Veneer on Auto Dash?

[Tommy Emmons]

I know the car companies put wood dashboards and inserts on some cars. Has anyone ever tried to put veneer on a metal dash themselves? Is this possible and are there any paticular pitfalls that need to be avoided? I would like to put a wood veneer on the dash of an old pickup that is being restored. Thanks in advance. Tommy

[eric auer]

Im thinking Heat and Cold would be a big issue, considering how extreme they get inside a car/truck.

[Scott Schwake]

Sounds like a good question for Click & Clack at Car Talk:)

[Paul Downes]

I am not sure what process Cadillac uses, but their current vehicals primarily use Sapele, which is African Mahogany. The veneer layer is quite thin and encapsulated in a thick layer of (I think) acrylic resin. I am sure they are useing some kind of vacuum bagging system to glue the veneer to the plastic substrate. It could be a vacuum mold system with the veneer applied wet?? there are some corners on the dashboard pieces that have 75-80 degree bends in them. I am sure the wood is stained afterward and who knows what else (sanding sealer?) before the finish is applied. I could get some basic measurements off a sample I have in case you are interested.