Help me fab my dash, Nexson come plz

**TexasAggie** · 04-20-2009, 02:47 PM

First of by abbreviating fab I want to go ahead and call no homo.

2nd I am wanting to start on my dash today, but I need quite a few suggestions as this is my first time.

This is my dash, a 2004 f150,

here is the screen I want to use, cheap *** one from gooddeals

[HL]Now my first issue is I can not fit the entire case into the dash. Its to tall and wide, So should I cut the dash to fit the case, or should I cut the case to fit in the dash?[/HL]

Now the 2nd issue is, if I cut the case to fit the dash, I more than likely would have to cut off the screw holes that would originally be what holds the screen in.

If I need to go this route, how would I hold my screen in there, what are some options?

We will start here, and if more pictures are needed let me know, I have all day to devote to this. I also picked up some duraglas for my base filler, then some rage for my top coats. Nexson has been helping me alot I just want to be able to use pictures haha so everyone can give me some input.

**TexasAggie** · 04-20-2009, 04:00 PM

Ok it looks like im gonna have to trim the case to the screen's width because it wont fit in my dash opening to the truck.

**Nexson** · 04-20-2009, 04:58 PM

Hey, Congrats on starting off.

I would defintely always cut the dash panel, but as you just mentioned, you will not be able to fit the bezel into the actual dash itself.

Before you cut the case, do yourself a favor and make sure the screen even fits. You are only goiing to gain about 1/4 on either side, so it might be a tight fit.

Also, what exactly is blocking the screen from going in, is it metal or plastic, can it be cut?

**TexasAggie** · 04-20-2009, 05:21 PM

The screen forsure will fit. in the pictures where the holes are that is plastic on top, but as you can see from the other picture there is metal behind it. Should I cut the case only in the 4 spots that will allow it to clear the holes where the metal is backing it?

over all width is just over 9 inches. Where the open slits are, that is where the dash clips in so those would need to stay to.

this is about how close I am.

This is the metal backing it.

**Nexson** · 04-20-2009, 06:04 PM

Do this...

Cut along the lines on the bezel on the left and right side.
Then re-pop it in and see if the screen still fits and doesn't overhang the bezel.

Retake pics.

**TexasAggie** · 04-20-2009, 07:18 PM

This might be weird, but I cut the bezel to fit the dash piece. Honestly thats all the trimming I think I need to do. Here are the pictures and you tell me.

I know its lopsided, im trimming that to fix it now.

Let me know:

Here is a picture of the bezel on in my dash, and the dash clipped onto the truck so it doesnt look like im going to need to trim that. This is recessed deep enough for me.

Here is the screen laying flat in the bezel.

Here is what the screen looks like from the front.

Doing it this way creates about a 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap between the front of the dash and where the bezel is at its deepest part.

**Nexson** · 04-20-2009, 07:36 PM

It looks like a fit. You wouldnt have to trim out those pieces if you trimmed the dash panel first and brought the bezel to the front because the bezel would not be set back in the way of the tabs inside the dash, rather it would be moved up and wouldn't hit when installed

Either way it will work, do you plan on keep it recessed like that or do you want to bring it up to be flush.

**TexasAggie** · 04-20-2009, 07:56 PM

I think recessed, it should help a small bit with sunshine.

**Nexson** · 04-20-2009, 09:30 PM

Great, if it all is going to fit like that, then your good to go. I am not sure if you will be putting on the back case of the montior, but if you are that will need to be trimmed as well.

So, are you ready to move on from here, what materials do you have?

**TexasAggie** · 04-20-2009, 09:41 PM

I was gonna leave the back off for cooling purposes, and yes I feel i am ready to move on. I picked up a quart of duraglas w/ hardener, also a quart of rage evercoat w/ hardener. From my understanding build up areas with the duraglas, then finish off with rage for pin holes and what not.

I plan on going and buying sandpaper once I put my first coat of duraglas on and let that harden.

What grit sandpaper do I need?

Also I was gonna just put the filler on wax paper to mix it before I put it on my dash that should be ok right?

I have stayed on haha waiting for your reply thats how open I am today!

Actually I need to sand the dash first dont I