wooden dash insert anyone?
 

Is it feasible to use wood as a base for dash/instrument insert
Anyone done this and have pics?

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

I am sure it would work, you can do just about anything with wood.

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

I would use a veneer over a thin substrate so that it would remain stable. you don't want the faceplate to be very thick
ron

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

I cut mine out of smoked plexi glass, it turned out good.

But ya wood would look good especially all varnished up

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

Here is a couple of shots of mine:

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

Pops that looks nice. I would think with such a small area the short grained woods are more effective. Curly maple, burlwood, popcorn maple, etc., etc. Just a thought.

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

I agree. I think maple is the best way to go, if you don't like the natural cream color then it can be stained to match almost any color. I am planning on using a birdseye maple with a waterborne stain to match the color of my interior. I am also planning on making my steering wheel to match. The thing you need to remember about wood is that it needs room to move. Wood is a sponge, on wet and rainy days, it grows, on hot and dry days it shrinks. If it is not allowed to move with these changes in moisture, it will split.

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

Thanks for the responses - food for thought
I had a line on some individual gauges at a good price, that fell through-
I may go this route - undecided
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/66-GM...mZ230241384269

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

That sure looks expensive for such a relatively small amount of money. Are those gauges any good?

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

This is Mahogany laminate from a cabinet shop that I dremeled to fit. I also used it to cover an ugly radio hole and as an insert for the ash tray cover...

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

I've seen positive write-ups in Super Chevy on Dolphin gauges (of course a lot of the so-called stories are thinly-veiled ads); I've heard of some people having issues with the supplied sending units, but no real-person feedback on gauges
Would welcome experienced advice on any brands of gauges

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

http://www.tpigauges.com/products.htm and all made in the USA...

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

thanks for sharing that. Prices aren't bad at all. And the very best part: Made in USA !!!! I didn't think we made anything here anymore.

Re: wooden dash insert anyone?
 

I made my insert out of "masonite"
,and coverd it with some "chrome " sign viynl. Easy