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Dashboard cutting


geordie40

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Hi all

About to start my main winter project and redesign the dash on my Super Spec, I have finalized the design (I think!!) but Im wondering what material to use. It will be fixed over the current dash as on the super spec the dash and scuttle seem to be all one piece and dont fancy taking it all apart.

My current choices are Aluminium, Stainless Steel or ABS plastic if there something better please do say, so what is best and how thick do I go and also whats best to cut chosen media. I have thought of laser or waterjet cutting as I may be able to get this done by a friend of a friend but my design is on paper and not a CAD design

20181202_204451.jpg

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Aluminium will need lots of polishing to look nice, unless you fancied anodising it. Would be a bit reflective if not. Stainless would be *very* reflective. I'd think more an opaque plastic myself, or otherwise trim/aquadip whatever you choose. The plastic would be easier to work with, you could pretty much cut it at home if you wanted to, but if you have access to someone with a water cutter then that's a winner, whatever material you chose. If you needed it translating into a CAD design I could happily knock that up for you in a few minutes if you told me the essential dimensions - just let me know via PM if need be ;)

Edited by brumster
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Hi Graeme,

Like you I’ve also been planning to redo the dashboard in my Superspec, but other jobs have got in the way, so not sure when I’ll get to start it. Same as you I was going to keep the existing dash shape as it’s welded to the scuttle, but re-trim it, and then put a plate on the central angled section to hold a new set of gauges. I like your shape by the way!  I was going for a more trapezoid shape. 

I’ve also been looking for suitable materials to make the plate. Rather than smooth or polished aluminium or stainless steel which would be too shiny, I’m tending towards a brushed, or machine turned finish or maybe a hammered or embossed texture. Another possibility is a matt finish plastic. You can get large kitchen or craft cutting boards in various colours and thicknesses.

Be interesting to see what you decide on.

 

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Gone with mild steel (thanks to Dan for doing the CAD work), getting that and a few other bits water jet cut (£40) and ive another mate who does hydro dipping so that's going to be finish. Just need to decide what pattern

I'm also going to re trim entire dash in leather with a thin neoprene foam layer underneath.

I promise pics will follow!!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Quick mock up of dash, gauges look OK but you can tell they aren't Smiths!! Maybe if funds are available later I may upgrade them (£800 for a set was a little steep at the moment).

Going to get the surround Hydro dipped in a gold/black carbon fibre effect

20181215_123032.jpg

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi Deano, I did think about cutting old dash off and leaving a lip as you say but I dont dislike the shape of the super spec dash just the escort cluster so easiest way was to make a cover for the hole thats already there. Fingers crossed it turns out ok

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  • 2 weeks later...

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