Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: berni29 on Tuesday,March 05, 2024, 01:40:19 AM
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Hi All
If one had a LHD dash and wished to use it on a RHD car could they simply flip it (the dash haha) around horizontally and reface the back? Or is it not as simple as that? I know with the +2 for instance some of the back has extra wood stuck on, and some surfaces are chamfered.
Many thanks
Berni
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The cutouts for switches and gages and the vents would be on the wrong side.
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To further explain, the back of the dash has to be relieved as the switches won’t otherwise fit as the dash is too thick. This means you can’t just flip a dash. You could flip an old dash and use it as a pattern to make a completely new one.
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US Federal dashboards have 2 slides to open and close the heater vents where the 4 small gauges are. UK dashboards don't have this, we open and close the vents by hand.
The difference between LHD and RHD otherwise is the speedo/tacho cut out is not exactly the same as the glove box cut-out.
Also, there is a round cut out for the steering column.
The reverse side of the dash is 3 dimensional, so not suitable for veneering.
Been there, done that x 7.
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Hi Guys
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Thats a total NO then.
On a +2 I used a 3M DiNoc architectural vinyl (as below) to cover an old dash (once properly prepped). I think if I had a less than original Europa I might do the same as I quite like the effect, and the wood used on the Europa dash seems quite plain to my untrained eye. I did also clear coat it. Just need to apply lettering and coat again.
All the best
Berni
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Bernie,
That must look amazing.
Putting it in the memory banks for future facia's.
I have two cutouts,one with a veneer and one just plywood. I have the lettering from RD enterprise which works well
Dakazman
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Hi Guys
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Thats a total NO then.
On a +2 I used a 3M DiNoc architectural vinyl (as below) to cover an old dash (once properly prepped). I think if I had a less than original Europa I might do the same as I quite like the effect, and the wood used on the Europa dash seems quite plain to my untrained eye. I did also clear coat it. Just need to apply lettering and coat again.
All the best
Berni
What did you use to clear coat it?
I have an S2 blank that's been stripped and is just hanging on the wall...thinking this may be a perfect solution to refacing it and passing on to the next S2 owner who needs to replace the dash...
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Hi
Apologies for the late reply. I used a 1k clear automotive lacquer, but you could use a 2k, just do not breathe it in!
See below, only the early dashboard (white holes) has had some lacquer, the later one is in progress.
I'm not pretending this is as good a result as having a new or professionally reveneered dash, but its a lot easier and cheaper, and for those of us who like to dabble, it may be good enough. Plus there are 100's of different finishes available.
All the best
Berni