Dash wood panels for my 81 Fiat Spider FI

[RRoller123]

Thanks! It (Madrone Burl) has darkened nicely over time, much more of the brown component in it now.

Not a hard upgrade, and one that I call Maximinimus, i.e. maximum benefit for minimum effort, as opposed to Minimaximus (that would be my cat).

[Gr8Panoz]

My plan is to use a Wilsonart laminate over properly sized mdf for my new instrument panels. Laminate negates the need for sealing and finishing (although it's not real wood). I wouldn't even bother but I fell in love with this Madagascar laminate they have. I'll have to brush up on my forum posting skills. I'm not sure how to post a pic yet but if you follow the link there's a set of speakers covered with the stuff (which I'm also building and using the laminate for).

[Gr8Panoz]

.........and then I didn't post the link?
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view ... ajaxhist=0

[vdesigner99]

Gr8Panoz, I wouldn't use MDF, its basically particle board. You will get better moisture and expansion control using marine grade plywood. Especially if you don't laminate the edges. But of course this is my opinion.
Were did you get the Madrone Burl?

Cheers!

[RRoller123]

https://www.veneersupplies.com/index.php

The best source by far.

Pete

[Gr8Panoz]

That's a good point about the MDF. I was just thinking on the same lines as a sub box. IF either option were to fail, even eventually, at least it's a cheap upgrade and I'll have the originals as well. Thanks for tip.

[RRoller123]

You can veneer right over the existing plastic dash panels with excellent results. I posted a long series on here about doing just that, a few years back. Yellow glue and a couple of simple home made plywood presses and it works great.

[sweet124]

I know this is an old friend but I was wondering when veneering over the existing laminate do you put glue on both the veneer and the dash panels or just on the dash panel that you’re glueing to I will be using the t tight bond 2 glue as suggested

[evm1024]

I made mine out of solid Khaya and used a adhesive backed Khaya veneer sheet for the curved and small parts.

Not too hard - Also, either Minwax Spar varnish or Captains Varnish for the finish. About 5 to 8 coats.