wooden dash insert anyone? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

steverino66 · 08-20-2008, 03:54 PM

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

jonzcustomshop · 08-20-2008, 04:23 PM

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

padresag · 08-20-2008, 04:57 PM

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

scotts62 · 08-20-2008, 06:27 PM

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

But ya wood would look good especially all varnished up

pops64c10 · 08-21-2008, 05:53 AM

Here is a couple of shots of mine:

ClassicAutoResto · 08-21-2008, 06:29 AM

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.

Darinc74 · 08-21-2008, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicAutoResto

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.

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.

steverino66 · 08-21-2008, 12:49 PM

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

Anthony Fremont · 08-21-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steverino66

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

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

**Corts60** · 08-21-2008, 01:27 PM

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...

steverino66 · 08-21-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony Fremont

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

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

**Chevy Fleetside** · 08-21-2008, 11:47 PM

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

63 & 64 Bowties · 08-22-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

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

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.

**slepysal** · 08-22-2008, 07:23 PM

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

08-20-2008, 03:54 PM	#1
steverino66 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: oklahoma Posts: 663	wooden dash insert anyone? Is it feasible to use wood as a base for dash/instrument insert Anyone done this and have pics?

08-20-2008, 04:23 PM	#2
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: wooden dash insert anyone? I am sure it would work, you can do just about anything with wood.

08-20-2008, 04:57 PM	#3
padresag Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sidney,b.c. Posts: 4,425	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

08-20-2008, 06:27 PM	#4
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,240	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 __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

08-21-2008, 05:53 AM	#5
pops64c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Honea Path, SC Posts: 90	Re: wooden dash insert anyone? Here is a couple of shots of mine: Attached Images

08-21-2008, 06:29 AM	#6
ClassicAutoResto Rust Buster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lebanon, Ky Posts: 558	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.

08-21-2008, 12:49 PM	#8
steverino66 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: oklahoma Posts: 663	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

08-21-2008, 01:27 PM	#10
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,689	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... Attached Images __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(winter unit)https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...25#post8900725

08-21-2008, 11:47 PM	#12
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,779	Re: wooden dash insert anyone? http://www.tpigauges.com/products.htm and all made in the USA... __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

08-22-2008, 07:23 PM	#14
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: wooden dash insert anyone? I made my insert out of "masonite" ,and coverd it with some "chrome " sign viynl. Easy __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "



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