Custom Dash
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
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!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
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.
You should just sit back, read the posts and learn without commenting on everything.
Your lack of knowledge shows in everything to post.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: river rouge michigan
umm
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
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,220
Likes: 208
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.
Here's few shots to give you an idea of what Ive done.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: East China MI
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?
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?
Last edited by jpatrick636; Oct 24, 2004 at 06:17 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: river rouge michigan
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
cryzko
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ky
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.
Whoa! Groove! That looks great. You slipped that in while I was replying the first time.
Last edited by 79ls1; Oct 24, 2004 at 07:34 PM.
