can cover the veneer with spar varnish and it will look like a new wooden dash.

[RRoller123]

+1, and not that hard to do.

[DieselSpider]

Laminate flooring is about 4 feet long and can be from 5 to 12 mm thick. It is unstable and is not a good choice for wet areas or where the temperature varies widely. The edges have to be protected from impact and are prone to crumbling too.

Not the best choice for use in a convertible automobile even if you get a waterproof variety which will often be the Pergo Outlast at 10mm (25/64inch) thick which is only considered waterproof because the top clear layer wraps over the click lock joints however it can still be vulnerable where its cut. You also will have a 2mm thick attached pad deal with on the Outlast. Its all just basically heat pressed cardboard with a thin hard laminate applied to its surface.

Real oak flooring on the other hand can be used to make cutting boards and can take rough handling.

[76124]

I did this about 25 years ago using the gauges out of my 69 that was hit. I hated how the various sections never lined up or fell out of place over time. I used 1/4 ply with a rosewood veneer. I was 20 or so at the time and could do it better now but it's lasted a long time and I still like the look.

[geospider]

Late, but appropriate for today.

I just vaneered Mahogany over the panel parts. much easier to do than I thought.
Now, question is: leave with the Teak oil rub I gave it, or hit it with some polyurethane clear: and Satin or Gloss?



Geo

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Looking good, Geo!

Opinions will vary, but my vote is for a polyurethane coating in Satin. "Gloss" is too shiny for me, although it might appeal to some. It really comes down to what you like.

-Bryan

[geospider]

Thanks since I have some satin, I will use some tomorrow
tends to be preference as well

[RRoller123]

You can get the shine with a good paste wax, after it has cured for a week or so, and then avoid the problems associated with using any gloss poly finishes. They are very finnicky.