We are often ask how we go about restoring dashboards. It takes around three weeks of work and a lot of cleaning and polishing. Below is a short synopsis of how it is done.
This is how the dash arrives (This is a Jaguar Mk2/ Daimler V8 250 version), always dirty but often rusty and damaged.
The gauges are usually in a sorry state.
The frame is carefully separated from the vinyl covering and is dipped in a solution which cleans and removes the rust. This takes around 72 hours.
The smaller components, screws, nuts, washers, connectors, etc., get the ultrasound treatment.
The frame is then hand sanded, treated, rust protected and lacquered to protect the metal.
The gauges are then fully restored, or replaced, along with, an original spec, new wiring loom. In addition, to improve safety, an in-line fuse is added to the lighting circuit.
Finally, the bulbs are all replaced with LED bulbs to reduce heat and current usage.
The completed unit is then tested in a vehicle to ensure it is fully functional and safety compliant.
The final product is a fully restored, based on the original spec, but with improve electrical safety and looking amazing. It even retains some of the original dimpling to keep the character.
All guaranteed for 30 days.