Walnut dash in series 2

[londoner]

I am looking replace my plastic dash with a walnut one. I know the series 2 never came with one. Does anyone on here know how difficult it is to fit the later type to a series 2?
The guy at Alpine innovations can supply with heater brackets but said the dash would need modifying to fit my car. Thanks. John

 

[nsbluenose]

Is it possible for you to put a walnut veneer on your plastic dash. Properly finished these can look outstanding. Many wooden dashboards in new cars or old use a veneer.

 

[alpine_64]

The later dash should fit the early car, the screw locations are the same and column shouldn't be an issue.
you will have additional holes for warning lights that in a II are in the gauges so either add lamps for other things or blank them

 

[DanR]

I still have the Dash Tabs available for the walnut style dash $30 + shipping

 

[johnd]

I have a walnut dash in my SII. If I remember correctly there is a difference in the heater/fan control fascia plate. Luckily, I was able to buy a new replica from a SAOCA member - don't remember who.

 

[JackSun]

Londoner , Are you in the UK ? Are you doing a 1/2 dash … ( not covering glove box ) ? if so , I have a Walnut 1/2 dash ,
Blank planed to dash thickness , Un drilled , neater control not cut or mortised on reverse ….. I just planed several dash
blanks & had one terrific piece that unfortunately had a knot where glove box would be , so I cut blank for a 1/2 dash .
No access to a S II dash for template …was going to drill for later Series . I’m using Dan’s brackets for the S V dash .
Let me know if interested .

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

I am looking replace my plastic dash with a walnut one. I know the series 2 never came with one. Does anyone on here know how difficult it is to fit the later type to a series 2?
The guy at Alpine innovations can supply with heater brackets but said the dash would need modifying to fit my car. Thanks. John

As far as I know putting a wooden dash from an earlier car is pretty easy

 

[londoner]

Londoner , Are you in the UK ? Are you doing a 1/2 dash … ( not covering glove box ) ? if so , I have a Walnut 1/2 dash ,
Blank planed to dash thickness , Un drilled , neater control not cut or mortised on reverse ….. I just planed several dash
blanks & had one terrific piece that unfortunately had a knot where glove box would be , so I cut blank for a 1/2 dash .
No access to a S II dash for template …was going to drill for later Series . I’m using Dan’s brackets for the S V dash .
Let me know if interested .

Jackson. I live in NH in the States but I am from the UK and go home a couple of times a year. I will be there this week. I was hoping to install a full length dash with glove box. So unfortunately your one will not work. Thanks though!

 

[londoner]

I still have the Dash Tabs available for the walnut style dash $30 + shipping

DanR. Thanks. I like to buy those brackets from you. Can you let me know how I can pay etc. Thanks John

 

[JackSun]

Londoner , I planed 2 extra full length walnut dash blanks that are Not drilled , they are sawn to the perimeter outline
& steering column recess … the Walnut log wasn’t sawn for three years , sawn & then kiln dried ….. others might well
disagree , but , I have not had good experiences w/ veneer over plywood in previous Jags & Austin Healey’s … I’m planning
to use the TR 6 or Healey type glove box hardware knowing from past cars ……it works ! Good luck !

 

[londoner]

Londoner , I planed 2 extra full length walnut dash blanks that are Not drilled , they are sawn to the perimeter outline
& steering column recess … the Walnut log wasn’t sawn for three years , sawn & then kiln dried ….. others might well
disagree , but , I have not had good experiences w/ veneer over plywood in previous Jags & Austin Healey’s … I’m planning
to use the TR 6 or Healey type glove box hardware knowing from past cars ……it works ! Good luck !

 

[JackSun]

Londoner , Here’s where I am …. I was able to buy a OEM plywood / veneer dash from a GT car to make outer & inner
metal templates …I have the outer made as shown , will make a paper template of the inner from the GT dash to transfer to another metal template , mount both metals to exterior plywood duplicates & drill the walnut blanks & router the inner side .
I assume , but don’t know if the hole diameters on a S II are the same ? I know a metal plate must be fitted on the ignition
on the inner side to restrict the ignition turning & I don’t know if the routed area to mount Dan’s brackets are the same ?
Somewhat a learning curve ,but I have the GT dash & 2 plastic dashes for patterns .

 

[bobbo]

Doing your own dash is a great winter or off season project. I used an old dash for a template years ago and finally got to almost finishing it this year.
will install this winter. Dan's brackets are a great investment. Incorporating a glove box door in mine. Take the leap, you won't regret it.

 

[londoner]

Doing your own dash is a great winter or off season project. I used an old dash for a template years ago and finally got to almost finishing it this year.
will install this winter. Dan's brackets are a great investment. Incorporating a glove box door in mine. Take the leap, you won't regret it.

Bobbo. Nice job on that dash! What did you use for a finish?
I am a woodworker by trade so the making isn't a problem. Did you do a veneer? Or solid?

 

[londoner]

Londoner , Here’s where I am …. I was able to buy a OEM plywood / veneer dash from a GT car to make outer & inner
metal templates …I have the outer made as shown , will make a paper template of the inner from the GT dash to transfer to another metal template , mount both metals to exterior plywood duplicates & drill the walnut blanks & router the inner side .
I assume , but don’t know if the hole diameters on a S II are the same ? I know a metal plate must be fitted on the ignition
on the inner side to restrict the ignition turning & I don’t know if the routed area to mount Dan’s brackets are the same ?
Somewhat a learning curve ,but I have the GT dash & 2 plastic dashes for patterns .

Jacksun. Those look great! Nice piece of walnut. What are you going to use for a finish?

 

[bobbo]

Solid walnut. and 8 or 9 coats of "Helmsman Verathane". Had to wet down a the cold cellar and seal off for the final coats t o eliminate dust.
Putting in some of the re-finished gages really makes it pop.

 

[JackSun]

After getting these metal templates finished , ugh ! I’ll seal the inner side & all the edges ….I planed several pieces of
the “ fall off “ so I’ll have several finish test pieces for judging finishes ….I will try : Arm - R - Seal ( oil / urethane blend )
Tried / True ( oil / beeswax blend used on musical instruments ) , Like Bobbo , will use Helmsman Varathane , &
Waterlox ( a high gloss Tung oil finish ) ….still contemplating about trying one of the 2 part epoxy bar top finishes .
IMO , having a stable substrate w/ the solid wood vs plywood / veneer provides far more stability …having just retired
after selling my antique business after 40 years …I’ve spent many more hours than I wanted to , repairing veneer .

 

[londoner]

Thats funny. I hear you. I've been a Carpenter joiner for 35 years starting in London. Getting ready to stop sucking sawdust but I do enjoy it! Thanks for the info!

 

[DanR]

DanR. Thanks. I like to buy those brackets from you. Can you let me know how I can pay etc. Thanks John

E-mail me your contact information and where you want the Tabs sent.

Made checks/money orders payable to:
Dan Richardson
123 Richardson Dr
Greenwood, South Carolina 29649

$35 total should cover shipping also.

 

[JackSun]

Londoner , Sent you a PM .