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How to strengthen gauge pod


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rppngears 
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Posted: September 09, 2005 at 11:16 AM / IP Logged  

I am making a gauge pod for my dash.  I glued in pre-made gauge cups and then stretched grill cloth over top and applied resin.  It turned out hard enough to hold its shape, but still very soft.  I cannot strengthen from underneath so I'll have to do it from the top. 

 

I'm worried that applying mat will make the sides too thick to fit back into the dash, plus I think it will affect the overall shape because it is thick.  Instead I was thinking of applying a layer of duraglass, but I know this isn’t meant for structure, so I’m not sure if it will be strong enough to make the grill cloth rigid and yet not crack when I install it in the dash and the piece flexes some, as stock it’s already a tight fit.  Any opinions?

rppngears 
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Posted: September 09, 2005 at 11:20 AM / IP Logged  

Sorry, let me repost that again

I am making a gauge pod for my dash.  I glued in pre-made gauge cups and then stretched grill cloth over top and applied resin.  It turned out hard enough to hold its shape, but still very soft.  I cannot strengthen from underneath so I'll have to do it from the top.  I'm worried that applying mat will make the sides too thick to fit back into the dash, plus I think it will affect the overall shape because it is thick.  Instead I was thinking of applying a layer of duraglass, but I know this isn’t meant for structure, so I’m not sure if it will be strong enough to make the grill cloth rigid and yet not crack when I install it in the dash and the piece flexes some, as stock it’s already a tight fit.  Any opinions?

5150azn 
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Posted: September 09, 2005 at 11:26 AM / IP Logged  
Add more resin add more hardner.
Tell the Snap-On guy I'm not here!
rppngears 
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Posted: September 09, 2005 at 12:24 PM / IP Logged  
But I thought resin by itself was not very strong and was quite brittle.  I was also thinking of possibly using kitty hair, but I've never worked with the stuff before and heard its kinda difficult.
realitycheck 
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Posted: September 09, 2005 at 1:17 PM / IP Logged  
Well I wouldnt use just resin. I would try like a layer of mat and then let that harden and see if its strong enough for you, or just use cloth instead of mat its a little thinner. Stronger also! Then you can just the mess out of whatever area is too tight.
Learning the trade one fiberglass creation at a time!
rppngears 
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Posted: September 09, 2005 at 2:08 PM / IP Logged  
So you guys agree that duraglass isn't the right stuff to use here?
crzycreations 
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Posted: September 10, 2005 at 11:57 AM / IP Logged  

Just an idea but you might try mixing resin with body filler to get it thick so you could just pour it over, and so it won't be a as thin or brittle as jut plain resin. What you do is first put body filler in the measuring cup, then resin, and then put the MEKP in just like the whole thing was resin, and then of course mix it. Usually a 1:1 ratio of body filler to resin will give a pretty good thickness, but you could increase or decrease it to suit your preference.   

But if you decide not to try that than I think that another layer of grill cloth should make it strong strong enough.

-Don't buy it, Build it-
darkknight1999 
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Posted: September 10, 2005 at 2:25 PM / IP Logged  
You should get some stitched mat to cover it. It molds very well and leaves a very smooth finish. Its easy to use and its ferfect for what your trying to do. Its thin but very strong. One layer of it will be plenty for what your trying to do. ;) just a thought...
-JOHN
www.rimotorsports.com
abovestock 
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Posted: September 12, 2005 at 1:10 AM / IP Logged  
just a thin layer of 3/4 ounce chop strand mat and resin will give it all the strength your looking for.
juniorxs 
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Posted: September 12, 2005 at 4:41 AM / IP Logged  
what about disolving some matt in resin an pouring it through the gauge holes to the inside.

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