Shane:
It shouldn't be that tough to re-veneer it the dash, provided your
woodworker buddy can provide you with a crucial tool. What you need is
a router with a 3/16 or 1/4" straight cutter bit with a guide bearing on
the bottom.
All you have to do is sand down the existing dash abit to give it some
"tooth", apply some contact adhesive to the dash and the back side of
the veneer, and then once the glue sets up, lay on the veneer, then
carefully poke holes thru the new veneer wherever there's an opening to
be trimmed. Then all you do is adjust the depth of the router bit so
that the roller bearing is even with the old dash and cut those puppys
out.. You can trim the outside edges of the dash with the same tool.
A few router tips: Go slowly to avoid ripping the veneer. Go in a
clockwise direction when you're "inside" (ie: a gauge or switch hole)
and a counter clockwise direction around the outside of the piece. That
way the rotation of the bit holds it against the edge you're cutting.
Like everything else, it's really simple with the right tools. Probably
take 45 minutes to an hour, counting in the glue set-up time.
Then just sand and finish the veneer and you're done.
John (woodworker back in the old days..)
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