S14 Cluster Shroud: Molded Greddy Turbo Timer and Boost Controllers

[Broadfield]

I want to start posting up my builds to share with everyone else. I will post as I do the work. This customer wants his Greddy turbo timer and Greddy boost controller molded into his S14 cluster shroud in place of the dimmer switch on the left and the on/off switches on the right.

The customer marked where he wanted them located with masking tape and a pen, then shipped the shroud to me. Since the cavities for the switches are taller than the casing of the controllers, the extra area will have to be filled in for a nice finished look. I will also build the area out very slightly to where the units mount.

http://images15.fotki.com/v588/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8716-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8752-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v747/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8753-vi.jpg

First thing is to cut out the tape to reveal where I need to cut the plastic:

http://images57.fotki.com/v81/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8755-vi.jpg

Even though I'm going to fill all around the edge of the controllers, I like to get the initial cut as close as I can. So basically everything but where the switch holes are will be close to a perfect fit. This will help hold the units in place while I fill around them:

http://images17.fotki.com/v1621/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8759-vi.jpg

Quick test fit:

http://images27.fotki.com/v981/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8771-vi.jpg

Next up is to use masking tape to cover the front half of the units. The outer side of the masking tape is kind of "waxy", so the glue/filler I use to fill the edges won't stick to it very well. This will ease in the removing of the units once the glue/filler has dried:

http://images17.fotki.com/v1621/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8811-vi.jpg

I also roughed up the surrounding area around the opening with 24 grit sandpaper... you may be able to see it a little in the above pic. This will help the glue/filler stick to the plastic.

[wannabdr1ftr]

cant wait to see it all done...your work is amazing

[tricky_ab]

This should be good! I'm watching this one...

[jdm2191]

Going to be awesome!

[RPS13-604]

damm i should ship you my door panels,glove box to get them covered in bride fabric and also maybe make me a shiftboot with bride material as well? haha

[mxsx25]

I need.to learn how to do this... shit looks sooooo clean

[DFWZenki]

Is he relocating his dimmer switch somewhere else in the car, or tucking it away somewhere behind the cluster? Just curious. This is looking really clean, but if i remember right none of my interior lights worked with out my dimmer switch plugged in. Looking good Broadfield!! Clean as always!

[CamryOnBronze]

David Scott Mustaine would be proud...

[Broadfield]

Is he relocating his dimmer switch somewhere else in the car, or tucking it away somewhere behind the cluster? Just curious. This is looking really clean, but if i remember right none of my interior lights worked with out my dimmer switch plugged in. Looking good Broadfield!! Clean as always!

No idea man, but yes, the dimmer switch would need to be plugged in to keep the illumination circuit powered up. So I assume he'll simply tuck the switch behind the shroud. Or he could simply eliminate the switch by jumping the circuit back together with a jumper wire etc.


David Scott Mustaine would be proud...

I knew you would be poking your head in here at some point. But I didn't figure you would be throwing around Dave Mustaine comments so early in the morning.:) Haven't you got your wife talked into my boy's red Kouki yet?

http://zilvia.net/f/cars-sale/349434-fs-super-clean-1998-s14-kouki-w-s15-sr20-works-300whp.html

[Broadfield]

This is with the glue/filler applied. I use a 3M product called Duramix 4247. It's a pretty expensive setup, as you need the product, a special application gun and tips. But there is nothing else like it. It's a 2-part mix that dries hard in a few seconds and it sticks to plastic. It dries rock hard in a few minutes and then can be sanded/shaped. However, it's not like an epoxy which is brittle. This stuff has a very, very slight elasticity to it... so it's perfect for plastic. It's thick enough that it will fill small to medium gaps, it can be easily sanded and painted.

http://images108.fotki.com/v191/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8877-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v378/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8873-vi.jpg

http://images44.fotki.com/v1412/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8870-vi.jpg

[Marcus]

that looks amazing. will the items still be removable?

[driftsilvias13]

This is Mike's isnt it!? Gonna look so clean!

[CrimsonRockett]

Pretty neat stuff. I'll definitely need to talk to you about getting a TON of things done.

:bigok:

[Broadfield]

that looks amazing. will the items still be removable?

Not easily, but yes they can be removed if a unit goes bad etc. They will be rear mounted, then hot glued from the backside using OEM yellow hot glue. So the glue can be peeled off at a later date.

This is Mike's isnt it!? Gonna look so clean!

Yes sir.

Pretty neat stuff. I'll definitely need to talk to you about getting a TON of things done.

:bigok:

Let's do it!

[Broadfield]

With the units popped out. Next will be sanding the front of the opening down, which will yield an opening that fits the units perfectly.

http://images58.fotki.com/v511/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8891-vi.jpg

http://images107.fotki.com/v71/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8894-vi.jpg

[sickrbs14]

wheres the pics of the free s14 cluster ya did

[kyles1988]

dooooooope

[Maiku240sxS14]

Looking good Toby!

[Beefy]

dooooooope

this^

toby i'm probably going to come to you to get my alarm installed in my s14

[pahaf]

sick. thats going to look cool

[vipervenom]

Amazing work. I needa stop by ur shop and check your stuff out sometime.

[Broadfield]

wheres the pics of the free s14 cluster ya did

I haven't even picked a winner yet. There hasn't been very many submissions... most of them are not what I'm looking for. Let's keep those submissions coming!

[Broadfield]

This is after a quick, rough sanding to get the overall shape and high spots down. I used an air sander with 24 grit to knock the high spots down quickly. Then went back with a sanding block and 80 grit to get the front flat and true.

http://images110.fotki.com/v302/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8943-vi.jpg

http://images14.fotki.com/v373/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8945-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8947-vi.jpg

I then built up the surrounding area with some Rage Gold body filler:

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8952-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v1622/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8954-vi.jpg

http://images107.fotki.com/v84/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8957-vi.jpg

Next, I will sand that down with 80 grit and fill some more where needed. Then fade/blend out the edges to the surrounding plastic. Stay tuned.

[CamryOnBronze]

Lovin' the play by play/ live feed, LOL. I so want to post the wig pic...

[Broadfield]

I so want to post the wig pic...

Don't you dare... I want the glory of doing that:)

[Maiku240sxS14]

Is he relocating his dimmer switch somewhere else in the car, or tucking it away somewhere behind the cluster? Just curious.

Or he could simply eliminate the switch by jumping the circuit back together with a jumper wire etc.

I don't think I have ever used it since I got the car. lol

But damn Toby, loving the step by step explainations w/ PIX! Keep them coming. Very impressed with it so far!

[NickIsAZero]

Subscribed.

Curious, how much would you charge for something like this?

[Broadfield]

Subscribed.

Curious, how much would you charge for something like this?

$200 shipped back to you.

[Broadfield]

This is after the first rough sand. I use this step to get my overall shape and see if I like it. I then can go back and add more filler if I have to, or if I am happy with the overall shape, I will simply do a second coat to fill in the low spots etc.

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8973-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1011/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8969-vi.jpg

http://images108.fotki.com/v191/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8970-vi.jpg

I was happy with the shape, so I added more to fill in the low spots. Then I sanded that with 120 grit:

http://images54.fotki.com/v77/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8978-vi.jpg

http://images9.fotki.com/v212/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8986-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_8984-vi.jpg

A quick test fit to make sure we are on track. I need them very slightly loose. That way after I add texture and paint, they will fit the way I want them to:

http://images9.fotki.com/v1604/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9019-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v302/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9010-vi.jpg

http://images43.fotki.com/v1384/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9013-vi.jpg

Next will be a layer of glaze filler to fill in the tiny pin holes you see and to help feather the edge where filler meets plastic. Then it will be a texture coat on the original area that was textured, then satin black SEM over the entire thing. I'll be back.

[tricky_ab]

^^ Damn looking good...REALLY GOOD!

[CrimsonRockett]

Seriously. That looks pretty f'ing sweet.

I love this kind of stuff. Absolutely hate it when people just shove their turbo timers/gauges in their center console looking ugly as all hell.

[ki_JDM_ds]

Thanks for taking the time to documenting this. Your attention to detail extends past just your personal items. That, should make this niche very successful.

Your bespoke items get my creative "juices" flowing. I probably wouldn't attempt this type of project because of lack of supplies, patients and experience. I've got a few ideas so once I get everything together I'll contact you.

Toby, your the ONLY person I would trust with my interior!

[Broadfield]

Thanks for taking the time to documenting this. Your attention to detail extends past just your personal items. That, should make this niche very successful.

Your bespoke items get my creative "juices" flowing. I probably wouldn't attempt this type of project because of lack of supplies, patients and experience. I've got a few ideas so once I get everything together I'll contact you.

Toby, your the ONLY person I would trust with my interior!

Well, I want a full K's aero kit for my S13... so maybe we could work something out if you can find the stuff. I always like trading labor/product because it works out good for both parties.

Thanks for the compliments by the way, and to everyone else in this thread for that matter.

[daftphunk]

More pics! I love this kind of stuff, looking very good man. When I finally get some gauges, I know who to go to.

[A54]

Nice post...

[Broadfield]

Did a final coat of glaze body filler to get rid of the larger pinholes. Then sanded that down with 240 grit:

http://images47.fotki.com/v1473/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9029-vi.jpg

http://images56.fotki.com/v773/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9026-vi.jpg

http://images116.fotki.com/v716/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9028-vi.jpg

Next I used the SEM Texture Coat as a filler... I will actually sand most of it off. I sprayed it on thick to help fill any little imperfections, sanding marks and to make sure I like the overall shape of the project. It will help me see if there are any hard lines I need to knock down etc. I want to make sure that all of the round over edges and the like have a nice transition. I can tell you already from these pictures that there are a couple lines I need to round over more and the the pin hole on the right side:

http://images9.fotki.com/v1617/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9031-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9032-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v302/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9036-vi.jpg

Test fit the units again. You can start to really see the what the finished product is going to look like.

http://images9.fotki.com/v1604/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9039-vi.jpg

http://images116.fotki.com/v695/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9046-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9049-vi.jpg

I already hit it with another coat of texture to get rid of the pinhole on the right side. I will then sand it with 320 grit and make sure the hard lines are gone and that all of the rounded areas have the radius I'm looking for. Then I will do my final coat of texture for the final look, then simply paint it. Stay tuned!

[HPKMotorsports3]

nice work man... real attention to detail... +10

[pahaf]

thats awesome

[tricky_ab]

Great work, your attention to details is amazing! :)

[wannabdr1ftr]

wow...amazing work

[JonathanPrem]

looks really good

[Maiku240sxS14]

Wow...looks amazing!

[Broadfield]

Sanded the texture area down lightly and hit it with a final coat of texture:

http://images58.fotki.com/v696/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9083-vi.jpg

http://images115.fotki.com/v686/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9084-vi.jpg

http://images18.fotki.com/v457/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9087-vi.jpg


I then sprayed the entire shroud(the texture area and smooth area) with a SEM Satin Black. Turned out great as far as finish, but there are a couple areas on the edge where the texture meets smooth that I am not happy with... I'm PICKY!

http://images33.fotki.com/v1068/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9090-vi.jpg

http://images58.fotki.com/v156/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9095-vi.jpg

So I will simply hit the edge area with texture without it taped off. Naturally I will get texture over spray onto the smooth area. However, the smooth area is raised a little, so I can simply go back with 320 grit and sand that area back smooth without effecting the texture area. Then I will simply spray the entire thing again with the Satin Black. Should be all done tomorrow!

[Mister.E]

that is turning out absolutely great!

[Fred Allen Burge]

Awesome work and thanks for sharing all the specifics. It's all in the details, when you take the time to do things like this it really shows in the final overall feel of the car.

[zylvia213]

yea I gota agree this looks pretty sweet. Nice and clean. Good job

[Broadfield]

Well, I got everything mounted up and glued in place. However, I noticed an area on the right side that had a weird low spot. I didn't notice it until I had everything mounted up. Sometimes that happens. Some imperfections don't pop out at you until you get the finishing coats of paint on. Unfortunately, I didn't notice it until the units were glued in place. You can see the weird spot I circled here:

http://images116.fotki.com/v694/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9150-vi.jpg

http://images52.fotki.com/v1553/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9150error-vi.jpg

That is not acceptable to hand over to the customer, so I need to fix it. The nice thing about this SEM Texture Coat is that I can go in and spot cover areas without having to re-shoot the entire project. So I first removed the unit on the right, then sanded down that area a little to get rid of the anomaly. I then taped off the smooth area behind it and hit the area, and a little of the surrounding area, with a little bit of texture coat. Next I had to put the final finish color back on. That is also the nice thing about the SEM paints is that they spot blend flawlessly. So I removed the tape from the smooth area and shot the entire right side of the shroud with the SEM Satin Black again.... DONE!

Finished results:

http://images57.fotki.com/v66/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9161-vi.jpg

http://images49.fotki.com/v1510/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9165-vi.jpg

http://images107.fotki.com/v780/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9166-vi.jpg

The last thing I have to do is polish the customer's clear plastic front for his stock cluster. I sanded down the inside and outside today with 1200, 1500, then 2000 grit. I then buffed it with a Pinnacle XMT Heavy Duty Swirl Remover #4 Polishing Compound. I used an air powered 3" mini polisher with a wool pad to do so. I will follow that up with compound #'s 3, 2 and 1 using various foam pads on the same mini polisher.

[Jimbo_Moone]

your work is amazing.

[Maiku240sxS14]

Finished results:

http://images57.fotki.com/v66/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9161-vi.jpg


I'm speechless, looks amazing! Better than I hoped, can't wait to get this bad boy back and installed. Thanks alot Toby! Your work and attention to detail is top notch. Simply beautiful!

[Broadfield]

I'm speechless, looks amazing! Better than I hoped, can't wait to get this bad boy back and installed. Thanks alot Toby! Your work and attention to detail is top notch. Simply beautiful!

Thanks man! For me it's not about making the money I charge for the service... it's about hearing the customer's response to seeing the finished results. It's what keeps me going on the bigger projects... knowing that there is going to be one very satisfied customer at the end of the rainbow.:) I will get everything shipped back out to you early next week... probably by Tuesday.

[jdm2191]

Awesome work!

I hope there is more to come! I will stayed tuned!

[hacknik]

Amazing work as always. I'm really curious as to how this will look when mounted up. Looks OEM.

[tricky_ab]

Damn man, I know it's been mentioned before but I love your work!

[Broadfield]

Awesome work!

I hope there is more to come! I will stayed tuned!

There will always be more to come... more projects, more builds.

[scottie]

Cant stop! Wont stop! Toby you never cease to amaze me. The placement is perfect. The finished product looks like it was always meant to go there. I always look forward to your posts/build threads.

[HS13KLS]

HOLY CRAP. thats looks pretty legit. lol

[Broadfield]

Thought I would post up the last update on this little project. Like I stated earlier, the customer also sent his S14 cluster so I could polish the front plastic. Here is a before pic showing a little bit of haze. It also had minor scratches, but I didn't catch them in this pic. This definitely was no where near as bad as some of the S13 ones I do.

http://images17.fotki.com/v281/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9156-vi.jpg

This is after the 7-step Broadfield polishing trick I do... nice and clear!

http://images112.fotki.com/v495/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9249-vi.jpg

http://images44.fotki.com/v1535/photos/2/47612/9157811/IMG_9250-vi.jpg

[CamryOnBronze]

Looks great boss!

[Enna]

Fuck my life that cluster looks good.

[Broadfield]

Looks great boss!

Thanks chief!

[Quail]

Your work really is amazing, can't wait till I can commission you from across the pond :D

[Broadfield]

Hell yeah Quail, you would be my first overseas customer... well, as far as custom fabrication is concerned. Just curious, what do you have in mind?

[hellion240sx]

Man I am glad I waited so long to check this thread. Didn't have to be in suspense... But your work is amazing, everytime!

[Quail]

Hell yeah Quail, you would be my first overseas customer... well, as far as custom fabrication is concerned. Just curious, what do you have in mind?

I want a Stack ST8130 in white, but the difficulty is affording one with my current paycheck. I may save up and treat myself though, as I want to start working on the car again.

If I did have to compromise, I'd ideally like an EL2 setup, although the Apexi tachs are discontinued from what I've heard :(

[fingjosh]

Wow. I will be going to you when I need stuff like that made!!

[Broadfield]

Mike PM'd me an installed pic, although he wanted to clarify he would get some better shots, and also a night shot. I figured I would post this up for now though:

http://images116.fotki.com/v695/photos/2/47612/9157811/DSC00428-vi.jpg

[venom_5]

that looks amazing ... i know a car that needs some of your handywork before the build is said and done

[Quail]

Its so nice to see this standard of finish on our cars. Some of the crap in the interior thread is scary!

[Broadfield]

Some of the crap in the interior thread is scary!

Uhhh, that's an understatement. Thanks for the compliments.

[sexcii-zenki]

i know im late but i dont know how i didnt see this...i was actually on google looking for something completely different and this popped up...lol amazing, are u still doing this?

[chiboy002]

maybe cause you joined a few months after it was posted
yes he still does it
PM HIM

[Broadfield]

are u still doing this?

You bet, you can find some of my work here:

http://zilvia.net/f/interior-exterior/402301-interior-dress-up-broadfield.html

maybe cause you joined a few months after it was posted
yes he still does it
PM HIM

Thanks for looking out man!

[p3t3y18]

hey broadfield you have excellent wooorrkkk... so how much does a job identical to this run ??

[Broadfield]

hey broadfield you have excellent wooorrkkk... so how much does a job identical to this run ??

Thanks man! The labor to duplicate that and materials is around $400.

[2muchboost]

Badass work my friend.....everything looks as if it were OEM. Hats off to you!

[SlmdCpe]

Amazing work!