Complete, from scratch, made dash

[pontiacgp]

That is 442_7.5ltr's work, I just borrowed his picture..

 

[Longroof79]

I like the console/ dash setup, but I would also be concerned about where it's joined to the dash. It's kinda reminiscent of a '60's T-bird.
I think I would like to make my own console..that's pretty cool. 8)

As for the dash. I think using your existing structure and modifying that with fiberglass would be the way to go. I think you're able to do some amazing stuff with fiberglass matting, cloth, resin, etc.

 

[online170]

I was thinking of framing it from like a 1/2" lightweight plywood and overlaying with fiberglass mat/resin.

I would love to see/hear any other ideas

If youre thinking of using the plywood as a mold, talk to a sheetmetal shop instead. Would be quicker, easier, and cheaper to do it out of think gauge metal. Takes too long to cut and glue/screw wood. Start with a flat overlay all the way across. Cross section would look like a C or G. Then cut out the middle parts as required for the console and dash insert. Or leave as is, and put the gauges on the flat like a race car.

 

[RITTER]

I was thinking of framing it from like a 1/2" lightweight plywood and overlaying with fiberglass mat/resin.

I would love to see/hear any other ideas

If youre thinking of using the plywood as a mold, talk to a sheetmetal shop instead. Would be quicker, easier, and cheaper to do it out of think gauge metal. Takes too long to cut and glue/screw wood. Start with a flat overlay all the way across. Cross section would look like a C or G. Then cut out the middle parts as required for the console and dash insert. Or leave as is, and put the gauges on the flat like a race car.

Only problem with that is, I have to pay for somebody to fabricate sheet metal ... whereas I can easily do wood work with the tools that I already have. I was thinking of using some type of plywood because its cheap and easy to work with. One thing I am concerned about is the weight factor. I don't want a 100lbs dash board!

I have also read of guys using foam to make a mold for the fiberglass. Any input on that :?: Is there a source to get large chunks of foam :?:

 

[GhettoRacingKid]

i forget what the chemical is called but you can get the foam as a lquid and then spray it or shape it or whatever.

they used it in season 1 of car warriors.

that could be a good route to go. make a big block. shape it and then use that to mol the fiber glass

 

[RITTER]

i forget what the chemical is called but you can get the foam as a lquid and then spray it or shape it or whatever.

they used it in season 1 of car warriors.

that could be a good route to go. make a big block. shape it and then use that to mol the fiber glass

Oh yeah, I have seen that stuff. You can buy it in like 1 gallon cans (like a paint can) :idea:

 

[drogg1]

If you read up on fiberglass, it is pretty easy to work with. There are several different mats and cloths to choose from that offer different flexibility, strength, and weight properties. Epoxy resin is expensive but most durable. Polyester resin would probably be your best/cheapest bet. As far a mold goes, the foam used to fill the area under the floor of boats may be of use. It is a two part system that is mixed together and poured in and reacts to form foam. You could also use fiberglass itself to form a mold. Research will lead you to several different means by which to make a fiberglass mold. I would use plywood but remember that, depending on how many layers you apply, the fiberglass itself is very strong. So, the thickness of the plywood doesn't need to be as large as if it were the only support. Plus, the dash doesn't see a lot of load on it beside gauges, vents, etc. so it doesn't need to be overbuilt.

 

[Geed_up_442]

Drogg1 touched on some good points with foam and making molds laying tape and foil. Pretty much your wanting to make your shape, lay fleece when you have desired shap, staple fleece down, lay fiberglass, lay kitty hair in between layers for added strength, when you have desired layers of fiberglass, sand, lay fiberglass reinforced bondo (everclear in pink can), and start body work.

this pics might help

scroll down my page i have pics of my door panels

 

[RITTER]

That is a very cool dashboard. It looks very heavy though. :|