Questions about Dash molding (C5)
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Questions about Dash molding (C5)
Forum member 99silverbullet and I are going to try our hands at dash molding. He needs a 2 DIN dash for his head unit. There's plenty of write ups on this so That doesn't concern me much.
I on the other hand will need somthing a little different. i will be attempting to mold the are where my EQ display is. (formerly Ciggarette lighter/ash tray area) I currently have it sitting an a makeshift aluminum frame covered in vinyl. It doesn't look horrible now, but it's far from show quality:
The Display itself measures:
(6-3/4") x (1-13/16") x (7/8")
there are two embedded mounting points for screws in the back of the display.
Any suggestions for molding?
I on the other hand will need somthing a little different. i will be attempting to mold the are where my EQ display is. (formerly Ciggarette lighter/ash tray area) I currently have it sitting an a makeshift aluminum frame covered in vinyl. It doesn't look horrible now, but it's far from show quality:
The Display itself measures:
(6-3/4") x (1-13/16") x (7/8")
there are two embedded mounting points for screws in the back of the display.
Any suggestions for molding?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
i'd make a frame out of abs and then close off the sides and back so you can mount it from behind. then take that frame and mold that into the dash piece. dont use epoxy for this, either use a soldering iron and melt plastic or use the abs sludge method.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
That's pretty close to my original plan:
Unfortionatly, it broke when I dropped it. Do you know if home depot or lowes sell ABS? Could I use my Sheet metal frame or would that be a poor bonding surface for the abs sludge?
How do I "finish" the surface?
Unfortionatly, it broke when I dropped it. Do you know if home depot or lowes sell ABS? Could I use my Sheet metal frame or would that be a poor bonding surface for the abs sludge?
How do I "finish" the surface?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
abs sludge wont bond to the metal. you can get abs sheets from any place that installs car stereos (cc, bb has them too) mcmaster's abs is better because it's just a clean sheet but the stuff you get from bb/cc will work
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Okay, so here's what i'm getting:
1) fabricate an ABS "frame structure" for the display
2) secure the frame to the console
3) apply ABS sludge
4) Finish by sanding.
Am I missing anything?
1) fabricate an ABS "frame structure" for the display
2) secure the frame to the console
3) apply ABS sludge
4) Finish by sanding.
Am I missing anything?
