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New Dash
SJ - 21/4/20 at 08:53 AM

I want to remake my MK's dash as I have to move things around to fit my mini heater. Where's the best place to get a piece of aluminium for a dash, and what thickness do people normally use? My current one is plastic but a bit flimsy.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Stu

big_wasa - 21/4/20 at 09:21 AM

Just done mine. Local guy but he advertises on eBay.

Does them in fibre glass or for not a lot more he will do you a wet lay carbon one which is what I bought.
The carbon does have defects in the weave so depends how fussy you are.





eBay Item

SJ - 21/4/20 at 09:24 AM

Thanks, that looks nice. I think I prefer the look of ali though.

40inches - 21/4/20 at 09:28 AM

I used MDF as in this post https://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/30/viewthread.php?tid=186777
Still going strong,surprisingly light and tough

wonderfulweasel - 21/4/20 at 09:44 AM

I've gone with carbon fibre similar to Wasa.

I've just ordered some aluminium sheet from Metals4U online. I got 1.2mm thick to panel the tunnel. They had a variety of thicknesses and finishes available. Delivery was prompt, and free if you're spending enough with them.

SJ - 21/4/20 at 09:59 AM

Thanks guys

That MDF dash looks fantastic!

SJ - 21/4/20 at 10:02 AM

Just looked at metals4u and price seems pretty good

nick205 - 21/4/20 at 10:04 AM

Long since sold the car, but I made my MK Indy dash from 5mm plywood covered in black vinyl material. I had the plywood already and simply cut it to shape, then cut and drilled holes for the gauges and switches. Secured to the MK scuttle with dome head Stainless steel Allen bolts. Cost me very little and IMHO looked just fine (pics in my archive).

It helped that I have hole saws the correct diameter for the gauges and drill bits the right size for the switches.

SJ - 21/4/20 at 10:08 AM

Thanks Nick. That's what I did for my first dash.

I'm actually thinking of being minimal on gauges. Just my Acewell (speed, rpm, volts, temp, fuel) and a separate traditional oil pressure gauge, so won't need many holes.

JAG - 21/4/20 at 11:40 AM

I'm just re-doing my dash'

I'm using Aluminium sheet in 1.5 thick for the main dashboard. I've got lot's of 1.2 but just felt it was a bit thin.

YMMV.

SJ - 21/4/20 at 11:41 AM

quote:

I'm just re-doing my dash'

I'm using Aluminium sheet in 1.5 thick for the main dashboard. I've got lot's of 1.2 but just felt it was a bit thin.

YMMV.


Thanks - that's useful feedback

gingerprince - 21/4/20 at 11:57 AM

quote:
Originally posted by SJ
Thanks, that looks nice. I think I prefer the look of ali though.


Only problem with aluminium (or any shiny dash) is sun reflection when it's behind you. Not a problem if you always drive towards the sun though

SJ - 21/4/20 at 02:36 PM

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by SJ
Thanks, that looks nice. I think I prefer the look of ali though.


Only problem with aluminium (or any shiny dash) is sun reflection when it's behind you. Not a problem if you always drive towards the sun



Being as every time I get the car out it rains I can't see that being much of a problem.

JAG - 22/4/20 at 07:24 AM

I'm going to cover my Aluminium dash' with a film or 'sticky-backed plastic' kind of material to reduce the issue of reflections etc...

I quite like the idea of a classic Red or I may yet be tempted by a carbon effect material

nick205 - 22/4/20 at 08:40 AM

quote:
Originally posted by SJ
Thanks Nick. That's what I did for my first dash.

I'm actually thinking of being minimal on gauges. Just my Acewell (speed, rpm, volts, temp, fuel) and a separate traditional oil pressure gauge, so won't need many holes.



Noted - As you may see on my dashboard I made a seperate sub-panel for the gauges and warning lights that mounted behined the main dashboard panel. I was looking to prevent the SVA tester from finding any protrusions. I do like your simple/minimalist approach though, no point having more than you need (or can look at) on the dashboard.