I will take pics of my complete dash and send them to twin turbo for posting if he will for me.Im as dumb as a brick on this pic posting but getting help from gkull and others.

 

sure send them, I will post. BTW, looks like you used the top of a pre 78 3 pc. dash, I was thinking about doing the same and build a simple sheet aluminium console and gauge cluster, something like you have. Very nice indeed!

 

81 vette like twin turbo I am also getting tired off your nothing posts.
You should just sit back, read the posts and learn without commenting on everything.
Your lack of knowledge shows in everything to post.

 

with contoured forms, the trick is polyester felt, staples, and something to staple it to i.e. frame, mold, etc.

if you ever see custom subwoofer boxes that are morped and it looks like the subs are "stretching" the box.... it's done like this..... first a box with no top is built. then there are trim rings that the subs mount to that are temporarily secured above the top of the open end box by the use of "legs". next the felt is stretched over the rings and and stapled to the box..... next, resin is then spread over the felt (not too much since the weight might make the felt bow) and allowed to soak in. repeat the resin layer until u get to about 1/8" or so. then the inside of the box is resined and the felt is also... the resin won't soak all the way throw on the first pass.... i wish i had a few pics to show....

that's how to get a morphed fiberglass appearance. i would template your dash, secure it, then just stretch some felt to the console and try to see how funky u can get........remember, if you want a flat portion on the felt, then brace up a piece of wood and stretch slightly around it ....... i'll get some links once i find some...... it'll take some time but it looks cool once done......

cryzko

 

I just knew there was a reason they called it a "Dash BOARD"..LOL
Some cool ideas in this thread

 

Here's my custom made dash and cauge cluster etc. I used block of billet aluminum to make the speedo/tach unit in which I mounted Autometer Ultralite Tach and Speedo. I used the stock turning signal etc, kept them still in between the speedo and tack, just made the openings oval. As for the centr console and cauge cluster I used sheet aluminum to over the existing plastic panels. I then made new holes for the Autometer cauges and did completely rewire all of them. In the center console I mounted the Vintage Air's control panel, removed the ashtray and made nice little trim piece to go around the shifter. I also made the parkin brake handle out of billet aluminum, it was real PITA to make and to get it right, but now that it's done I couldn't be any happier.

Here's few shots to give you an idea of what Ive done.

 

 

Great stuff!

cryzko,
This sounds interesting, where do you get the materials?

groovjay,
Very nice! You might want to consider turning pro. How did you make the pad behind the parking brake? Where does the vintage air unit mount?

 

the felt u can get at a fabric store..... make sure it's polyester.... if not, the resin will burn/eat it....... do some test pieces first so u get the hang of it..... use the cheap sponge brushes to spread the resin.... make sure that u have enough working time in the resin (not toooo much hardener) so u can spread it evenly and it doesn't booger on u.... once u are done, simpy sand it if u are gonna paint it (more time involved in that) or cover it....i would see if there is a thin padding you can use between the fabric and fiberglass to give it a dash feel.....

cryzko

 

If you want the stock gauges, some of the inserts are pretty cool, I've ordered some samples from Joshua Tree but they aren't here yet. If you want to uses aftermarket gauges, especially 78+, you can make a template out of postboard, take it to a machine shop and have it cut out of 5/16 aluminum plate any way you want. That's what I did, it cost all of around $95, I think. For some reason I can't type tonight.


Whoa! Groove! That looks great. You slipped that in while I was replying the first time.