Clay dash bezel

StealthRT · 08-04-2006, 11:52 PM

Hey peeps! Really quick question here.

I have installed a 7” touch screen LCD in a 2000 Nissan Maxima. As you all may know there are no bezels that fit for a LCA in place of a CD-player. I have about a half inch gap on the left and right side of the LCD. I am thinking about making a bezel out of play-doh or clay. I have never used fiber-glass nor anything close to it so I don’t really want to go that route.

Has anyone made a bezel out of clay? If so what type (name) of clay and where can I get it around me? Home Depot? Craft store? Etc..

Thank you for your time,
David

GoHybrid · 08-05-2006, 12:12 AM

I'd worry about clays. The only ones i know of that can be shaped accurately enough to make a decent looking part are temperature sensitive and/or non-hardening. I'd definitely take an opportunity to try out some plastics and FRP materials. They'll last many times longer, look more professional and there are lots of people here who would be more than happy to share their experience with you. If you want a starting place, I'd say look at some different kinds of foam. I know the stuff they arrange flowers with at the floral shop is a cheap and easy to shape type. Also check out some of the hand-workable Renshape foams at www.freemansupply.com. If you can make the shape of the bezel in foam, you're halfway there. Here's a few things i carved out of foam and just applied some simple finishing techniques to. I can email you a more detailed write-up if you like. Good luck!

StealthRT · 08-05-2006, 02:01 AM

Sure that would be great if you could email that stuff to me GoHybrid.

David

shotgunefx · 08-05-2006, 03:12 AM

Don't think clay would work out too well. What's it look like? Is it flat or contoured?

Shadow · 08-05-2006, 09:12 AM

Your easiest bet is going to be getting an aftermarket radio dash kit and modifying it to work. Otherwise use floral foam and then cover it in drywall mud to protect it from the resin.

parksgm · 08-09-2006, 01:29 AM

Don't fear the fiber...it's not that bad! Plus, you'll learn a new skill...

shotgunefx · 08-09-2006, 03:21 AM

Personally, I think Raycrete might work out well. It's what I fabbed my "Mouse Shifter" out of.

Injector · 08-09-2006, 10:31 AM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/fabrication/70219-what-screen-should-i-use-pics.html (scroll to the bottom)
i had the same problem my double din would fit the screen housing perfectly but it would leave a couple seams, i used sculping clay, it's called sculpey (sculpey.com) i got it at a local art & sculpture store, at room temperature it's just like play-doh, but when you heat it up to about 150f it hardens, or you can heat it to 230f and it'll be harder than the beazel your putting it into, i know by expirience, used a heat gun so i could control the heat decepation and not warp my beazel but it's up to you, plus i live in florida where just by leaving your car parked in the sun it's get up to about 150F.

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