My completed dashboard.

[pfreen]

I just completed my dashboard. I restored the original glove box by steaming it to straighten it and flocking it to make the velvet finish. I thought the repop ones were so so.
I know it doesn't have the correct clock, but it works.
New bezels and switch nuts and rechromed indicator light bezels. Burled walnut veneer and 10 coats of 2 part varnish. Finish sand with 2500 wet and dry and rubbing compound.
The lettering is with rub-on letters.

 

[TAH_Tiger]

Even though its the wrong clock, I would paint the hands to match the other gauges.

 

[0neoffive]

Really nice effort.

 

[woody6]

Beautiful! I did mine recently, and I agree it is quite satisfying to pause to appreciate it even before it goes into the car.

 

[pfreen]

Even though its the wrong clock, I would paint the hands to match the other gauges.

I think that's a good idea. I appreciate it.

 

[michael-king]

I know it doesn't have the correct clock, but it works.

You know its not correct because it does work

 

[pfreen]

It did take some persuasion though. An interesting design.

 

[Warren]

Very nice can you get decent oil based varnish in Florida? The uv protection is also important .

 

[KenF]

Burled walnut veneer and 10 coats of 2 part varnish. Finish sand with 2500 wet and dry and rubbing compound.

Where did you get the veneer?

 

[pfreen]

Where did you get the veneer?

I bought the veneer and glue from https://www.veneersupplies.com/. I used better bond x-press extra dark as the glue. I used two pieces of 3/4" plywood cut to the approximate size and many c clamps to press the veneer onto the prepared dashboard.
I used Bristol two part varnish and thinner because it is designed for boats so direct sun and it dries completely overnight.

Single part, oil based spar varnish takes up to months to completely dry. It also shrinks in the process. So after you sand and polish, wait a few months and you have to do it again because the varnish shrunk and the surface shows the wood grain. I am looking for the glass look. That's my experience from doing my Lotus dash.

 

[HolyCat]

I bought the veneer and glue from https://www.veneersupplies.com/. I used better bond x-press extra dark as the glue. I used two pieces of 3/4" plywood cut to the approximate size and many c clamps to press the veneer onto the prepared dashboard.
I used Bristol two part varnish and thinner because it is designed for boats so direct sun and it dries completely overnight.

Single part, oil based spar varnish takes up to months to completely dry. It also shrinks in the process. So after you sand and polish, wait a few months and you have to do it again because the varnish shrunk and the surface shows the wood grain. I am looking for the glass look. That's my experience from doing my Lotus dash.

It sounds like a lot of work, but that is what it takes to get such a professional-looking finish. It looks great!

 

[pfreen]

Thanks. I would say it is easy work and very rewarding. The most challenging was finding the correct font and someone to make the rub-on decals.

 

[Warren]

I've had better look with the old oil-based paints and varnishes on boats. I guess everywhere all you can get is two part epoxy style finish.

 

[pfreen]

I've had better look with the old oil-based paints and varnishes on boats. I guess everywhere all you can get is two part epoxy style finish.

I think the finish with oil based varnish is better than two part if you don't sand and polish the surface as I did. That is certainly not done on boats. I do the sand and polish, like a paint job because I invariably get a hair or bug in it.