Flat Dash Dimensions vs Later Standard Dash

[Carajas]

Hi

Am looking for some dimensional information relating to the "flat dash boards" fitted to the early 3.8's

The dash that came with my car is approx 50mm thick along the thicker front centre section. And, approx 23mm thick above the glove box and Speedo/tacho sections ----- I do not know if is this a standard dash or an original "flat dash" ???

The dash is in very poor condition ---- so if it happens to be a standard dash I will consider refashioning the dash to the "flat" type dimensions --- hence I would appreciate any dimensional information and or comments that might assist me here

My car is an Aug 61 car ---- so I believe a flat dash is correct for this period ?

Any help appreciated

Thanks

Tony

[paydase]

August 1961, should be an OBL?
On my October 61, the original flat dash top is also quite worn with numerous wrinkles.
What makes it distinct from later dash tops is, I think, the sharper edges because of no foam, visible here under on the lowering side, left of speedo:

P1240367 (2).jpg (241.44 KiB) Viewed 1371 times

[Carajas]

Thanks Serge --- the pic is very help full

Presumably the centre thicker section must have some padding on the top otherwise the map light fixings would sick out ??

my car is 29 Aug and does not have OBL's

Cheers

Tony

[paydase]

Tony,
I couldn't say what is under the vinyl in the centre section or in general if any.
The material is in bad shape:

IMG_20220221_141628.jpg (235.39 KiB) Viewed 1268 times

IMG_20230222_181535.jpg (216.44 KiB) Viewed 1268 times

You can also see here under a view under the dash, in the area of the speedo, where the fixing of the vinyl to the dash plate is made with clips:

IMG_20230317_181345.jpg (231.13 KiB) Viewed 1264 times

I have still to see how I can either repair it with a heat gun and glue (unlikely but I can still have hopes...) or if I will replace it (not my preferred option as I wish keeping the original material).

[paydase]

Also it is necessary to take care of the white plastic venting conduits that are known to be fragile:

IMG_20220313_163211.jpg (245.23 KiB) Viewed 1263 times

[Dave K]

You will know easily if it is the correct dash, have a look at the air vents, there are only 3 of them and they are a sort of off white colour that fall to bits if you look at them too long.

BAS do an ABS style vinyl that is an almost identical match to the original. You need to have a heat gun and form it very gently around the curves. It will also help if you have extremely strong fingers. The ABS can get very hot but its virtually impossible to get a grip with gloves on and you end up burning the gloves which burn your fingers so you can't win there. I burnt my fingers a few times getting it right.
The thing with the ABS is once its cooled it holds its set position unlike vinyl.
I put some very thin foam under the dash pad.
I'm sure if you sent the dash to BAS minus the air vents they would do it for you if you have to go the replacement route.

[Carajas]

Many thanks to Serge for the information and photos - very very helpful !

Also my appreciation to Dave for the advice relating to the type of and fitting of dash coverings

Regards

Tony