TCS dashboard replacement

[Daveilt]

Is there a recommended source for a wood dashboard replacement for a 73 TCS?
Is there anyone that makes a replacement that would have the proper printed lettering on the dash?

[BDA]

Unfortunately, the guy I got my dash from, which I am in love with, retired but I remembered two people who I know got nice dashes. Jay Leno got a very nice dash for his Elan 26R here: https://www.maderaconcepts.com/. Our own Certified Lotus, whose build I indexed (https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=4871.0 in case you're interested) got his dash from an operation named C G Autowood. They may advertise on Facebook but they don't have a website. This is the Chamber of Commerce page on the company (https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/united-states/connecticut/norwalk/auto-parts-store/2016337833-cg-autowood). Lotus Supplies (https://www.lotus-supplies.com/) also sells dashes. I don't know anybody who has gotten one so I can't say how good they might be and sad to say, I have found them very unresponsive to my inquiries. SJ Sportscars sells a dash (https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and-accessories/SJ074B0005.htm). Steve is very responsive but I don't know the quality. Kelvedon also sells dashes. Unfortunately there are few pictures but the ones they have seem pretty good (https://kelvedonlotus.co.uk/product-category/lotus-europa-s1-tc/interior-fittings-lotus-europa-s1-tc/).

For quality, besides thick shiny coats of polyurethane (lots of sanding and polishing between coats) and nice veneers, I would prefer that all the surfaces be finished. The guy who did my dash claimed it was very important for keeping moisture out of backing wood which is a primary way they go deteriorate. Opinions differ on this but he convinced me and my 20+ year old dash still looks new.

Some places have a choice of veneers so if you want something different like burl, birdseye maple, etc., that would be a consideration.

So that should give you some places to contact and some questions you might ask. Let us know how it turned out.

[Kendo]

I got mine from Madera Concepts. It's beautiful, though I haven't installed it yet. He refused to finish the back. But I can't remember the reason he gave, maybe something to do with interference when installing the instruments and switches? I intend to finish the back when I install it. He added a glove box door for not much money.

[BDA]

I get the impression that it is unusual to finish all the edges and the back and it may be that it isn't really necessary if you keep you car in the garage. I don't know. I don't do woodworking and I'm even more ignorant about it than cars so my preference for that comes from the guy who made my dash and it makes sense to me. Certainly the original dashes had a very finite life and I attributed at least part of that to the fact that only the face was finished. And I will say that I had no trouble mounting gauges or controls on my dash.

[Daveilt]

Ok Thank you all, I will try these suppliers.
Hoping one of them can supply the dash with the lettering like the original.

[Lou Drozdowski]

Facia lettering can be found at r.d.enterprises...$14.00

[BDA]

I can't speak for other dashboard makers but mine came lettered. I suspect any good provider will have it lettered as a matter of course. It might be something to ask about when you talk to them.

[Kendo]

Madera Concepts will letter it. But you have to ask.