SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 08:53 AM |
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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
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big_wasa
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 09:21 AM |
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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
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SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 09:24 AM |
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Thanks, that looks nice. I think I prefer the look of ali though.
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40inches
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 09:28 AM |
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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
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wonderfulweasel
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 09:44 AM |
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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.
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SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 09:59 AM |
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Thanks guys
That MDF dash looks fantastic!
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SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 10:02 AM |
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Just looked at metals4u and price seems pretty good
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nick205
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 10:04 AM |
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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.
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SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 10:08 AM |
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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.
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JAG
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 11:40 AM |
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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!
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SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 11:41 AM |
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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
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gingerprince
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 11:57 AM |
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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 
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SJ
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| posted on 21/4/20 at 02:36 PM |
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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. 
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JAG
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| posted on 22/4/20 at 07:24 AM |
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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!
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nick205
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| posted on 22/4/20 at 08:40 AM |
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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.
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