« Reply #15 on: July 29, 2011, 08:48:10 AM »
Laminated wood is strong and can be undercut to relief. Admittedly it is stronger if the laminates are curved. Then so is steel if it is under tension or with embossed ribs and so forth. Cannot remember the structure of the Nob dash. I think it will depend on what the body moulding has at the foot of the windscreen as to whether the added dash assembly is a structural element. I would expect a moulded strengthening rib under the screen as part of the bodyshell. If that is present it is probably self supporting. The give away will be in use as the screen is heavy and stress cracks will emanate from it into the gel coat if it is not strong enough. Also what is the steering bolted to? Is this the need for some stiffness but exclusive of the rest of the structural strength of the shell? If so a mod can be made that is reversible should the correct part become available.
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