Shane, you gave an excellent summary! I have just a couple of things to add.
I did my TR4 dash. Getting the old finish off was VERY VERY difficult. It is
some sort
of plastic resin. I used a heat gun (the kind used for stripping paint). This
softened the
plastic and made it much easier to remove. You have to be careful with the
heat so you don't
use too much.
I used a really sharp woodworking chisel to lift off the plastic. It seemed
that a dull one was less effective,
but you always have to be careful about gouging the wood.
I looked all over for a finish that was clear as water, UV resistant and water
resistant. No such thing
found in my experience (for woodworking, that is). There are these plastic
coatings that are close, and
give a deep finish, much like the original. I did not use this.
I was told by a cabinet refinisher that I might consider automotive
clearcoat!!!! It fits all the above criteria!
I used it and it worked really well. I used a catalyzed urethane clear coat.
Cost a bunch, and I have enough to
refinish MANY things, but it looks perfect. One year later it is just as good
as the day I finished it.
-Tony
Message text written by INTERNET:owner-triumphs-digest@autox.team.net
>There was a lengthy thread on this subject 2 years ago, and I used
the information therein to refinish my dash. While it does not produce the
same results as re-veneering the dash (itsself a project that requires
craftsman ability), the method I used produced very pleasing results.
First, remove the dash. Then very carefully using a high-quality 3/4" wood
chisel, very careful chip off the shellac. Yes, it does separate from the
veneer
underneath, but you do have to be very careful not to chip away the veneer.
In my enthusiasm, I did chip away two areas on my dash, but easily filled
them and only one of the marks acan be found after a close inspection.
The first 2 seconds of this chipping process is perhaps the most worrying,
but when you find that it actually comes off quite easily, the project
suddenly appears very manageable. This process took 2-3 hours.
Next step is sanding. Don't skip here. Then apply the poly-coat. Get one
that does not yellow. Everyone has their favorites. The big choice that
you have is either gloss, semi or matt finish. I went for the semi-gloss, as
I was rather fond of the non-gloss on my '74. Fine sand between coats,
as if you are painting sheet-metal. I do not think there is any such thing
as too many coats! :)
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