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  #1  
Old 08-15-2006, 10:37 PM
KCM KCM is offline
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Wood Dash Trim Application Questions

Hi Folks,

I recently purchased a wood kit for my 1989 560SL. In the kit, there are several pieces that attach to the dash. Most fit as is, but the center strip pieces need to be cut to fit and a couple versions are included. They include a one piece center strip with a slot in the center for a vent lever (no switches) and a two piece strip with the slot and one cutout for a switch to the right of the slot A third strip which looks to be a right side glove box strip with the end radius is also included but has a slot such as for a vent lever.

Here's my first question. What model would use a glove box strip with a slot, and what would the slot be for? Find it hard to believe there would be a vent lever in the glove box door.

My second question may seem stupid, but involves which pieces to cut up to make my center strip pieces. I can use the one piece center strip and save the rest or use the rest and save the one piece center strip. Are any of the pieces described above more precious than the others? Which center strip version would be more useful to me or someone else in the future? Any suggestions or thoughts appreciated.

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  #2  
Old 08-15-2006, 11:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KCM View Post
Hi Folks,

I recently purchased a wood kit for my 1989 560SL. In the kit, there are several pieces that attach to the dash. Most fit as is, but the center strip pieces need to be cut to fit and a couple versions are included. They include a one piece center strip with a slot in the center for a vent lever (no switches) and a two piece strip with the slot and one cutout for a switch to the right of the slot A third strip which looks to be a right side glove box strip with the end radius is also included but has a slot such as for a vent lever.

Here's my first question. What model would use a glove box strip with a slot, and what would the slot be for? Find it hard to believe there would be a vent lever in the glove box door.

My second question may seem stupid, but involves which pieces to cut up to make my center strip pieces. I can use the one piece center strip and save the rest or use the rest and save the one piece center strip. Are any of the pieces described above more precious than the others? Which center strip version would be more useful to me or someone else in the future? Any suggestions or thoughts appreciated.
The vents on the L/R sides have wood inserts and slots! I'm sure that you really want to get this looking good ASAP, but I'd really suggest that you measure five times and cut once! Maybe use pieces of paper to plan out everything before cutting the wood.

BTW, I've been looking at www.alsacorp.com and their Lexan burlwood laminates. I mentioned this on another board and someone on that board bought some and did this with very good results, at a MUCH lower price than refinishing the wood or buying new wood(I'm not really sure that real wood belongs in a convertible, anyway). I plan to try this out on my next SL, which will be a "driver".
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  #3  
Old 08-16-2006, 12:44 PM
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Strife, Visited that site. Looks good to me & I'm going to try that laminate. I'll post pics if it turns out OK.

Can someone post instructions on how to remove the horizontal wood strips.

Thanks.
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Old 08-16-2006, 01:37 PM
KCM KCM is offline
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When I took mine off, I used a really small long screwdriver and got between the wood aluminum backing and the chromed mount at the end. Then I took my time pushing the screwdriver in and out until bit by bit it went further in and pulled away from the chrome. The glue on mine was still flexible. The only problem I had was on the end pieces where it thins out around the vent. I cracked the wood at the point.
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Old 08-16-2006, 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by ljmauricio View Post
Strife, Visited that site. Looks good to me & I'm going to try that laminate. I'll post pics if it turns out OK.
Thanks.
The guy did his console and it seemed to turn out very well - probably not "concours", but I became interested after spending $175 to get my console refinished at a well-known NC shop, and it cracked in the same places a year later. I feel that the expansion/contraction of the wood, veneer, and urethane/whatever finish just causes it to crack - and the sun a convertible interior gets aggrivates this problem. So, I'm going to take a $40 risk before I buy "real" replacements or have my stuff refinished on the next car.

He did mention that the material is much sturdier than "contact" paper but still trimmable with a razor/X-acto knife; it isn't really thick enough to cover large imprefections so sanding/filling is needed for serious problems.

They warn you that the stuff is UV-resistant but not UV-proof - but it can't be any worse than what we have!
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Old 08-21-2006, 09:37 AM
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I replaced with Alsa

I replaced the wood with the Teak Burl from Alsacorp after I had seen the post from Strife.
The toughest part was removing the wood. I was going to try to save it but there was no way to remove the strips without cracking the wood. There was a residue of what appeared to be dried contact cement. This I got off with a flat blade screwdriver & steel wool, (and a lot of time).

The wood strips are mounted on aluminum, save these to use as a templates. Remember to face the same as it will be installed on both the aluminum & laminate.

I made a new piece out of 1/4 " plywood for the panel that has the heater & A/C. The reason was I wanted to raise the buttons to center it.

The laminate is a cross between formica & contact. Very small imperfections will not print through. It made the bend on the shifter console with no problem.

I don't know how well it will hold up, but I bought enough to redo if needed.

Not concours quality, especially since I have an 82 that was Zebrano & is now burl, But it will "fool" just about everyone not on these forums.

http://kerry-cars.com

Last edited by kkcc; 08-21-2006 at 08:35 PM.
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  #7  
Old 08-24-2006, 05:29 PM
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Thanks for describing your experience with the product from Alsacorp. Can you post pictures of the finished product? Some close-ups for the forum members would help us all in deciding what action to take in the future.

Glenn
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  #8  
Old 08-24-2006, 05:41 PM
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Tried the burl laminate on A/C panel and shifter/switches panel. Came out great, and I started with pieces that were not in good shape. The pieces look new, HOWEVER, in order for the interior to look good the remaining pieces must be done. The ash tray would be easy if there is a way to take the handle off. Any one know how that is done?? Also the horizontal strips where the switches and vent levers are. Anyone know how to remove the horizontal strips along with the aluminum backing?? Glove box strips look like they screw on, but how about the rest of the pieces?? With the strips off the dash installing the laminate looks easy. Basically all I've needed so far is a pair of sissors and an X-acto knife. Pictures attached (if I'm lucky)
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  #9  
Old 08-25-2006, 08:10 AM
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The trim strips on the dash & glove box door are glued on. They can be pryed off with a flat blade screw driver, but it takes time. You don't want to slip & hit the dash itself.

I removed the ashtray, painted the metel black & lined it with black felt.

I have photos on the link below
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  #10  
Old 08-25-2006, 08:28 AM
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KKCC, I'm still confused. Are you saying just the wood trim is glued on, or is the aluminum backing glued on also. I am hoping to get the backing off so I can apply the laminate while on the wookbench, not in the car. Thanks
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  #11  
Old 08-27-2006, 02:39 PM
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ljmauricio, the wood is extremely thin veneer. This is glued onto aluminum strips. When you remove it from the dash, it is the aluminum that you will be prying off. The wood will splinters as the aluminum flexes. Just save the aluminum to us as guides.

www.kerry-cars.com
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Old 08-27-2006, 05:12 PM
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OK, now I get it. Pry off the aluminum strips. Thanks!
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  #13  
Old 08-27-2006, 07:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Strife View Post
...www.alsacorp.com and their Lexan burlwood laminates...
OK! This is the coolest stuff I have seen advertised in a while. I have often wanted to cover my CPU in burl, but did not want to try to learn some faux-finish technique, or wallpaper. I gotta try this stuff soon...

Somebody shoot me before I get started. The only drawback is the stuff is NOT cheap! I was thinking about my Kitchen Counters, but OH BOY!
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  #14  
Old 09-09-2006, 09:11 AM
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Correction to a previous post. The aluminum backing for the horizontal wood strips do NOT just pry off. They have retaining clips which are accessed by removing the glove box and instrument cluster.
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  #15  
Old 09-11-2006, 09:01 AM
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On my 82 380SL there was a thin aluminum backing. this & the wood both fit in the channel. Maybe it was a little different on the Euro models?

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