Interior Wood Replacement Ideas

[RedWolf]

I recently had my Spider painted, new interior door panels, etc. done and am looking for ideas on replacing the original wood panels around the instruments and glove box. Looking to see and hear what others have done. I'm thinking about cutting new panels and covering them in some type of black metal but not sure how it would look. I've seen older Alfas that have metal dashes and really like the look (wished Fiat would have done the same). Thanks

[spiderrey]

The abarth spiders had metal panels. I bought a car onch that had them, but I removed them and installed wood.

[spidernut]

Wow...the sky is the limit! I've seen brushed aluminum (looked great), painted panels (looked great), black panels (looked great) and custom wood (looked great). I haven't seen many treatments that didn't look good in the spider.

[baltobernie]

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 5&p=117610
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13186
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11235
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8735

etc.

[weekend warrior]

I replaced mine with 3mm brushed aluminium

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61432614@N ... 988987522/

[htchevyii]

I've got one car with a brushed aluminum dash that I made and one with a beautifum mahogany dash that Denise made. It just depends which look you prefer and what best matches the theme of the car.

[RRoller123]

Regarding sources for either veneers or solid woods, I highly recommend http://www.boulterplywood.com. Ask for Chris, Steve or Leo. I am a cabinetmaker and have been a customer of theirs for over 30 years. They are good solid, honest fellows, and have a wide variety of materials they can ship anywhere. I have NO financial interest in this company whatsoever, just like 'em. BTW: I plan to do that beautiful Carpathian Elm Burl (or figured English Walnut) similar to that which is pictured up on this site, for my 80 Spider. Man is that nice for a dash!! The raised border for the center section is real nice. You could do a stained mahogany, walnut or kewazinga substrate (solid) to make the edges look matched, and round them over 1/16-1/8" or so. Lots of possibilities.

[124JOE]

I've got one car with a brushed aluminum dash that I made and one with a beautifum mahogany dash that Denise made. It just depends which look you prefer and what best matches the theme of the car.

nice pair

[johndemar]

Trey,

Did you adhere the aluminum to a plywood base? I was thinking of changing mine out from the solid oak I did 30 years ago.
It looked OK with the tan interior but I've changed everything to black.

The only concern I have with the metal dash is that the sun out here may blind me.

[htchevyii]

No, except for the glove box, I just used the aluminum. I did glue a piece of plywood to the inside of the glove box so I could attach the hinges without putting screws thru the front. The brushed finish really doesn't reflect too badly and is similar to the factory finish in 124 coupes and Abarth Spiders. The aluminum I used was a road sign, (procured legally). I did drop $40 of $50 on holesaws, but it could be done with patience and a jig saw.

[4uall]

I have access to all types of wood and a friend has offered to cut, drill etc. I am curious if anyone has the dimensions of the panelling, or where I could find some paper templates rather than removing it all?

[RedWolf]

htchevyii - Does Denise still make the wooden panels? The mahogany looks very nice and would be interested in pricing it out.

[MrWampus]

I have walnut burl envy. WOW what a great looking dash! I'll put that on my ever growing wish list for The Mistress.

[4uall]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/itzebtze/s ... 487995851/