Lancia Flavia 1800 Coupe dashboard

[colinw]

Has anyone tried to re-varnish the dashboard (one with twin gauges)?
I ask this as I have found a car (to buy?) but someone has re-varnished the dash board a darker colour and it is wrong and flaking.
Is the dashboard real wood which can be easily rubbed down or is it just a thin veneer.?  Removal of the dashboard could be problematic.  Any help most welcomed, thank you.   

[DavidLaver]

A really lovely Fulvia dash restoration:

http://www.lancia.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9338.msg67396#msg67396

[colinw]

Many thanks for the informative reply, so quick.

Any ideas of how to get the dash board out so work can commence?

[Angle Grinder]

Is it just the instrument binnacle you want to remove? If so easy-peasy... just unscrew the 4 stainless steel "knobs" two at the top and the 2 at the bottom which also serve as the dash light dimmer and trip counter reset.

If it is the whole wooden insert on the dashboard you need to get your hand up behind the bulkhead and feel for the location of several very small (6mm from memory) nuts that retain the chrome strips on the dashboard. Some of these may shear when you try to unscrew so take time and try to soak with WD40 before you start the job. You'll also need to remove the ignition switch, clock, flavia badge, ash tray, air vents etc.

It's not complicated just a bit fiddly as 2 or 3 of the bolts are very close to the steering column with poor access.

[bobhenry999]

Colin,

I removed the dash wood trim from my earlier Coupe last winter and re-veneered it using veneer that I bought on E-bay.
It was quite a simple job as the veneer was an iron-on type.Perhaps that might be an idea for you.

Bob

[lancialulu]

Is it just the instrument binnacle you want to remove? If so easy-peasy... just unscrew the 4 stainless steel "knobs" two at the top and the 2 at the bottom which also serve as the dash light dimmer and trip counter reset.

If it is the whole wooden insert on the dashboard you need to get your hand up behind the bulkhead and feel for the location of several very small (6mm from memory) nuts that retain the chrome strips on the dashboard. Some of these may shear when you try to unscrew so take time and try to soak with WD40 before you start the job. You'll also need to remove the ignition switch, clock, flavia badge, ash tray, air vents etc.

It's not complicated just a bit fiddly as 2 or 3 of the bolts are very close to the steering column with poor access.

Is this the later model. The earlier model is undone from behind.

[colinw]

It is the dash for the 1967 Coupe and I need to remove both the binnacle with the twin gauges and the long section with the famous clock.
Thank you

[Angle Grinder]

I had a carpenter friend make up a new trim section for the panels where the clock / air vents are mounted. It was quite a bit thicker than the original fascia trim, but will be much more resistant to warping. Another friend, a French Polisher, matched the colour of the wood and the final result is pretty good.

If you need advice on the removal procedure send me a PM or post something here. It's about 5 years since I did it, but I reckon I remember all the stages.

[Angle Grinder]

http://www.classiclancia.com/car-parts/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=206

But it won't be a cheap option.