How to Fiberglass your dash - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

yokotas13 · 10-30-2006, 02:20 AM

This is going to be an Ongoing tutorial, because if i don't start it now, i never will. And i get questions all over from a ton of forums, on how to fiberglass stuff, because i used to do it back home. So i figured since I'm fiberglassing my dash, i can help everyone out and do a tutorial. Another will follow on making two fiberglass enclosures for the rear of your 240 on those two triangular shaped pieces where your back seat used to be.

SO here it all starts

supplies needed
1. 1 gallon fiberglass polyester resin (do not use Elmer's brand, use bondo or the kind at home depot, American housing or something like that)
2. OZ measuring cups (the plastic kind from Lowe's or home depot with ounce measurements for your resin/hardener ratio)
3. Paint brushes (i use the 3 inch kind to make it faster)
4. Razor blade
5. Dremel tool (if modifying your dash like i did)
6. Sandpaper (from 60 grit to 800)
7. Bondo or kitty hair (i use bondo because i cant read kitty hair in Japanese)
8. Fiberglass Matt, or fleece, whatever you want to use, either will work
9. Spray adhesive
(if i forget some ill get to it later)

Procedure

Take your dash out of the car, self explanatory
Begin removing the colored vinyl covering on the dash. It will be a PITA and could take up to 3 hours as mine did because it was SO hard from being in the sun, it just kept breaking and i had to take it off inch by inch. It sucked.
figure out what you want to modify. I had to personally cut a half circle by the edges, for where my 7pt cage front bars go through and rub against the dash, So i needed to channel it so it wouldn't stress my dash once installed.
Clean the dash off with rough grit sandpaper to get any crazy unevenness out
Use your spray adhesive to put the fiberglass matt onto the dash, It doesn't have to be perfect, but make it as perfect as you can, it will cut down your sanding time HUGE!
(its not completely trimmed and ready for resin yet, but you get the idea.)
Take your time and make sure that trimmed everything before you mix your resin, you will have minimal time to do your work after it is mixed.
Now go ahead and apply your resin to the dash from left to right. I do it like that so i dint miss anything. Make sure you overlap the edges onto the plastic, so that everything is covered, you can trim that with a Dremel later. and it just makes it easier than having to go back over it after your other coats because you missed a spot. It should look something like this right after your done applying resin. My first coat too 24 ounces to cover the dash with a small amount to spare/

You can see here where i notched out for the cage

This is the point I'm at now. Ill update tomorrow for the thread, should be complete by Wednesday

BoostinGST · 10-30-2006, 03:02 AM

this is a good idea for a tutorial... thanks

drifter808 · 10-30-2006, 03:11 AM

nice...cant wait to see it finished

GSXRJJordan · 10-30-2006, 03:16 AM

AWESOME. I was actually gonna do a tutorial when I get around to 'glassing my dash (with my guage pod), but haven't had any time. So far, you're right on the money.

And to emphasize, 30 mins in prep work to make sure the matting on the dash is as even as possible will save HOURS on the other end - do a good job getting everything as flat as you can before you resin ~

yokotas13 · 10-30-2006, 03:18 AM

yeah, ive build countelss dashes, entier backseat enclosures, pods, kick panels, etc etc etc so im not all that new to it, but i think i didnt mix my batch of resin hot enough, it should be almost cured by now, and its not. so i mixed a super hott (twice the hardner) batch and put it on to help out

NIK90s13 · 10-30-2006, 06:59 AM

Nice so far, I'm very intrested!!! Thanks so far!!!

yokotas13 · 10-31-2006, 06:13 AM

no prob
im in the process of sanding right now. more to come whe ni get more sandpaper

GSXRJJordan · 10-31-2006, 09:26 PM

more pics ~ I want to see how long it takes to sand lol.

BaliLover · 10-31-2006, 09:42 PM

I've seen people mix bondo and mixed-resin together for the next layer. They mix it so its not really thick, similar to the texture of toothpaste so it goes on easier and flows out smoother than just using bondo alone. I don't know if they adjust the resin hardener for the added volume with the bondo or not though.

GSXRJJordan · 10-31-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaliLover

I've seen people mix bondo and mixed-resin together for the next layer. They mix it so its not really thick, similar to the texture of toothpaste so it goes on easier and flows out smoother than just using bondo alone. I don't know if they adjust the resin hardener for the added volume with the bondo or not though.

We call it the "milkshake" layer, and you do it if you dont want to use body filler (which has close to the same consistency). The exact mixture just depends on how runny you want it to be

Ricks15 · 10-31-2006, 10:05 PM

Thats pretty cool.

gun · 10-31-2006, 10:36 PM

kinda off topic question, but: after step 2, where u take off the vinyl covering, is there anything u can use that would work as a glue so i could lay a sheet of carbon fiber instead of making it fiberglass? sorry to everyone if its a stupid question!

GSXRJJordan · 10-31-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gun

kinda off topic question, but: after step 2, where u take off the vinyl covering, is there anything u can use that would work as a glue so i could lay a sheet of carbon fiber instead of making it fiberglass? sorry to everyone if its a stupid question!

Totally! Not a bad plan... basically you'll want to use some heavy duty spray adhesive, because the foam is kinda sketchy under there. I don't know how well some carbon weave vynil crap will hold up under the socal sun...

HellonFire · 10-31-2006, 10:56 PM

Good writeup. Waiting for more pics.

Tyler

TipStylez · 11-01-2006, 12:15 AM

looks cool.

123456789

yokotas13 · 11-01-2006, 03:49 AM

im takign a break for a little bit, working on soemthing else. Ill finish sanding it this weekend and get more pics. i still gotta pick up sandpaper lol

bik · 11-01-2006, 01:58 PM

did it 2 years ago =P

now is all black, O_o

call me ricer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am!!!!!!!! =P or was?

TipStylez · 11-01-2006, 03:02 PM

^Looks slippery.

LB.Motoring · 11-01-2006, 03:10 PM

I love the steeringwheel cover

i remmber seeing this s13.4, mexico right?

bik · 11-01-2006, 03:16 PM

yes mexico...
and the wheel is a momo ¬_¬

LB.Motoring · 11-01-2006, 03:26 PM

hahaha your such a ricer

but I approve

LA_phantom_240 · 11-01-2006, 03:54 PM

Pimp. Both of you guys. And about using fiberglass, it CAN be done with enough patience and cash.. but in my honest opinion its too much of a pain in my ass to even attempt it. It is MUCH harder to work with than fiberglass... that is if you want it to look good

yokotas13 · 11-01-2006, 04:11 PM

yer dash is all wavy lol
Im thinking of covering it with something, instead of painting, becuase it would cut down my work by multitudes

but i dont know if i can streatch Coach fabric that much

HyperTek · 11-01-2006, 06:40 PM

so im tryin to understand, are you just covering a gutted stock dashboard with fiberglass as a way to fill vents/holes?? or is the stock dash mainly just used as a mold and after its all done, to split them apart and use just the fiberglass?

Cool thread tho!!! All for the DIY!

gun · 11-02-2006, 12:09 PM

im assuming this process will be pretty much the same for an s14 dash? yesszz?

yokotas13 · 11-02-2006, 12:29 PM

process is hte same for anything, door panels, dashes, consoels etc

Just strip and lay over
that easy

Sir · 11-02-2006, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperTek

so im tryin to understand, are you just covering a gutted stock dashboard with fiberglass as a way to fill vents/holes?? or is the stock dash mainly just used as a mold and after its all done, to split them apart and use just the fiberglass?

Cool thread tho!!! All for the DIY!

hes not pulling a mold, hes just laying fiberglass on top and paint to suit your mood.

HyperTek · 11-02-2006, 04:47 PM

OoO.. but then your adding weight. I presume your going to paint it correct? Flat black would look clean but might as well left it stock

hmm.. someone should post how to flock/ add suede to a dashboard. benefits is it cuts down glare.

**ThatGuy** · 11-02-2006, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperTek

OoO.. but then your adding weight.

hmm.. someone should post how to flock/ add suede to a dashboard. benefits is it cuts down glare.

Talk to Bill Washburn from Dent Sport Garage. They did a full CF dash for the 240RS Maxi, and then flocked it to reduce glare.
His screen name here is driftstyre: http://www.zilvia.net/f/member.php?u=12890

HyperTek · 11-02-2006, 05:01 PM

yah i saw that thanks, didnt they jus make a cast out of the stock dashboard to produce a completely seperate one in carbon fiber right? I thought that was the idea of this thread

10-30-2006, 02:20 AM	#1
yokotas13 Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milford, CT Age: 36 Posts: 10,519 Trader Rating: (8) Rides Gallery: yokotas13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	How to Fiberglass your dash This is going to be an Ongoing tutorial, because if i don't start it now, i never will. And i get questions all over from a ton of forums, on how to fiberglass stuff, because i used to do it back home. So i figured since I'm fiberglassing my dash, i can help everyone out and do a tutorial. Another will follow on making two fiberglass enclosures for the rear of your 240 on those two triangular shaped pieces where your back seat used to be. SO here it all starts supplies needed 1. 1 gallon fiberglass polyester resin (do not use Elmer's brand, use bondo or the kind at home depot, American housing or something like that) 2. OZ measuring cups (the plastic kind from Lowe's or home depot with ounce measurements for your resin/hardener ratio) 3. Paint brushes (i use the 3 inch kind to make it faster) 4. Razor blade 5. Dremel tool (if modifying your dash like i did) 6. Sandpaper (from 60 grit to 800) 7. Bondo or kitty hair (i use bondo because i cant read kitty hair in Japanese) 8. Fiberglass Matt, or fleece, whatever you want to use, either will work 9. Spray adhesive (if i forget some ill get to it later) Procedure Take your dash out of the car, self explanatory Begin removing the colored vinyl covering on the dash. It will be a PITA and could take up to 3 hours as mine did because it was SO hard from being in the sun, it just kept breaking and i had to take it off inch by inch. It sucked. figure out what you want to modify. I had to personally cut a half circle by the edges, for where my 7pt cage front bars go through and rub against the dash, So i needed to channel it so it wouldn't stress my dash once installed. Clean the dash off with rough grit sandpaper to get any crazy unevenness out Use your spray adhesive to put the fiberglass matt onto the dash, It doesn't have to be perfect, but make it as perfect as you can, it will cut down your sanding time HUGE! (its not completely trimmed and ready for resin yet, but you get the idea.) Take your time and make sure that trimmed everything before you mix your resin, you will have minimal time to do your work after it is mixed. Now go ahead and apply your resin to the dash from left to right. I do it like that so i dint miss anything. Make sure you overlap the edges onto the plastic, so that everything is covered, you can trim that with a Dremel later. and it just makes it easier than having to go back over it after your other coats because you missed a spot. It should look something like this right after your done applying resin. My first coat too 24 ounces to cover the dash with a small amount to spare/ You can see here where i notched out for the cage This is the point I'm at now. Ill update tomorrow for the thread, should be complete by Wednesday __________________ 2015 Subaru Outback Overlander - Wagonofdoom

10-30-2006, 03:11 AM	#3
drifter808 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Big Island Age: 32 Posts: 829 Trader Rating: (4) Rides Gallery: drifter808 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	nice...cant wait to see it finished __________________

10-30-2006, 03:16 AM	#4
GSXRJJordan Post Whore! Join Date: May 2006 Location: << 626 >> Posts: 9,135 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: GSXRJJordan Feedback Score: 19 reviews	AWESOME. I was actually gonna do a tutorial when I get around to 'glassing my dash (with my guage pod), but haven't had any time. So far, you're right on the money. And to emphasize, 30 mins in prep work to make sure the matting on the dash is as even as possible will save HOURS on the other end - do a good job getting everything as flat as you can before you resin ~ __________________ Jordan Innovations has a new web site! www.JordanInnovations.com -- All your favorite FD Pro Drifters love it, trust me -- www.JordanInnovations.com

10-30-2006, 03:18 AM	#5
yokotas13 Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milford, CT Age: 36 Posts: 10,519 Trader Rating: (8) Rides Gallery: yokotas13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	yeah, ive build countelss dashes, entier backseat enclosures, pods, kick panels, etc etc etc so im not all that new to it, but i think i didnt mix my batch of resin hot enough, it should be almost cured by now, and its not. so i mixed a super hott (twice the hardner) batch and put it on to help out __________________ 2015 Subaru Outback Overlander - Wagonofdoom

10-31-2006, 06:13 AM	#7
yokotas13 Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milford, CT Age: 36 Posts: 10,519 Trader Rating: (8) Rides Gallery: yokotas13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	no prob im in the process of sanding right now. more to come whe ni get more sandpaper __________________ 2015 Subaru Outback Overlander - Wagonofdoom

10-30-2006, 03:02 AM	#2
BoostinGST Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 726 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	this is a good idea for a tutorial... thanks

10-30-2006, 06:59 AM	#6
NIK90s13 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: texas Age: 54 Posts: 471 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Nice so far, I'm very intrested!!! Thanks so far!!!

10-31-2006, 09:26 PM	#8
GSXRJJordan Post Whore! Join Date: May 2006 Location: << 626 >> Posts: 9,135 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: GSXRJJordan Feedback Score: 19 reviews	more pics ~ I want to see how long it takes to sand lol. __________________ Jordan Innovations has a new web site! www.JordanInnovations.com -- All your favorite FD Pro Drifters love it, trust me -- www.JordanInnovations.com

10-31-2006, 09:42 PM	#9
BaliLover Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 68 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I've seen people mix bondo and mixed-resin together for the next layer. They mix it so its not really thick, similar to the texture of toothpaste so it goes on easier and flows out smoother than just using bondo alone. I don't know if they adjust the resin hardener for the added volume with the bondo or not though.

10-31-2006, 10:05 PM	#11
Ricks15 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Age: 35 Posts: 1,661 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Thats pretty cool. __________________

10-31-2006, 10:36 PM	#12
gun Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 437 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	kinda off topic question, but: after step 2, where u take off the vinyl covering, is there anything u can use that would work as a glue so i could lay a sheet of carbon fiber instead of making it fiberglass? sorry to everyone if its a stupid question! __________________

10-31-2006, 10:56 PM	#14
HellonFire Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Georgia Age: 35 Posts: 740 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Good writeup. Waiting for more pics. Tyler

11-01-2006, 12:15 AM	#15
TipStylez Zilvia Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 918 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	looks cool. 123456789

11-01-2006, 03:49 AM	#16
yokotas13 Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milford, CT Age: 36 Posts: 10,519 Trader Rating: (8) Rides Gallery: yokotas13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	im takign a break for a little bit, working on soemthing else. Ill finish sanding it this weekend and get more pics. i still gotta pick up sandpaper lol __________________ 2015 Subaru Outback Overlander - Wagonofdoom

11-01-2006, 01:58 PM	#17
bik Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mexico Age: 46 Posts: 340 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	did it 2 years ago =P now is all black, O_o call me ricer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am!!!!!!!! =P or was? __________________

11-01-2006, 03:02 PM	#18
TipStylez Zilvia Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 918 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^Looks slippery.

11-01-2006, 03:10 PM	#19
LB.Motoring Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SòCal♥ Age: 35 Posts: 5,840 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: LB.Motoring Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I love the steeringwheel cover i remmber seeing this s13.4, mexico right? __________________ Robby Leuer

11-01-2006, 03:16 PM	#20
bik Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mexico Age: 46 Posts: 340 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yes mexico... and the wheel is a momo ¬_¬ __________________

11-01-2006, 03:26 PM	#21
LB.Motoring Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SòCal♥ Age: 35 Posts: 5,840 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: LB.Motoring Feedback Score: 1 reviews	hahaha your such a ricer but I approve __________________ Robby Leuer

11-01-2006, 04:11 PM	#23
yokotas13 Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milford, CT Age: 36 Posts: 10,519 Trader Rating: (8) Rides Gallery: yokotas13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	yer dash is all wavy lol Im thinking of covering it with something, instead of painting, becuase it would cut down my work by multitudes but i dont know if i can streatch Coach fabric that much __________________ 2015 Subaru Outback Overlander - Wagonofdoom

11-01-2006, 06:40 PM	#24
HyperTek Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cali Posts: 13,222 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	so im tryin to understand, are you just covering a gutted stock dashboard with fiberglass as a way to fill vents/holes?? or is the stock dash mainly just used as a mold and after its all done, to split them apart and use just the fiberglass? Cool thread tho!!! All for the DIY! __________________ Keep it Classy

11-02-2006, 12:09 PM	#25
gun Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 437 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	im assuming this process will be pretty much the same for an s14 dash? yesszz? __________________

11-02-2006, 12:29 PM	#26
yokotas13 Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milford, CT Age: 36 Posts: 10,519 Trader Rating: (8) Rides Gallery: yokotas13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	process is hte same for anything, door panels, dashes, consoels etc Just strip and lay over that easy __________________ 2015 Subaru Outback Overlander - Wagonofdoom

11-02-2006, 04:47 PM	#28
HyperTek Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cali Posts: 13,222 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	OoO.. but then your adding weight. I presume your going to paint it correct? Flat black would look clean but might as well left it stock hmm.. someone should post how to flock/ add suede to a dashboard. benefits is it cuts down glare. __________________ Keep it Classy

11-02-2006, 05:01 PM	#30
HyperTek Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cali Posts: 13,222 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	yah i saw that thanks, didnt they jus make a cast out of the stock dashboard to produce a completely seperate one in carbon fiber right? I thought that was the idea of this thread __________________ Keep it Classy

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