Fiberglass Dashes; Designs and Creations

[waxball88]

So, I've been working (Slowly) on a fiberglass dash for my s13. I've seen a few others but overall there isn't a TON of information about doing this.

This thread is for people to share ideas, experiences, and methods when it comes to creating a fiberglass dash.

I'll start us off with my dash i'm hoping to finish up soon.

Step one: (Hate on my taillights being black...)
Tear that nasty vinyl shit (and probably some cracked up foam too) off your dash leaving you with the base foam.
I wish i used some spray foam to level out the cracks before i layed glass
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/1436733553_photobucket_74893_.jpg

Next you wanna come up with your gauge placement. This is easiest to use some PVC pipe from homedepot/lowes as they fit gauges perfectly.
I cut the pod how i wanted and pvc glued them together. If you're putting gauges where i did you want to cut the rear at a slant as there will be a dash bar behind the area.
I wanted my gauges in the center and didn't want to drastic of an angle, because the interior of the s chassis is geared straight back, not angled towards the driver like a supra. But i still wanted a little angle towards the driver so i came up with this
Dremel out the area where you want the gauges to go.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/1436733553_photobucket_75698_.jpg
After placing the gauges i used spray adhesive to lay down the chop mat which seems a little easier to work with around corners and such.
I used a paint roller to roll the resin out onto the dash. I wished the batch i made didn't set as fast as it would have resulted in a cleaner application. But after the first part of resin
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/1436733553_photobucket_75768_.jpg
More resin and a lot of sanding/trimming. A dremel with a cutting wheel works wonders when cutting out vents/radio bezel.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_0935.jpg

Mocked up in car, and the placement is good, points slightly to the driver and is nicely visible.

Will post an update when i get it sanded and finished up. Planning to use SEM textured coating, black of course.

I'd like to keep this a shit free thread. Lets keep it constructive so we can see some more ideas and better techniques
UPDATE:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-4717-1318704554372.jpg
Almost ready to flock.
:drama:
UPDATE:
10/20
Primer
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-3817-1319152347655.jpg
Sanding and flocking soon

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_1235.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_1239.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_1240.jpg

[s13josh]

good job man looks dope

[MidwestMyriad]

It'll be interesting to see a fiberglass dash not painted some obnoxious color with monitors everywhere.

[s13josh]

yea man cant wait to see it

[waxball88]

It'll be interesting to see a fiberglass dash not painted some obnoxious color with monitors everywhere.
Bleh no way. This dash is meant to be functional. No nonsense extras, or crazy colors that will be blinding when trying to drive. I want it to look OEM. As if nissan made this before they came up with the 350z haha

Anyone have experience with truck bed liner? I heard people have used that for dashes

[Bushido]

lookin good.

truck bed liner will be too thick and it'll look rough.

SEM texture followed by SEM landau black is the way to go.

[NNOCENT]

i agree, i would go with a textured black paint for your final finish.

very good progress mate!

[slowvia]

Looks pretty good! Do you have any more pictures of the gauges? It looks like they need to be molded more, but it could just be the angle of the picture. Depending on how this turns out I may just steal this idea from you :D

[stephens14sr]

not hating, but why ALL that work for 3 gauges...?

[waxball88]

not hating, but why ALL that work for 3 gauges...?
3 Gauges
An uncracked dash
More updated looking interior.
Baller factor

Cheaper than buying a used stock dash
Seems worth it to me ;)

[stephens14sr]

i didnt even think about cracks haha. ive been lucky that both of my 240s had uncracked great condition dashes. so makes since now. you going to keep it black?

[waxball88]

Planning on using SEM textured coating, yes it will be black.

[Bushido]

have you thought about retofitting a more modern style of ac vent? like 350z vents or rsx vents?

http://www.acurapartssuperstore.com/images/lg/06_RSX_IntTrim.jpg

im thinking that would look pretty sweet

[SLiDe_WaYz]

have you thought about retofitting a more modern style of ac vent? like 350z vents or rsx vents?

http://www.acurapartssuperstore.com/images/lg/06_RSX_IntTrim.jpg

im thinking that would look pretty sweet

I bet that would look great. Look more retro and add to your baller factor.

[waxball88]

have you thought about retofitting a more modern style of ac vent? like 350z vents or rsx vents?



im thinking that would look pretty sweet
Sweet yes, pain in the ass, even more so. lol. I'll think about it, as i have access to a large variety of cars. I'll see if i can get my dad to pull me some 350z vents tomorrow.
I also don't want to lose airflow with different vents. I'd need to craft some sort of ducting (probably not TOO hard) to go along with those vents.
Got a shit load of bondo work done today filling all the little divots in the fiberglass. Layed more bondo a little while ago, got a decent amount of sanding tomorrow, but then i'll be close to paint.

[slowvia]

I dont think those vents would flow very well with the older interior.

[Bushido]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/domeniccucunato/my%20240sx/interior1.jpg

i think they flow pretty well...

[kandyflip445]

You forgot to photoshop the one on the drivers side. lol

[hellion240sx]

Wow you just went into my head like five years ago. I Never got to fufill this idea of a fiberglass dash, So I have 2 dashes with me now :/ o well. Someday I'll get to it. suscribed!

[Ekin_s13]

what do you guys think of this guy did on his car How-to Wrap parts in carbon fiber - 8th Generation Honda Civic Forum (http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/inside-out/131947-how-wrap-parts-carbon-fiber.html)

i always wanted a carbon fiber dash.

[muffler]

i like how the gauges are flat up top^^ seems to flow better IMO

[waxball88]

i think they flow pretty well...
Bring your dash over, we're doing that!

EDIT: And then the twins can hang out and we can take some pics lol

[PerilousActs]

Look into flocking the dash as well. Always has that nice race car look ;)

[l240driver]

Looking good i might try this on my old cracked dash.

[c72c]

I like it.

I agree with the SEM texture coat. I'm still trying to find someone to send me some...hint hint...
Bed liner will work also, just don't put it on too thick. I've seen a few pods done with bed liner and they looked great.
Keep it up dude.

[s14tan]

I agree with bed liner. did it on my buddies dash. He did put it on a little thick but we just sanded it down some and it turned out fine.

OP: great work man. I think you should of went with a STI style pod though.

[killer240]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/domeniccucunato/my%20240sx/interior1.jpg

i think they flow pretty well...



im still working on mine. it will be something like this.

[Nicelyphe]

Suscribed, can't wait to see it painted.

[pandaroo]

so you left the dash under the glass? seems like you could use some kind of mold release and pop the fiberglass shell off and have a lightweight dash.

[c72c]

so you left the dash under the glass? seems like you could use some kind of mold release and pop the fiberglass shell off and have a lightweight dash.

That would only give him a shell for the dash. He'd still need brackets and mounting points all over it.

[waxball88]

That would only give him a shell for the dash. He'd still need brackets and mounting points all over it.
What this guy said. A friend has got me thinking of making a mold using a release coat, followed by a gel goat, then laying the glass and taking it off. Of course i would have to build in the mounting points, but that wouldn't be TOO hard. The hardest part will be making the vents look nice.

Did a ton more bondo/sanding work today. Need to pick up some more bondo and sanding pads. Hopefully i'll have this thing ready to go this weekend. I', highly considering flocking the dash

[waxball88]

Just a little update, been slammed with school, but i put in a solid day on it today. Found someone locally (Thanks Kyle) who gave me his vents as my defroster vent broke when i took it out, and i lost one of the other vents. I probably could have flocked it today but i'm not going to risk any imperfections, i did all the body work on my car and this is no different, if it shows in primer, it shows in paint. And if it is ready for paint in my book, it is certainly ready for flocking because it is thicker/doesn't shine so it will hide slight imperfections.

Spot putty and hand sanding to leave a smooth finish. (All has been sanded that is pictured)
Rounded the gauge cluster

All i have to finish is the pass side vent and the top defroster vents on the sides.

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR THOSE TRYING THIS that want the vents to look nice;
Wrap vent trim piece in 2 layers of aluminum foil, Bondo the area surrounding the vent and fill it thick, press vent trim into bond and let it dry. Then remove the gauge and sand, then the trim piece should fit flush with no gap.
(Note the sun sensor for dcc drilled out :P)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-4717-1318704554372.jpg

Then its time for this; Got 6oz (2 bags of black flocking) 2 cans of the black adhesive, hopefully it's enough. (Shout out to yellowxhoodie for the deal)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-4729-1318704591893.jpg

[yellowxhoodie]

:bigok:
msglngth.

[genericforumname]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/domeniccucunato/my%20240sx/interior1.jpg

i think they flow pretty well...

my first thought was would it possible to set it up somewhat like some STi's I've seen that have some kind of removable panel that can be used for gauge mounting or a basic fill panel for cleanness of you don't have gauges or something? hope I explained that right. the placement I've seen them is right about where those gauges are but in a slightly more raised triple pod type.

great idea, regardless though. makes me a looooot less paranoid about my dash slowly cracking now.

(also hate to off topic but what seats are those?)

[waxball88]

They are Brix I reps(i know him)

[ILoveJDM]

VERY old

q_HxtOdPutI (http://youtu.be/q_HxtOdPutI)

[Sergio180sx]

Nice can't wait to see the final product

[waxball88]

In primer, about to give it a quick sand then flocking right after. I hope it goes well:naughty:http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-3817-1319152347655.jpg

[fckillerbee]

that looks awesome. How many hours do you have into this dash so far?

[waxball88]

Only god himself knows. It would have went much faster if i utilized a few key things during that i didn't know.

[Mikey McFly]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/domeniccucunato/my%20240sx/interior1.jpg

i like how the gauges are flat up top^^ seems to flow better IMO
This ^^^

That would only give him a shell for the dash. He'd still need brackets and mounting points all over it.
This would only be a bad idea if you don't want to take the time to make brackets, otherwise, it'd be pretty sick and be way easier to go under the dash depending on the fasteners you use.

I'm thinking cam locks.
http://www.southco.com/images/products/D3-376-222-191.mdt.jpg

[JDMStanced]

i have a question.
Which one would be lighter? plastic, aluminum or fiberglass dashboard?

[waxball88]

Are you talking about covering a dash board or what? That's such a broad questions. There are some very light plastics out there.
But a completely fiberglass dash would be very light.

[JDMStanced]

Are you talking about covering a dash board or what? That's such a broad questions. There are some very light plastics out there.
But a completely fiberglass dash would be very light.

like stock plastic dashboard vs aluminum sheet dash board.
stock plastic dashboard vs fiberglass dashboard like what op did.

[waxball88]

like stock plastic dashboard vs aluminum sheet dash board.
stock plastic dashboard vs fiberglass dashboard like what op did.
I am the OP lol. I'll weigh the dash when i'm done and i'll see if i can find a stock dash to weigh. I think i'm picking up another dash to make a gen. 2 dash, i've got a few ideas floating around.

[JDMStanced]

I am the OP lol. I'll weigh the dash when i'm done and i'll see if i can find a stock dash to weigh. I think i'm picking up another dash to make a gen. 2 dash, i've got a few ideas floating around.

haha.
thanks man!

[drift_student]

Not that much cheaper, but definitely easier and will always look good. I've had one for 3 years and it still looks brand new:

88-94 Nissan 240SX 10-890 (http://www.coverlaymfg.com/store.php/products/88-93-nissan-240sx-10-890)

We need to keep buying these so they don't stop producing them!

[squatting pigeon]

If only they made one of those for s14's^^

[pandaroo]

i have a question.
Which one would be lighter? plastic, aluminum or fiberglass dashboard?

what i did is start with the stock dash and peel the vinyl and wire wheel the 1/2 in layer of foam that covers the dash. and what your left is a light thin plastic dash. you just have to bondo a few irregular spots. ill post up pics when my flock arrives, and will weigh it when im done.

[Matej]

It makes me feel itchy just thinking about having a fiberglass dashboard.

[waxball88]

Everyone always says fiberglass makes them itchy. It's never really made me itch???

[Broadfield]

Everyone always says fiberglass makes them itchy. It's never really made me itch???

Only when you sand it... and usually only on the arms where it makes contact with other body parts or clothing. So if I'm wearing short sleeves, it will start to itch in the bend of my arm or where my sleeve meets my arm. It never itches on my hands though... even though they are in contact with the most dust etc.

[waxball88]

Ibe sanded glass many times and rarely get an itch. Maybe my thick arm hair prevents contact lol

[Broadfield]

Ibe sanded glass many times and rarely get an itch. Maybe my thick arm hair prevents contact lol

It usually only itches me at the end of the day... definitely not while I'm actually sanding. Let me know if you need any pointers or tricks of the trade... I've been doing it for over 20 years.

[oOI WEST IOo]

It usually only itches me at the end of the day... definitely not while I'm actually sanding. Let me know if you need any pointers or tricks of the trade... I've been doing it for over 20 years.

why don't you do a "how to" thread on fiber glass I'm sure a lot of us would appreciate it?:naughtyd:

[Umbys]

why don't you do a "how to" thread on fiber glass I'm sure a lot of us would appreciate it?:naughtyd:

Yes that would be GREAT ! my s14 dash is cracked now and i would really wanna give this a shot but i wouldnt know where to begin with fiberglass ....

[beefyx323x]

woa very nice! looking good soo far

[Broadfield]

why don't you do a "how to" thread on fiber glass I'm sure a lot of us would appreciate it?:naughtyd:

Yes that would be GREAT ! my s14 dash is cracked now and i would really wanna give this a shot but i wouldnt know where to begin with fiberglass ....

The problem with a fiberglass write-up is that the work and technique will vary greatly from one job to the next. Simply because fiberglass fabrication can entail so many different things. I did do a write-up about 3 years ago on here for a fiberglass audio system I did. I'm sure some of the techniques can be used on other types of projects:

http://zilvia.net/f/off-topic-chat/215740-how-fiberglass-fabrication.html

You can also check out when I filled the vents on my fiberglass fenders:

Filling Some Fender Vents « Broadfield's Blog (http://broadfield.wordpress.com/2010/05/19/filling-some-fender-vents/)

[David48]

This thread is amazing.

[waxball88]

To coat-tail Broadfield, fiberglassing isn't all that hard. Like most things you get better with experience.
The more you plan out what you're going to do the less finish work you need to do, and once the resin starts thickening up, its time to stop otherwise you'll end up with huge globs on your parts.

[S13ZX]

if anyone here is worried about cracked dashes. u can take the old vinyl crap of and take it to any interior shop to get it wraped in swade or wat ever u want.
dnt noe how much that would b...

[waxball88]

Took a while but finally got it flocked. Don't let this thread die, infinite potential.
Took 3/4 can of adhesive
2 3oz bags is enough to do the dash.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_1235.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_1239.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/100_1240.jpg

[Metal Angel]

Rad. I have a nice dash, buy if I didn't, this would be the best option ever.

[Bushido]

looks great dude!!

[Fred Allen Burge]

That did turn out pretty nice man, how do you think the durability will be of the flocking? How about the sun, will it kill it or fade it out?

[waxball88]

looks great dude!!
Do i know you? :rofl:

Thanks guys, i'll update with durability/fading when i get some use on it. I did my armrest a few weeks ago and its holding up alright, as long as there isn't constant rubbing i think it will be fine. It hasn't completely worn off, but it gets a little thinner. I also didn't do as thick of a coat of flocking.
Arm-rest
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-8428-1329272347889.jpg

ALSO, flocking is very forgiving when it comes to the finish. I spent so much time sanding and filling minor shit as if i was going to paint it and it is totally not necessary, the adhesive is very thick and the flocking helps cover minor imperfections.

[HellaFlushSRs13]

This is a great idea and it looks great also... Every time I get in my new s13 the cracked dash pisses me off now thanks to you I have a solution

[corby_baby]

flocked dash ftw!!! my dash :]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/corbeybaby/IMAG0613.jpg

[muffler]

wax lets see some incar pics!

[Purestock240]

flocked dash ftw!!! my dash :]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/corbeybaby/IMAG0613.jpg

ewww wtffff

[corby_baby]

ewww wtffff

yeah bro i put that tape on there to make it look like a custom grip royal.

[redhatchy92]

1988-1993 Nissan 240SX Dash Cover,240SX Dashboard cover (http://www.txdashcovers.com/19881993-nissan-240sx-dash-c19881993240.html)

look what found looks pretty good only thing that sucks its that is plastic but i like the idea

[conrad_s13.5]

chyea waxball,...i dig that!

[waxball88]

Camera phone pic.
All i had time to do before class sorry bros. The radio bezel needs to be re-done it was painted white and i guess the adhesive allows light transmission so it is slightly off color, even though it was completely black with adhesive.
Also going to flock another center console for better coverage.
Maybe throw my DCC in do a write up, going to try and rig up a blend door actuator.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/photobucket-3727-1330620698741.jpg
Also excuse the wiring mess, need to bolt my distro block up under the dash.

[xoxide]

Turned out really nice. Good job!

[Nicelyphe]

Very nice, any thoughts on doing the door panels?

[riprodder]

Well, this is a good solution to an age old problem. Good job on all the hard work!

[turbo_dreams]

Love the attempt of keeping it clean OEM-esque.

[waxball88]

Been a while figured i'd update. Flocking loves to pick up dust and fibers, its not that bad to brush/clean up enough to be presentable. Arm rest needs another coat, seats rubbing against it wears it very thin to where its noticeable, but not completely gone. Along with the whole resting your arm on the arm rest thing. Dash still looks pretty good!

[theabbott]

this looks great good job

[Dj Ryderz]

Heres mine. I do some fiberglass and flock it with the donjer kit. The open trap on the top is for pedalbox reservoir.

http://imageshack.us/a/img217/4029/img0819nl.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/img0819nl.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img717/6792/img0816ef.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/717/img0816ef.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img705/6404/img0815fj.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/img0815fj.jpg/)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R-2uP-gWq4&feature=plcp

[theabbott]

wow that is tight man

[EDacIouSX]

I wish there was a solution for s14 cracked dashes. Even if it was just that plastic overlay that they make for the s13s, i'd take one of those for my 14.

[Matej]

The company my dad works for has replicated dashboards in the past. They can make them out of any material imaginable.

Too bad S-chassis owners are poor. :)

[Frank_Jaeger]

The company my dad works for has replicated dashboards in the past. They can make them out of any material imaginable.

Too bad S-chassis owners are poor. :)
How much would that cost?

inb4 morethanyoucanaffordpal.mp3

[waxball88]

Did a Lexus dash in flock yesterday, lot of fun!
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/55851631-C437-435B-BA04-7C25F91DAC29-533-0000002945418F51_zps1b9df0d8.jpg

[shaggy sr]

Wow what abt vin plate??

[Lethal240]

lookin good !

[corby_baby]

Update on mine

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/corbeybaby/IMAG0598-1.jpg

[sil14zenki]

this thread is buckets full of win. way better alternative (especially if you're on a budget) to getting the dash wrapped in suede or finding/buying a un-cracked dash. don't know if this has been asked but which exact kit are you guys using to do this?
Suede-Tex Enhanced NYLON Mini Flocker Kit #755 - Suede-Tex Mini Flocker Kits - Suede-Tex - Products (http://www.flockit.com/index.php/products/suede-tex/mini-flocker-kits/enhanced-nylon-mini-flocker-kit-nylon-fibers.html)

[Terd40sx]

awesome idea I was thinking if filling mine and wrapping it in alcantara.

[waxball88]

I am using the don-jer mini flocker, hoping to get a bigger tip for my hvlp to spray the fibers for a better application. Mini flocked is tiring, I call it the jack off can...you'll understand when you use it

[crzsteveo]

this thread is awesome. it needs to be sticked

[waxball88]

Lexus dash in car
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/waxball88/5B9FE302-90FC-4AE0-A4E7-2FE6D3E65932-3772-0000017CFD971F38_zpsc57837df.jpg

[crzsteveo]

any updates on the dash???

[iLagX]

I will be interested in buying if someone can redesign dashboard like the g37 or 2013 Nissan maxima

[supersayianjim]

if anyone here is worried about cracked dashes. u can take the old vinyl crap of and take it to any interior shop to get it wraped in swade or wat ever u want.
dnt noe how much that would b...


you know how you would go about removing the vinyl stuff??

[EnemyS15]

Good ol fashion elbow grease and patience.

[supersayianjim]

like what do I use?? paint thinner, is there a liquid application to be used or do I just scrape everything?? iam tired of my dashboard having some damn cracks. so either suede fabric or iam looking at this waka-flocka stuff.

[tauntdevil]

Use heat from a heat gun while you pull. It'll make it much much easier

[waxball88]

All dashes ive done are still holding up great.

[Jorgs_7]

Very interesting.

I also flocked my dash, worked really well except in one area, I could tell the adhesive was not thick enough, thus looking not as "furry"

So I tried to double-flock.

Took about 10x amount of adhesive, and came out darker looking (a plus) but created some "lint ball" looking bits throughout the finish.

I didn't lose anything with this shit-ass dash though (about 15 cracks, filled, prepped, etc.). Figured Id share my experience!

[KAT-PWR]

Post a picture ....