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Posted by: Qarl Mar 5 2005, 10:53 PM

A while back, I redid the dash.

My '75 car had the later style basket weave dash face with the metal embedded inside. It was pretty beat up.

I cut a new dash face out of Formica, got some of the earlier style basket weave and glued it using the 3M Super Adhesive. 9 months later, it is pealing around the cutouts. I DID make it larger than the actual dash face plate and it is tucked underneath the dash top and the lower dash pad. It won't do.

Since I really won't have basketweave anywhere else in the car, I am thinking of maybe doing something else unique to the dash face.

Options...

1. Brushed aluminum dash face. This would look good with my silver Prototipo steering wheel, silver gauge rings, and the brushed aluminum pedal board





2. Cover dash face and lower dash face in black felt ala 914-6 GT. My only hesistations are a. I would really like to keep the lower dash pad, and two the GTs didn't have the air vents on the dash, so my car will look a bit odd.



I could still do just the dash face. And the upper dash too. This would aid in reducing glare on the windshield



3. Carbon fiber - I "could" do this. I do have a carbon fiber fan shroud on my engine.






4. Cut a dash face plat out of black ABS plastic that has some sort of grain to it (similar to the dash pads).

no pics



5. Have a dash face cut out of metal and powder coat it to match the silver powder coated gauge rings...





I am looking for opinions and suggestions...

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 5 2005, 11:01 PM

qarl, you are my twin!

i have a brushed AL prototipo, a 904 gauge, etc....

im making a brushed AL dash insert....

Posted by: scotty b Mar 5 2005, 11:04 PM

First off, did you remove and coat the O.E. rings or install some kind of kit? Do you have the correct ring crimper and if so where did you get it?
Second, suggestions = paint it body color, wood veneer, "engine turned" aluminum (scotch loc disc in a drill press does a great job), brushed aluminum

Posted by: Qarl Mar 5 2005, 11:07 PM

The gauges were redone by Palo Alto Speedometer. I didn't touch them. They powdercoated new rings and crimped them on when the gauges were refurbished.

I don't like the body color dash face. I have seen a few and didn't care for it.

It has to either be black or silver... I just gotta figure out which way to do it.

Posted by: boxstr Mar 5 2005, 11:13 PM

Karl Final meeting Monday with manufacturer for the brushed stainless steel dash inserts.The plan is to make them for all options, and for all years.
I have all of the templates and just need to finalize the number of different sets that will need to be made to correspond with the different 914s.
One thing I have not been successful at is the gauge bezel overlays. I did go to China for intital setup. Cost was way more than I wanted it to be. It would have been years to get into the red.
Craig

Posted by: SteveL Mar 5 2005, 11:26 PM

I love the texture of the guage panel - how did you do that? I vote for the dash face done the same way.

Posted by: Qarl Mar 5 2005, 11:35 PM

Heck... that's an option too...

The gauge panel is plastic... the '75 and '76 cars came that way instead of the metal gauge holders in the '70 to '74.

I could get some crinkle paint to do the same thing...

However, I want to eliminate some things on the dash... like some of the switch holes and the rectangular seat belt warning light cutout.

Posted by: Qarl Mar 5 2005, 11:37 PM

Craig...

My only issue is I'd like the dash face to have the following...

1. One contiguous piece from left side to left side of glove box. Separate piece for glove box
2. Holes for headlights, foglight, hazard switches and cigaratte lighter
3. Delete hole for seatbelt warning light
4. DIN cutout for radio
5. Cut to fit '75 or '76. I think it is different below the steering column...

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 5 2005, 11:38 PM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Mar 5 2005, 10:37 PM)

Craig... My only issue is I'd like the dash face to have the following... 1. One contiguous piece from left side to left side of glove box. Separate piece for glove box 2. Holes for headlights, foglight, hazard switches and cigaratte lighter 3. Delete hole for seatbelt warning light 4. DIN cutout for radio 5. Cut to fit '75 or '76. I think it is different below the steering column...

im a stickler for 1 piece around the column (pull column to install)

Posted by: iamchappy Mar 5 2005, 11:39 PM

Time to start poking around the internet to see if sheets of vinyl grain or plastic sheets are available.
Be back shortly.

Posted by: scotty b Mar 5 2005, 11:43 PM

You can get textured powder coat. I don't know if the texture could be exactly matched to the plastic, but if not you could replace the housing with a steel one. I would get a strip of 18 gauge sheet metal, cut to fit and cut the holes you want and get it coated if you like that look.

Posted by: MattR Mar 5 2005, 11:46 PM

Speaking of dash faces, does anyone have a dash face already drawn up? Any cad files you guys want to share? Or maybe just some dimensions? I dont really want to start from scratch, but I will if I have to.

Posted by: Qarl Mar 5 2005, 11:49 PM

I like the idea of possibly matching the crinkle finish of the dash cluster...

I have some ideas now...

Hmmm.....

Posted by: iamchappy Mar 5 2005, 11:57 PM

Got it ABS plastic sheeting with leather grain or pebble grain.
Like the dash caps stuff.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)is one of the most widely used plastics. As a result of its high impact resistance and suitability for heavy duty applications,ABS has found wide acceptance in the refrigeration and automotive industries, as well as for the printing and display markets. ABS is particularly suitable for vacuum forming.
ABS can be manufactured in a range of thicknesses from 200micron to 5mm with a maximum width of 1600mm. It is available in leather grain, fine grain and deep grain finishes on thicknesses of 1.5mm-3mm and specific colours can be made to order.
Specialised ABS products incorporating extruded layers of acrylic for superior resistance to UV attack can be manufactured.

High impact polystyrene (HIPS) sheet is manufactured by Ampaglasin thicknesses ranging from 200 micron to 4mm.

HIPS sheet has multiple applications in many markets, it can be vacuum formed, silk screened and machined. It is suitable for point of sale display units, indoor signage, showcases and packaging inserts.
HIPS sheet is also extensively used in the refrigeration andautomotive markets, where its superior qualities for thermoforming make it a versatile choice.

Posted by: markb Mar 6 2005, 12:41 AM

QUOTE (boxstr @ Mar 5 2005, 09:13 PM)

Karl Final meeting Monday with manufacturer for the brushed stainless steel dash inserts.The plan is to make them for all options, and for all years. I have all of the templates and just need to finalize the number of different sets that will need to be made to correspond with the different 914s.

I'd be interested in one for the 70. Depending on price, I might go for one for the 72 also.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 6 2005, 01:36 AM

Anodized aluminum? I am in the same quest right now. I have similar gauge bezels, and a similar wheel.

Vinyl with silver trim?

Posted by: xsboost90 Mar 6 2005, 06:24 AM

i have a guy that is going to cut out mine from aluminum on a waterjet machine, but i have to send him a template for my 76 first. I dont have a seatbelt hole, and im deleting my radio, but other than that, should be the same. He said the first one cost the most, so ill prob have like four to six made and sell the others.

Posted by: Qarl Mar 6 2005, 10:25 AM

XSboost90

I may be interested...

I would like one as described above...

2 switch holes on the left...

1 switch hole on the right and cigarette lighter hole

No seatbelt light

DIN radio cutout

Blower control cutout

Panel to cover glove box

When you get to it, let me know what the price may be.

I am interested in brushed aluminum or brushed stainless...

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 6 2005, 10:28 AM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Mar 6 2005, 09:25 AM)

XSboost90 I may be interested... I would like one as described above... 2 switch holes on the left... 1 switch hole on the right and cigarette lighter hole No seatbelt light DIN radio cutout Blower control cutout Panel to cover glove box When you get to it, let me know what the price may be. I am interested in brushed aluminum or brushed stainless...

yup me too....

headlight/hazard/fog (1 piece around the column) cigarette lighter (no seatbelt light) DIN radio cutout | NO DOOR HANDLE HOLES

Posted by: Qarl Mar 6 2005, 10:34 AM

What are door handle holes?

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 6 2005, 10:36 AM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Mar 6 2005, 09:34 AM)

What are door handle holes?

glove box door holes (where the handle screws on)

Posted by: Qarl Mar 6 2005, 10:40 AM

Aah.... yes.. those can always be added on later.

Posted by: MattR Mar 6 2005, 12:30 PM

I'm in for one exactly like aarons. Except I want mine cheaper

Posted by: boxstr Mar 6 2005, 12:45 PM

I will take some pics later today. The idea of someone who buys the insert removing there steering column to install is not going to be that widely accepted. The seat belt light delte I already have them in the works.
There will be inserts for the 70-72 and the 73-74 and the 75-76. Stock radio cutouts and DIN cutouts. The glovebox door will be seperate.
I have the manufacturing costs already worked out and the different templates in hand. I just need to get the different DIN sizes, (anyone??) Retail costs are going to be kept low as I try to do with all of the CAMP 914 products.
Craig C. Laughlin CAMP 914

Posted by: dagdal1967 Apr 21 2006, 10:03 AM

CRAIG ... Did this go anywhere.. I'm looking now for a Stainless or Brushed aluminum dash option and the only thing I can find is the 9xAuto kit.

Not heard good things about them, so am still trying to look around..

???

Posted by: TeamAxisRacing Apr 21 2006, 03:25 PM

i got the best suggestion so far... balsa wood! the DAPO did that to my dash very ghetto i might add i dont have any pics of it handy but

Posted by: 736conver Apr 21 2006, 05:56 PM

I have been making these for awhile now. I have adapted the design so it just slips over the sterring column. The other way really was a pain in the a**. I always made them to the customers specs. Some with cut outs some without. All were made from 16ga aluminum.

Here's a pic of the last one I made without radio and heater.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Apr 21 2006, 05:59 PM

QUOTE(736conver @ Apr 21 2006, 04:56 PM)

I have been making these for awhile now. I have adapted the design so it just slips over the sterring column. The other way really was a pain in the a**. I always made them to the customers specs. Some with cut outs some without. All were made from 16ga aluminum.

Here's a pic of the last one I made without radio and heater.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 21 2006, 06:23 PM

Posted by: Aaron Cox Apr 21 2006, 06:24 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Apr 21 2006, 05:23 PM)

QUOTE

qarl, you are my twin!

i have a brushed AL prototipo, a 904 gauge, etc....

Except Qarl did it about 5 years before your copy-cat'n ass!

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 21 2006, 06:29 PM

Posted by: 736conver Apr 21 2006, 08:15 PM

Aaron,

I'll send you a PM. Anything in flat metal I cut with a cnc plasma cutter.

Do you remeber seeing these at all. They were at the WCC last year.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Apr 21 2006, 08:45 PM

yup! high quality stuff!!

Posted by: toon1 Apr 21 2006, 08:54 PM

I would also like to know the cost, I have been looking for this also. Can you PM me with a price? Sorry about the

QUOTE(736conver @ Apr 21 2006, 04:56 PM)

I have been making these for awhile now. I have adapted the design so it just slips over the sterring column. The other way really was a pain in the a**. I always made them to the customers specs. Some with cut outs some without. All were made from 16ga aluminum.

Here's a pic of the last one I made without radio and heater.

Posted by: Grimstead Apr 21 2006, 11:20 PM

Me Too
But I would like to keep my heater & sterio...

QUOTE(toon1 @ Apr 21 2006, 07:54 PM)

I would also like to know the cost, I have been looking for this also. Can you PM me with a price? Sorry about the

QUOTE(736conver @ Apr 21 2006, 04:56 PM)

I have been making these for awhile now. I have adapted the design so it just slips over the sterring column. The other way really was a pain in the a**. I always made them to the customers specs. Some with cut outs some without. All were made from 16ga aluminum.

Here's a pic of the last one I made without radio and heater.

Posted by: dagdal1967 Apr 22 2006, 08:39 AM

Wait a minute boys... What about the poor guy who resurected this thread?

I need one, and love the fact athat I probably won't have to pull the steering column to install it.

I'm not sure of what I need for holes yet as my car is still on its way to me... I'll PM you later with the details and you can give me a price.

What is the best way to fix them to the dash? Do you also do the cover for the glovebox?

Doug

Posted by: turbo914v8 Apr 22 2006, 10:36 AM

QUOTE(dagdal1967 @ Apr 22 2006, 07:39 AM)

Posted by: 736conver Apr 23 2006, 10:22 AM

Ok I have received many emails and PM's. I also tried to contact Craig to see if he is selling these. I didnt want to undercut his prices and also wanted to try and work with him. He didnt respond though, I am guessing he doesnt sell them anymore or it never materialize into anything. His post was from 2005.
I sell these for $50 plus shipping. Any combo can be made for switches or cut outs. If your interested send me an email and I will send you more info.

Posted by: 7T Porsha Apr 26 2006, 12:00 PM

These look awesome, but I want to do a wood face dash. Anyone have a generic outline template or dimensions for a one piece face????

Or how about a general size of the piece of wood I need. Lots of nice 1/4", 1/8" and veneers available in Zebrawood and such. Any suggestions?

It seems this measurement or template is more sacred than the top windshield seal.

Posted by: 7T Porsha Apr 26 2006, 12:02 PM

Like this, beautiful!!



Attached image(s)

Posted by: msglaigaie Apr 26 2006, 12:37 PM

The wood looks good, but the steel looks sharp. Brian, do you have a pic of a completed installation?? MSG L

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 26 2006, 01:18 PM

QUOTE(7T Porsha @ Apr 26 2006, 02:02 PM)

Like this, beautiful!!

Posted by: tat2dphreak Apr 26 2006, 01:25 PM

sand and paint it... I did mine with a hammered finish paint...

Posted by: 736conver Apr 26 2006, 01:41 PM

QUOTE(msglaigaie @ Apr 26 2006, 01:37 PM)

Posted by: Grimstead Apr 26 2006, 02:05 PM

Hi Brian,
Do you cut out for the glove box lock (I can not tell from your picture) and is there a separate piece for the glove box itself?

I am still very interested but would I also would like to see how it looks installed.

Bill

Posted by: 7T Porsha May 5 2006, 11:29 AM

Finished installed pics?
Do you have the glove box door and the far right piece for a 70-71 dash without the vents?

Posted by: Rand May 5 2006, 01:35 PM

My car's personality is minimalist... no amenities, simple and light as possible without body mods. So...
This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but with the heater/air controls, glove box, and everything else gone, it was a super quick job.

Took the dash pads off, shaved a couple bumps off the metal, put aluminim tape over the holes, sprayed a little adhesive, layed the material on, and put the dash pads back.

I'm thinking of redoing with black vinyl, but my son wanted to see how it looked with burlap...


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Aaron Cox May 5 2006, 01:36 PM

QUOTE(Rand @ May 5 2006, 12:35 PM)

Posted by: Eric_Shea May 5 2006, 01:42 PM

Posted by: tat2dphreak May 5 2006, 01:49 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ May 5 2006, 02:42 PM)

QUOTE

i think im doing the same thing, no HVAC contols, or radio...... but keeping the glovebox

That's exactly what I'm doing!

Posted by: Eric_Shea May 5 2006, 01:55 PM

Utttt Uhhhhhhhhh

Posted by: JmuRiz May 5 2006, 02:02 PM

QUOTE(7T Porsha @ Apr 26 2006, 10:00 AM)

Posted by: 7T Porsha May 5 2006, 02:18 PM

So has the aluminum dash lost a little popularity?
I am thinking the wood dash is a lot of extra work; especially since I don't have any kind of template (hint hint) and I bent up my plates getting the old oak dash off.
I don't even have straight plates to use if I do any kind of material; I am thinking a black perforated vinyl may look good with a matching center console.
Are you all doing this without any plates and straight onto the main dash metal? ... or is there a template. Those $50 metal dashes look great; but would be a waste to wrap anything around them...

Posted by: Rand May 5 2006, 02:25 PM

If you use material instead of metal or wood, it's a piece of cake. Cut it big, use spray adhesive to hold it to the face, let some excess fold over the edges and trim with scissors. The dash pads cover the edges.

If you need to make a template, you could start with paper board / poster paper, lay it on the face and push firmly on the edges. This makes visible marks and you can trim with scissors. A couple of test fits and trims and you get a template. You can do it in sections and tape together. It doesn't have to be absolutely perfect since the edges are covered by the dash pads. Around the steering wheel is where you have to be the most careful.