Any proven techniques to form woodgrain rallye gauge overlays

[Skdmark]

I know the best solution was buying a preformed woodgrain overlay from Dave at Performance Car Graphics.
Unfortunately, Dave has passed away and this is no longer an option.

I have a flat repro woodgrain panel set en route.
If you also used the flat panels, what did you use to form it?

I do have an original set of panels on hand for reference if need be.

[71383bee]

There was a decent article in the Mopar Connection magazine website on their comeback cuda.  If i recall they just bent it around a piece of galvanized pipe.  It looked like 3/4 or maybe 1" diameter pipe.  Any hardware store has it. 

Here's a link to the article. 

https://moparconnectionmagazine.com/comeback-cuda-brain-surgery-pt-2-testing-restoring-the-gauge-cluster/

[Spikedog08]

I think the pipe was larger than 1" . . I think 3" was more like it.   

[Burdar]

Take your original to the hardware store with you.  Put it up against multiple pieces of PVC and see which diameter most closely matches the curve.

[71383bee]

I think the pipe was larger than 1" . . I think 3" was more like it.   

From the pictures they had I don't think it was quite that large but agree t to take it to the hardware store and start laying some pipes in there to see what fits the best. 

[Skdmark]

I rummaged through PVC cutoffs I have  on hand. It looks like 3/4" schedule 40 is the closest.
It has an OD of 1.050".

I'm still waiting on the woodgrain plate to arrive. UPS is saying by this Friday.
Do any of you know if the ends of the plate that butt up between the cluster and switch housing have the ~3/32 x 90° bends in them already?

[1 Wild R/T]

Where you might run into a problem with the pipe, the curved ends aren't at a true 90 degree angle top to bottom...
Quite a few years ago someone on Moparts used a couple pieces of 2x6 lumber, they shaped the ends to match the contours of the original overlay...

[Skdmark]

I have a set of originals on hand that I am replacing that I can match up the bend angles. I've contemplated making a wood form and use the holes in the panel from the switches and gauges for location.

[RSI700VIPER]

I installed one of these last year on my Challenger.  It was quit easy actually.  I lined up the overlay, and simply and slowly pushed it into the curved part of the cluster.  This will get you about 85 degrees of where you need to be, and the contour will be correct.   I then removed the overlay and using my hands, pushed the ends together for last 5 degrees.  Trial fitted and tweaked a couple times and your there.     

[Skdmark]

I installed one of these last year on my Challenger.  It was quit easy actually.  I lined up the overlay, and simply and slowly pushed it into the curved part of the cluster.  This will get you about 85 degrees of where you need to be, and the contour will be correct.   I then removed the overlay and using my hands, pushed the ends together for last 5 degrees.  Trial fitted and tweaked a couple times and your there.   

@RSI700VIPER
Were the ends that butt up between the gauge cluster and the switch panel pre- bent?
The original panels have a 3/32 long 90° bend.

[RSI700VIPER]

Yes. 

[anlauto]

I installed one of these last year on my Challenger.  It was quit easy actually.  I lined up the overlay, and simply and slowly pushed it into the curved part of the cluster.  This will get you about 85 degrees of where you need to be, and the contour will be correct.   I then removed the overlay and using my hands, pushed the ends together for last 5 degrees.  Trial fitted and tweaked a couple times and your there.   

I agree with this method, I think you might be over thinking it

[TGGodfrey]

Tape the existing with masking tape, rub veggie oil on it and spray it with great stuff.  The Foam will make a perfect mold.

Terry

[Skdmark]

I agree with this method, I think you might be over thinking it

Wouldn 't be the first time I've been accused of that.

[70/6chall]

When my Standard dash instruments with SE trim got sun beat and old looking I had to come up with a plan to refurbish it. Since I wasn't looking for purist true to form. I decided to recover the overlay myself. I found a roll of 3M wood vinyl trim. I found the same stuff that the Chrysler dealers used to repair the PT Cruiser "Woodies" and the wood sided mini-vans with. I cut out a template and then carefully cut out the overlay. I thought it didn't turn out to bad. It was just meticulous and time consuming. Look at this pic.  Thanks,   Al