Thread: Project "C++"

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

Merry Christmas to you too!

I want to do your foam idea to get the shape. What exactly is the product you used. Im sure you mentioned it, but I missed it. Also if I use the foam, is it easy to shape? My idea was to get the shape, then use a fabric stretched across that then resin. You think thats the right way to go?

I used Home Depot Gap Foam with the black cap. Resin on top of the foam after you shape it is the exact way to do it. On my larger console, I made the mistake of going straight to filler after shaping the foam. That may work for smaller projects; but not larger ones like your dash. The filler will crack without the support of the fabric and resin. It is not too hard to shape. If I can do it anyone can. For your larger dash just give it a day or two to fully dry before you try to shape. I used a mini hack saw to get the shape I wanted.

Mal

Originally Posted by 4ofakind

I used Home Depot Gap Foam with the black cap. Resin on top of the foam after you shape it is the exact way to do it. On my larger console, I made the mistake of going straight to filler after shaping the foam. That may work for smaller projects; but not larger ones like your dash. The filler will crack without the support of the fabric and resin. It is not too hard to shape. If I can do it anyone can. For your larger dash just give it a day or two to fully dry before you try to shape. I used a mini hack saw to get the shape I wanted.

Mal

So let me ask.... If I use the foam, can I simply use fiberglass sheets and do it one piece at a time, or should I use one big piece. Using one big piece to stretch seems to be an issue for me. I have other projects that seem to not work well with the one piece method.

Small update:

I got a desktop monitor and hooked it up. So I am typing this reply from my truck.

HiJack, in response to your question I am not sure we are on the same page as how fiberglass works. So forgive me if I offend. But step by step would be:
1. Spray foam in desired location.
2. Let dry.
3. Shape with saw as desired.
4. Strech or lay various pieces of fiberglass mat over foam shape.
5. Spread even coat of fiberglass resin over mat pieces. Be careful not to get air bubbles in resin.
6. Let dry.
7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 as desired for structural stiffness.
8. Sand.
9. Add filler.
10. Repeat steps 8 & 9 as desired for shape and smoothness.
11. Paint or upholster.

Hope that makes sense. I have been told multiple pieces of fiberglass mat helps reduce air bubbles as opposed to one large piece; especially since your final product will not be pool table flat.

Mal

Some Pics:
The first pic is with the truck running. The last pic is with the truck off.

Mal

You put the Car PC inside of a AMP case? Thats pretty cool!

YOu think I can use Styrofoam to instead of the gap foam? That would be easier to work with.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

You put the Car PC inside of a AMP case? Thats pretty cool!

YOu think I can use Styrofoam to instead of the gap foam? That would be easier to work with.

The thisg about the Gap foam is that if you drill a few tiny holes or scuff up your area first, it sticks and holds to your original piece really well. Styrofoam may not be resistant to resin and desolve slightly ruining your desired shape.

Hopefully you are working with your original dash to fabricate. All my suggestions assume you are using your original dash in some way as a base to frabricate on. I have no idea how to fabricate a piece from scratch.

Mal

No, Im starting from scratch. Actually using the dash was limiting my design ideas big time. Because the Durango has such an easy dash as far as assembly, it will be easy. It isnt like most dashes were the top wraps to the bottom and what not. I also took my Dremel to the top of the dash framing so all the curve areas are just about gone. So I have a very flat surface to work with. I'll keep you updated on it from my worklog.

Originally Posted by 4ofakind

My project is progressing slowly but surely. I am waiting for some things to modify my dash for my Pixel Qi LCD. In the meantime I sent the truck to have the bumper fixed from the results of an inattentive driver. It should look like the black truck's roll pan by Wednesday.

Mal

Where Can you Find that roll-pan...that is the one i want.......What is the website...?

Rollpans are practically everywhere. Google them. I ordered mine online then had it modified to hold my LEDs.

Mal