Dash Dash Dash

[NGK]

So I've been working on the Dash in my car mainly all the wood, I decided the laminate wasn't going to cut in my dream car so went out to the wood shed and found a beautiful piece of heart pecan and boy is it pretty so after a few mistakes I finally figured out what techniques work and which are not a good idea Ive got all the pieces except the gear shifter piece cut and planed down to spec I combined the gauge cluster and the warning lights pieces so that the dash is 2 pieces one long one and then one for the glovebox lid then the rest is same as the factory I'm sanding it all in away so the gauges are farthest out then right around the warning lights is the next tallest along with some of the glove box then rest just bevels out to the original height I will definitely put pictures when i get some. Quick question, I'm planing to do a Glossy clear coat over it but should I put something else over that to protect it from the weather/ sun or will the gloss be enough also should I wrap the dash with vinyl or just repair it with a resin compound?

[Tregoweth]

Hi there I am planning a similar project. Would love to see you photographs of the finished product!

[76was124]

Regarding the finish on the wood, I would go talk to your local boating marina supply store, or maybe even a quality paint/hardware store as they should carry a UV, weather resistant lacquer, varnish or polyurethane and could explain the differences. Choices between spray, brush, and desired finish. I am not sure (So ask the pro) but I think polyeurethane was what is recommended for outdoors due to moisture, just make sure whatever you use is UV resistant

[RRoller123]

www.veneersupplies.com

[NGK]

[aj81spider]

I veneered mine and coated it with spar varnish. It's been about 5 years and it still looks great.

[btoran]

NGK - Your dash is coming along nicely. I had a really bad experience trying to have mine clear coated by an autobody shop and had to sand everything back to bare wood and start over. After I re-stained everything, I finished it with a Marine product called Epifanes Extra UV-Filter Clear Varnish and it has held up very well. I did a dozen coats of the varnish with wet sanding in between, which sounds like a lot of work but wasn't actually that bad. The toughest part was finding a place with no dust. You've seen this picture before, but for anyone else that hasn't....