LUVTruck.com

So seeing is how my dash is basically torn to shreds i was thinking of making a wooden dash. Anyone think its a good idea, or even worth it?? I was thinking cherry wood...

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"If it wont fit, force it, if it breaks, then it needed to be replaced anyway..."

A wood dash.....hmmmmm. I am a novice wood worker when it comes to finished products of that type so I don't think I could attempt it myself. Would you make it from laminate strips to conform to the original dash design or come up with a different concept? If you make one post some pics.

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In life there is the "Way things should be" and then "There's the way they are".

2005 Silverado 3/4T Crew Cab
1981 Luv 2WD
1979 Luv 4x4 Currently going through Open Heart and Cosmetic surgery
1995 Roughneck JetBoat
1981 Luv parts trk

I was actually just thinkin of making it out of a solid peace of wood, kinda of like wood carvers due with those sculpted bears on the side of the road... And i was going to kind of conform to make it look like the original dash put put my own spin on it...

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"If it wont fit, force it, if it breaks, then it needed to be replaced anyway..."

I would be concerned about drying out and splitting/cracking. Would using a layer of foberglass cloth and epoxy resin over the entire thing seal it and protect it? I built a canoe years ago and glassed it like that for protection and the cloth was invisible. It sat outside for a few years and had no problems.

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I've never been wrong! Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.
Rick
Loranger, La
1980 Stepside LUV (Again)

I thought about doing a wood dash too, when you get it done you could use it for a die and make fiberglass dashes out of the mold. I thought if you could find a doner truck and cut out the dash it would be a lot easier to make the master from.

An intriguing idea. My 77's dash is metal with about a 3/4'' layer of foam over it. Old cracked foam with vinyl fabric patches that didn't work that well. I did hack a hole in the top to make room for a AM/FM/cassette stereo. I welded some braces in in case what I cut out was structural.

I am not sure about the whole dash. Of course, a big slab of wood securely attached should give rigidity too. You could do some things like make a good place for more gauges. I only have speedo, fuel and temperature. You could also bore some holes to provide cup holders. I used something meant to mount on the transmission to hide the top of the radio.

The sun will slowly destroy the upper level of wood causing even the very best varnish to crack and peel. I think if you started with a well cured piece of wood and used an oil or wax finish, it might hold up. Just rewax now and then.

Well i figured i would reseal and wax it maybe every year, just like you would with a deck that you really like. I may be getting an old 4x4 i use to have back, so i might use that dash as a form for the wood one. I actually think i will go through with it. The only guages i would think i would keep are spd, tach, temp, gas, and oil pressure. I dont think making it will really be that complicated, plus it would look sick...

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"If it wont fit, force it, if it breaks, then it needed to be replaced anyway..."

The walnut panels in the high end stuff always seemed to hold up.

not shear what they use but if you look up what kind of wood they use on the old fishing boats if it can handle salt water and sun all day it can handle anything

I think it is Teak. It isn't cheap either, but looks beautiful when properly finished.

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I've never been wrong! Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.
Rick
Loranger, La
1980 Stepside LUV (Again)

Maybe try Varithane(spelling?).It is a liquid plastic sealer/varnish.when I refinished some pool cues we used it and it work great.Wopuldn't have to worry about condensation that way.

You guys do realize how old this post is and the guy hasnt been here in almost 2 years right?

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Click on C.M. logo to go to my webpage


RIP R.J.B.

aaa, who looks at dates?

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I've never been wrong! Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.
Rick
Loranger, La
1980 Stepside LUV (Again)