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74 Dash

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M

MG_Midget_74

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I have owned my 1974 Midget for over 25 Years. About 15 years ago the car was completely taken apart and painted and put back together. At the time of the restoration the dash was re-vinyled like new. After 15 years the dash cracked again. So, I was thinking about taking all of the vinyl and padding off and painting the metal dash black and putting it back together that way. I have seen racers do this and was wondering if, others have done it and what the general opinion of the idea is?
 
I've seen some pictures around of the bare metal dash, didn't look too bad at all. I'm not a big fan of the padded dash look myself -- I'd say go for it.
 
"But seriously officer... Every time I try to look at my speedometer, my shiny chrome dash blinds me. It's a safety hazard for me to know how fast I am going."
 
Morris said:
"But seriously officer... Every time I try to look at my speedometer, my shiny chrome dash blinds me. It's a safety hazard for me to know how fast I am going."
Click to expand...

Which is why I was going to try and paint it the same color as the British Midgets.
 
lol.

maybe thats what the DPO was thinking! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif Don't get me wrong, it looks great. I'm just going to need a serious pair of shades during the summertime. Should help me maintain the tan on the underside of my chin too /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
Dash vinyl only lasted 15 years, you must have used inferior stuff. sigh.
 
jlaird said:
Dash vinyl only lasted 15 years, you must have used inferior stuff. sigh.
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How long do other's find they last?
It developed a small crack on the top on the passenger's side.
The original dash developed in the same location. Right above the window vent.
 
Bugeye dashes last forever if good vinyl is used. Like 40 years or so.
 
Heck I am in the same boat, have a 74 dash and was toying with the exact same idea. But was thinking of using 1/4" walnut to skin it. Almost like a veneer. Hmmmmm will have to see what I have once the foam is off.
Any one else done a veneering to a dash? I Have seen ones completely made of walnut or or types of woods. But it would be nice to have all tne mounting pins and screw holes line up first try /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
This is what I would do:
Get some very thin Aluminum, .03-.06 thick and cut it to fit over the dash panel after the vinyl and padding have been removed.
Using a 1" dia wooden dowel and lapping compound in a drill press you can polish the swirls into it in a uniform pattern. It will take a little practice but it goes quick and it looks great. Once completed put a coat of a clear acrylic over it to keep it nice. Then using adhesive glue the alum to the metal dash and replace the gauges.
 
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