Printable Version | Subscribe | Add to Favourites
New Topic New Poll New Reply
Author: Subject: New Dash
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 08:53 AM Reply With Quote
New Dash

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

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
big_wasa

posted on 21/4/20 at 09:21 AM Reply With Quote
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

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 09:24 AM Reply With Quote
Thanks, that looks nice. I think I prefer the look of ali though.
View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
40inches

posted on 21/4/20 at 09:28 AM Reply With Quote
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

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
wonderfulweasel

posted on 21/4/20 at 09:44 AM Reply With Quote
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.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 09:59 AM Reply With Quote
Thanks guys

That MDF dash looks fantastic!

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 10:02 AM Reply With Quote
Just looked at metals4u and price seems pretty good
View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
nick205

posted on 21/4/20 at 10:04 AM Reply With Quote
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.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 10:08 AM Reply With Quote
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.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
JAG

posted on 21/4/20 at 11:40 AM Reply With 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.





Justin


Who is this super hero? Sarge? ...No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? ...No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? ...Could be!

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 11:41 AM Reply With Quote
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

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
gingerprince

posted on 21/4/20 at 11:57 AM Reply With 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 though

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
SJ

posted on 21/4/20 at 02:36 PM Reply With Quote
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.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
JAG

posted on 22/4/20 at 07:24 AM Reply With Quote
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





Justin


Who is this super hero? Sarge? ...No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? ...No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? ...Could be!

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
nick205

posted on 22/4/20 at 08:40 AM Reply With Quote
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.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member

New Topic New Poll New Reply


go to top






Website design and SEO by Studio Montage

All content © 2001-16 LocostBuilders. Reproduction prohibited
Opinions expressed in public posts are those of the author and do not necessarily represent
the views of other users or any member of the LocostBuilders team.
Running XMB 1.8 Partagium [© 2002 XMB Group] on Apache under CentOS Linux
Founded, built and operated by ChrisW.