• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

TR4/4A TR4A Dashboard wood veneer - source?

Share this page

Popeye

Popeye

Obi Wan
Silver
Country flag
Offline
Hello all,

Can anyone recommend have a good source of book-matched walnut veneer?

Before I can begin in earnest the restoration of my TR4A, I need to finish building our garage... a project scheduled to be finished in May.

In the meantime, I want to begin a few smaller jobs on the Triumph, jobs that do not require the roof nor the storage of a garage. The dashboard comes to mind; the veneer is peeling and needs refreshing.

First, I assume that walnut is the correct wood? (My objective is to maintain originality - or at least reversible non-originality...) Secondly, any advice/experience/etc. is welcome. I know I can buy new pieces from the major vendors, but it should not be too difficult to just redo what I have.

Thanks,
Mike
 
I think OEM wood is teak (on the TR6 anyway). The point that usually comes up with this job is to use something that will survive high fluctuations in temperature and humidity. My belief is that people who have replaced the original laminates with solid pieces have had problems. Sounds like you want to reface the original board with a piece of veneer. Hopefully somebody else will be able to give you some insight on how to go about it, or whether you are better off buying something already done. Personally I don't mind a bit of a 'distressed' patina in the woodwork (within reason)!... good luck.
 
Its walnut. They used plywood for dimensional stability. VTR has an article on refinishing a TR4 dash - if you are a member. The guy didn't need to redo the veneer though.
 
i am redoing my tr6 dash in walnut burl veneer with one continuous sheet that i got from a california company very cheap under a hundred dollars. the name of the place was newton hardwoods i believe. let me know if you need any more info from me on how to do it
Randy
 
Popeye
I was lucky to find a local wood working supplier with a veneer. That would be my first choice, as the cost for an 2 X 8 sheet was less than $25 and you'll be able to select your sheet.
Helpful sites: https://www.tigersunited.com/techtips/ParlantiDash/rt-ParlantiDash1.asp
I'm using a lacquer (6 coats) finish on my 1949 TRA 2000 roadster using 1500 (wet/dry) grit sandpaper as discribed in this form (search veneer). Followed by a polish with a good carnauba wax. Here are some current pics of the dash restoration: https://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/paulbos@sb...m/ph//my_photos I'll post some finished pictures on Sat when I finish the last glove box lid. On the finished parts I'm very pleased /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif and the cost will be under $45.

P.S. Use a very good quality brush to apply your finish. It makes your finish sanding much easier.

Paul
 
Just for info and references, look at:
https://www.joewoodworker.com/catalog/
(I left out the important part) I have a supplier I can recommend:
https://www.constantines.com/
I have purchased many sheets of veneer from Constantine's and have all ways been pleased with the material. The veneering I have done has been on antique clocks and I have never done a dash. I think the choice of finish is of great importance for the protection of the veneer in an "all weather" situation of a dash.
 
Thanks all for the great advice... collectively you have pointed me in the right direction, lots of info - and even a step by step guide.

Mike

P.S. apbos - niiiiiiiiice ride! Love the turn signals. I appreciate - but will not pretend to understand - the dedication and patience and dedication of restoring a less common vehicle.
 
For a great selection of veneers, hardwoods and plywoods including exotics try https://www.boulterplywood.com . It's within driving distance for me which is great as I get to inspect and choose. If you can find someplace close, all the better. But if not....
Steve
 
Just updated my finished dash pictures /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif. (See original post). Do any members have any recommendations on who could do a good job restoring my gauge faces? Lots of work still to do.

Paul
 
Popeye, I sent you an email and photo. Randy Keller in Palo Alto. See the photo. I've been happy. I put it in myself. Fun, but a bit tedious. Took my time. Good luck.
 
Just an update: I was in Ft. Lauderdale for a wedding last weekend, and stopped by Constantine's.

Great place. Bought two books on veneer installation for $5. They are quite busy, but helpful and asked I call them for specific assistance when I am ready to start the veneer.

The question of dashboard rejuvination comes up periodically, and I recommend this place. (No business interest, etc. Just a happy customer.)

Mike in NC
 
the big trick to keeping them from cracking is to dry them out COMPLETELY before sealing them up. dry,dry,dry,dry, desert dry before sealing up front,back, sides, especially end grain. once the moisture gets in , then summer heat gets to them they swell then shrink and crack. the originals were not sealed.
rob
 
When I made my replacement dash many years ago, I used a solid piece of brazilian rosewood. If I made one today, I'd probably use a thick piece of veneer(1/8") on top of 7 or 9 ply plywood.
 
Back
Top