Dash questions...

**Earlsfat** · 08-23-2007, 03:36 PM

I am looking to fab a complete dash, console (floor and overhead), and door panels for a 1970 camaro.

I am not sure how to proceed from the standpoint of what is actually resilient enough for everyday use, what is going to be doable and not look stupid:

1. Use a light gauge steel or aluminum (mig welding involved) and cover it with 1/16" or 1/8" foam, and cover that with naugahyde or vinyl?

2. Frame out using aluminum (or PVC) pipes and cover with fiberglass, and cover with vinyl type paint or naugahyde?

3. Frame out using wood, cover with fiberglass and paint / naugahyde?

4. Any other ideas???

I noticed that alot of people use MDF or plywood for their boxes, but would that hold up for an entire dash.. plus I would imagine that would be rather heavy.

I need to redo the interior on this thing, and refuse to spend 5-10k to have the original interior ... just like everyone else. For the time being I am only looking to do the stuff above, I don't have the cash, etc for the stereo, etc - not putting in a carputer, TV, DVD, etc.

If I'm in the wrong place, do you know of any sites that have any info? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. (Even willing to do a photo / how to if it'll help anyone.)

Thanks.

Jim

**BiGGy** · 08-24-2007, 02:44 AM

Im also about to do this on my rally car, Im planning to weld an aluminum frame up *in* the car around the mounting points, curved round bar and pipe to get most of the coutures. PVC piping for gauge pod forming. Nav computer and fire extinguisher will have plate backing to give a strong mounting fascia. Temporary plates for a switch panel fascia. Once the frame is done ill remove it from the car to do the rest. Elastain cotton fleece will be stretched over the frame. Then judiciously manipulating the stretched fleece to what I want. Washers can be stretched to mount points, hog clipping to the framework in some places to give a negative curve, plate protrusions to give fascias, open rings to allow for roll cage legs. CA glue can be used for material to metal bonding. After the material is right, glass it out. Remove any unneeded framework after. PVA for anti stick if needed.

http://www.fiberglassforums.com/showthread.php?t=3155
Thats a link to a thread in another forum of a guy who did the same. Browse through and get some ideas. Basically he cut up the old dash and use the plastic backing for mounting and worked off that, wooden framework and pvc piping for the rest. There are some other dash projects on that site, you will get allot of info there.

It will require a bit of fg knowledge, hope it helps.

-Ben

**parksgm** · 08-24-2007, 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by BiGGy

http://www.fiberglassforums.com/showthread.php?t=3155
Thats a link to a thread in another forum of a guy who did the same.

That is great work...and the timeframe is amazing...completed in less than two months!

**BiGGy** · 08-24-2007, 03:41 AM

Yes, he does very good work.

**Earlsfat** · 08-24-2007, 03:13 PM

That is truly amazing... I just want to do something retro - what they SHOULD have made the 70's dash int the first place.

I have never used fg, so I am not sure I'd be able to do anything other than waste money and make an enormous mess. BUT if it's really not hard to glass, then I'd be upto try it. I mean jeez, I don't want anything even remotely as intricate as that.

That really was impressive.

**BiGGy** · 08-25-2007, 02:49 AM

If you have not fiberglassed anything dont start with a dash, start small and work your way up.

**parksgm** · 08-25-2007, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by BiGGy

If you have not fiberglassed anything dont start with a dash, start small and work your way up.

Seconded. Especially don't rip out a good, existing dash before making sure you can replace it with something you'll be happy with.

**Earlsfat** · 08-28-2007, 12:10 PM

Well... dash I have is beat to hell... prior owner cut the vinyl (God only knows why) and it's pretty much shot. I'm trying to make it as un-ugly as possible until I get a chance to make a new dash / console / door panels. I pretty much know what I want to do, I KNOW I can make it out of wood, but I think that would be too heavy, and probably not stand up to the vibrations as well.

I can weld... justy don't have my own welder... hah, they're pretty expensive, at least to buy one worth buying. So I know that I could weld one, but if the materials to glass one would be less than the cost of buying a welder and the steel or aluminum to wled a dash up... then I'd be up for it.

I was sorta hoping that glassing is something that is relatively easy to learn, given you are good with your hands.

**aneed4spd67** · 09-16-2007, 03:45 AM

Here is an idea from my 1967 Camaro, may be similiar to your 1970 Camaro. It is a 10.4" touchscreen, with 2 computers serial together, one is just for the fuel injection but is pretty cool for on the fly tuning and monitoring of the motor. Start by: #1 gutting your dashboard of any wires or stuff that will be in the way. #2 cut a big a** hole with a sawzall. #3 buy your touchscreen #4 stare at it for 2 months til you can visual how the touchscreen can sit in place with a direct view at the driver (odd angles and sunlight will screw with viewing pleasure. #5 get busy with cardboard, then metal (welders are not that expensive) and bondo

**kazzxtrismus** · 09-17-2007, 10:34 AM

try to get a "dash cap"
its a PVC re-do ofe the orgional DASH TOP.
this will get you a good start point and SUUPER cheaply.
otherwise get another dash from a basketcase.

you will be much better off with a fully drawn plan as Idea's change as you go.
dont forget its suuper hard to make the left match the right.

so get some practice on small things and work your way up.

best idea is a aluminum or steel frame that will basically act as a jig to the mounting points.
then you can go with whatever you like....BUT...
for safety.
you really should do a full cage of metal then build from there.
a wood framed dash will shatter in an accident.
fiberglass will too but at least with a steel frame its only the fiberglass that will only crack.

wood for shape, metal for strength and safety.

paint or leather is your choice.
but upholstery is harder than painting (IMHO)