Customizing Dashboards

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tobes
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Customizing Dashboards

Post by tobes » Mon 10 Apr 2017, 19:19

Did anybody ever attempted to make a custom designed dashboard or tried to fit a dashboard from a different car?Thing is dashboard for Sapphire is looking rather dull (all dashboards after 1980 are looking dull to me).Are there any companies in KZN that might be into this kind of thing? 8)

jmvv
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by jmvv » Wed 12 Apr 2017, 15:35

This is my attempt at fitting a Mk1 Golf dash into a Beetle.

Granted it was many years ago when mountains were still small and rocks soft...

please excuse the quality of the picture.
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Johann65
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by Johann65 » Wed 12 Apr 2017, 21:14

Here is my current attempt on the Opel Rekord!
Opel kadett "B" onto Opel Rekord "B"
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Ah! Yes I remember it well! (Only GM's!)
1966 Opel Rekord L CLASSIC SEDAN Current Project

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Johann65
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by Johann65 » Wed 12 Apr 2017, 21:29

jmvv wrote:This is my attempt at fitting a Mk1 Golf dash into a Beetle.
Granted it was many years ago when mountains were still small and rocks soft...
please excuse the quality of the picture.
Very Nice!
Member No: 209
Ah! Yes I remember it well! (Only GM's!)
1966 Opel Rekord L CLASSIC SEDAN Current Project

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tobes
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by tobes » Thu 13 Apr 2017, 08:02

Creative.Was it a natural fit or did you have to cut here and there?I like the use of wood.

jmvv
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by jmvv » Thu 13 Apr 2017, 17:16

I got hold of a 25mm thick piece of Imboya. (apologies for the spelling)

I marked out the required opening and whittled it with a router.
I made some spacers to get the correct mounting angle for the cluster.
I then cut out the required metal on the dash and used clips, screwed in from the back to clamp the new insert to the dash.

I cut some of the wood down to 6mm and made a cover for the glove box lid.

The air vents came from a Erika series Ford Escort complete with blower mounted where the standard Beetle ventilation air box used to live. The ventilation switch was also donated by the Escort.

Control Instruments supplied a reduction gearbox unit to get the speedo calibration spot on.
The rev counter got the necessary pulse from the coil.

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Johann65
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by Johann65 » Thu 13 Apr 2017, 22:20

I followed a similar procedure! Only difference is that I used Opel to Opel instruments! Advantage is that the speedo calibration required no adjustment! No metal cutting or drilling was required! I used the existing four holes to fit two wooden bars that holds the new face! I used marine plywood to shape the face. As JMVV states, you get a good finish! Important point is to make sure you correctly match up the wiring and fit a matching speedo cable. I had to change the instrument side!! Good Luck and be patient!! :mrgreen:
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Ah! Yes I remember it well! (Only GM's!)
1966 Opel Rekord L CLASSIC SEDAN Current Project

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tobes
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by tobes » Sun 16 Apr 2017, 17:58

Thanks for the input.To be honest,I didn't even thought about the speedo cable and rev counter.I am thinking about the late 60's Ranchero/Fairmont style.I am a Valiant fan but that is a nice looking dash.
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Johann66
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by Johann66 » Sat 22 Apr 2017, 18:07

As I suggested! Take your time! I have decided to place the Toggle switches and Starter button not on the panel but separately! Makes the access behind the panel easy! Here is my latest attempt! Wife says its ok! :mrgreen:
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jlebenon
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Re: Customizing Dashboards

Post by jlebenon » Sat 22 Apr 2017, 19:38

If your car is a 1960 Valiant as in your profile I wouldn't touch the dash at all... It's too cool ..,
2006 lumina ute
1973 El camino 353ci

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