aka Keith
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 06:45 AM |
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dash - wood, ali, grp or ABS ?
I am looking to refresh my dashboard, and just looking to ask the collective as to which material to use.
Looking to make a small centre console, and so far I have thought about using:
Aluminum - 1mm or 1.5mm
Wood - plywood (marine or otherwise) 3mm
GRP - would need to buy flat sheet and canabalise
ABS - can be formed and cut but expands with heat
Any thoughts? Hand tools only in the garage and it will need to take weight of a set of clocks and dials without flexing too much.
Cheers
Craig
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lotusmadandy
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 07:19 AM |
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I used 9mm ply with a thin layer of foam then covered with black vinyl.
I thought about a sheet of ally but would want it black to stop the sun
blinding me and like you say.ABS expands in the heat.I couldnt
afford a carbon one at the time so went with the ply. Its a good
overall effect though.
Andy.
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Slater
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 09:08 AM |
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I've never liked the vinal look.
I used 6mm MDF, with wood baton along bottom edge, with 19mm radius for SVA. sanded edges to form a nice curve, fully sealed, undercoat, gloss paint
then a few coats of aerosol dry film lube for a fine stain black finish.
[Edited on 13/3/11 by Slater]
Why do they call Port Harcourt "The Garden City"?...... Becauase they can't spell Stramash.
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dave
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 09:53 AM |
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Mines is being made from 18mm mdf, rounding the bottom edge then seal and lots of coats of satin black paint.
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BenB
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 10:13 AM |
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I think 3mm ply would be rather thin. You could do it but you'ld have to add lots of doublers. In fact you'ld need so many it'd
probably end up being 6mm ply 
I used 5mm ply on mine. It's a little wobby around the steering wheel cut-out (but don't tell anyone cos it looks alright)
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nick205
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 10:39 AM |
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I used 9mm marine ply with 19mm rad pine quadrants on the lower edge for SVA. Sanded a radius on all edges, covered with3mm foam then standard black
vinyl stretched flat and tight. Looked OK and plenty stiff enough.
If doing again I'd use MDF in layers to make something more conotoured with a centre console, then seal and paint satin black.
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bi22le
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 11:00 AM |
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I am surprised how many of you have used wood. I would of thought more people would of used plastic. I suppose its to get the radius on the edges to
pass IVA.
I have just covered a few plastic and CF parts on my car using this:
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=3d+carbon+vinyl+&_cqr=true&_nkwusc=3d+carbon+vinal&_rdc=1
The finish is sooooo nice and it looks like it would of cost a fortune! Its really easy to work with as well. Just be patient and have an extra pair
of hands ready.
HTH
Good luck
Biz
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
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A1
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 11:03 AM |
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i just did this out of a bit of yew...
 
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steve m
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 11:19 AM |
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Mine is 6mm mdf, covered in foam, and then vinyl.
I had to recess behind the switches to allow the clips to work, but the switches are a tight fit anyway
I cannot post a pic, !!
[Edited on 13/3/11 by steve m]
[Edited on 13/3/11 by steve m]
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Steve Hignett
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 11:28 AM |
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6mm Ply...
If you can get a cheap piece of leather, then use that upside-down it has the look of suede/alcantara, and you can brush it to keep it looking
fresh...
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Killer
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| posted on 13/3/11 at 01:23 PM |
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Just dont use that cf effect dashboard blank from europa, goes like a banana in the sun 
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aka Keith
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| posted on 14/3/11 at 09:34 AM |
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Thanks for all the thoughts.
Got hold of some 6mm ply yesterday, so now to make up the paper template and start, so that I can get the car back on the road.
cheers
Craig
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Marcus
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| posted on 14/3/11 at 08:11 PM |
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I found a piece of laminate floor was a good size, and I've got enough blanks to make 10 more!!
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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The Black Flash
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 04:06 PM |
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A bit late, but anyway.
I used 1.5mm ally for mine. S'not finished yet as I'm going to cover the outer two sections and leave the centre console naked, as it
were. I bent it round a thick ally rod to get the radius for the bottom edge.
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