hey guys, like most of us i've always had the idea to get a 'carputer' going. over the last few months i've managed to score myself a spare dash to suit my car and have also had a laptop sitting around which i do use a bit, but hey, it'd be cooler in my car, i also had a spare laptop monitor around, which has come in handy to size everything up.
So the plan is to fabricate it all up to perfection over time and install it all in one big hit to save the time my car is out of action. I have everything pretty much planned out in my head so far, and havn't been working to any designs, just placing things where i want them as i go
. I'm going to get the dash reupholstered professionally in as close match vynil as the can to the current trim, so that everything looks OEM.
Anyway, so far i've simply been using expanding foam to create the shape of the dash, the shape is probably about 60% done, i still need to finalise the shape around the tweeter pods and gauges, create another space for a 3rd gauge holder next to the other two, and sand the whole thing back smooth and evenly.
My main question thus far is that, once i have the shape done and all smooth, is it essential that i put a few layers of fiberglass over the top and then sand it smooth? or can i get away with puting a thin layer of bondo putty over the whole thing, sanding it smooth, and then getting it upholstered. The concern is that i havnt fiberglassed before, and am afraid that my inexperience will show through even after the dash has been upholstered.
Here's a pic of my current progress, still lots of shaping and smoothing to go obviously:
What do you guys recommend? Any other tips on fabrication would be great too!