SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1968 Shelby GT350/500/500KR => Topic started by: Jack4159 on November 22, 2020, 06:54:27 AM

Title: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Jack4159 on November 22, 2020, 06:54:27 AM
Me again, apologies for posting with questions about every second day this is my first Shelby resto.
I do search the net for answers first and I really appreciate the expert advice available here.
I want to retain my original dash parts and bezel and they need rechroming(along with every other shiny part on the car).
So I had a tentative go at getting the original woodgrain applique off but it didn't want to come.
I tried with a fine flathead screwdriver but it seems the "wood" is well stuck and will come off in tiny slivers only.
Is there a trick to this, any advice?

Thanks once again.
Pic attached of bezel and also for interest, the KR on the 250km journey to the body shop(in Southern Western Australia) 
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: CSX 4133 on November 22, 2020, 07:26:49 AM

My totally unprofessional suggestion might be to try steam to loosen the adhesive. Given the age it may not effective, hopefully someone chimes in with a better idea. Best of luck on your Shelby!
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Bill on November 22, 2020, 07:30:54 AM
Heat gun on low setting, constantly move it around, should loosen up the original wood grain applique.

Uncomfortable with your skills with a heat gun and afraid you'll damage the bezel, stick it out in the direct sunlight for 4 hours on a day where the ambient air temps are 75 degrees or above and you should have the same effect.

Bill
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Jack4159 on November 23, 2020, 08:40:40 AM
Thanks gents, a little heat sounds like a good idea I will give it a try tomorrow.
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: CharlesTurner on November 23, 2020, 11:06:03 AM
Be careful with a heat gun, you'll risk heating the plastic too much and distorting the bezel itself.  In the past, I think the only thing that worked for me in the past was soaking in something like mineral spirits.
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Jack4159 on November 25, 2020, 08:11:47 AM
Quote from: CharlesTurner on November 23, 2020, 11:06:03 AM
Be careful with a heat gun, you'll risk heating the plastic too much and distorting the bezel itself.  In the past, I think the only thing that worked for me in the past was soaking in something like mineral spirits.
Yes I can now confirm that a heat gun, in my clumsy hands at least, will melt the bezel. Thankfully I saw it happening early and if I ever do manage to get the woodgrain off and the bezel rechromed the "modified" area will not be noticeable.
Somewhat chastened, I think I will now buy a new repro Scott Drake dash and bezel to install and tuck the originals away in a safe place(meaning away from me).
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Coralsnake on November 25, 2020, 08:38:53 AM
Do not buy the Drake bezel.

Nos bezels are available for around $350
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Jack4159 on November 25, 2020, 08:59:03 AM
Quote from: Coralsnake on November 25, 2020, 08:38:53 AM
Do not buy the Drake bezel.

Nos bezels are available for around $350
Thanks Pete, are the rest of the woodgrain dash pieces available nos also? My car is a/c.
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Coralsnake on November 25, 2020, 03:54:53 PM
They are not
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Jack4159 on November 26, 2020, 07:39:29 AM
Quote from: Coralsnake on November 25, 2020, 03:54:53 PM
They are not
OK thank you.
Title: Re: removing woodgrain from dash on KR4159
Post by: Coralsnake on November 26, 2020, 09:46:42 AM
Getting the dash to look good is always a challenge