Dashboard measurement?

[Al_C]

I'm hoping that there's at least one of you with a little time on their hands today that can take a couple of measurements for me. Here's what I need, then I'll explain why:

From either end of the dashboard, how long (circumference, as it were) is the section of aluminum that is curved? Also, what is the radius of that curve? My terminology may not be the best here, but hopefully the request makes sense.

Here's why I'm asking: My plan is to put a wood veneer onto the aluminum dashboard. I have the veneer in hand - it's cherry wood. The veneer people recommended I attach it to the dash using contact cement. The veneer has some flexibility: it arrived rolled up in a box. My concern is that when I cement it to a flat piece of aluminum, the veneer may crack when I flex the dash to install it in the car. So, my solution is to test the concept. I'm pretty sure I have an extra piece of aluminum and I have plenty of veneer. I'll cement a piece of veneer to the scrap aluminum, use the measurements you guys provide and see what happens when it bends. If no cracks, I'm set. If it does crack, that means I need to set up the aluminum in close to the final shape and then glue the veneer to it.

There you have it. Comments are always welcome, but I could really use the measurements from your completed, installed dash. Thanks!

[BEAR-AvHistory]

FWIW I used a 12oz beer can to bend the ends.

[Gumball]

I used a gallon paint can - wow... that's two very different radii.

[RickP]

I'm no dash expert but I did just get done mine and I too was worried about that "curve". Your situation is notched up with wanting to veneer it. Personally, I bent mine around by hand and really didn't worry so much about hitting the exact point of the start of the curve. The only thing I made sure I got right is that where the curve starts to bend is exactly matched on the opposite side. I had to temporarily install the dash to get that right. Here are some pics that show with a ruler that hopefully gets you in the neighborhood. Where the ruler is at 0 inches it where the dash starts to take a different shape. comes out to 1.5 inches from that point to the end of the dash hoop. It has to bend at that point

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=56711&d=1469551884

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=56712&d=1469551885

I've worked with Veneer a lot and it will bend a bit but if your not willing to chance it, you can steam it to bend in the general shape you want. I would get your dash lined up and pre-bent, then steam the ends of your veneer and work to the general shape then glue. You will find the aluminum dash bends quite easily.

Where to be extra cautious is whatever gauge your mounting on the far left of the dash (facing engine) the edge is very close to the bend and can leave a gap. I got away with it on mine but barely.

[DaleG]

I used a gallon paint can - wow... that's two very different radii.

Same here (gallon paint can); just kept at it a bit at a time, fitting up to dash each time until it was right on.

[Jstanding]

Speaking as a kitchen and bath contractor you will CERTAINLY not be able to bend that aluminum once veneer is bonded. You will need to preform then contact cement on veneer. Once veneered if the bond is good enough it should hold the curve on its own atleast 90%.

[Al_C]

Thanks for the input! Jstanding - you just saved me the trouble of the experiment. I'll preform it as you suggested, then apply the veneer. Thanks, all!

[Jstanding]

Please post pics of the finished Cherry dash veneer. I am sure once stained and finished it will be an amazing addition. Has anyone else done a veneer dash that anyone has seen???

[jceckard]

If (when) I get to build one, I want to try a veneered dash. I want to try an idea that Joe Harmon came up with for the body panels of his Splinter car. Google it. It's pretty freaking amazing.