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help with dash fabrication

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=29899
Printed Date: August 17, 2025 at 3:03 AM


Topic: help with dash fabrication

Posted By: falconey
Subject: help with dash fabrication
Date Posted: April 07, 2004 at 2:54 PM

I'm actually not redoing my entire dash just part of it.  I've cleared the area I need to work in but I'm having some troubles in my planning.

I don't have pics but the following link shows what the area in my car looks like(it's the same model)

https://www.carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalMitDiamante.htm

If you look at the last pic you can see where the radio is.  Well from the point just above the top of the radio all the way down through the two seats to the arm rest is where I need customization.

I'm installing a 12" touchscreen monitor/computer...and the computer's case is integrated into the the mount for the screen so I can't just disco the screen make a mold and fiberglass.  I have to make a mold that will hold the screen as well as blend in with the remaining factory dash while still having a nice looking dash center console.

Here's the computer

https://cgi.ebay.com/dll?ViewItem&item=2794040345&category=3698&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Now my idea is to utilize the brackets coming off the sides of the screen as a way to mount to whatever I create.  Then making some type of cover that would go over it and basically make it look like nothings there.  I was planning on using mdf and then fiberglassing that.  I've never worked with either but have already purchased resin and fg mat so these tools I have.  I have to get gloves and a mask I know. 

Things I need help with.....what tools do I use to modify the shape of MDF and how do is this stuff sold.  meaning is it sold like a 2 x 4 or is it in a shape.  what's the best way to blend the new fiberglassed pieces in with the old dash.  any design tips would be good as well. 




Replies:

Posted By: robbie2883
Date Posted: April 07, 2004 at 8:28 PM
MDF usually comes in a 4x8 sheet and you can pick your thickness. You can usually find it at home depot or lowes. As for the project, do some research online and you will find lots of pages telling you how to make a fiberglass mold. If I were you I would build a mold and use the MDF as the main mounting for the PC. As for tools Basic you need is a circular saw, a jigsaw and a router. Oh yeah....lots and lots of sand paper for both fiberglass and MDF. Also, depending on the finish you plan to put on it will determine how detailed and smoothe the sanding needs to be. I would also suggest some bondo and filler compound. GOod luck man.

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if its jammed force it - if it breaks in the process it needed to be fixed anyway
posted_image




Posted By: falconey
Date Posted: April 08, 2004 at 6:37 AM

Thanks for the help, it was definitely needed.  The following is a link to my web page and shows the unit test fitted.  Maybe it'll give someone inspiration and they'll in turn give me some good ideas. 

https://home.comcast.net/~jarvis.wynn/





Posted By: streetstorm
Date Posted: April 27, 2004 at 11:32 PM

Honestly the best idea i would suggest for that computer is to re fit it eaither in your glove box area or mold it directly into your dash up higher then it is cause it seems like you just shoved it there rather then custom building it !!! Plus when you do something like that you gotta find a way to not show any wires the best u can and just have the screen showing not the whole unit

an idea would be to make a sort of face plate out of Mdf board around the brackets so you have something to mount it on, then you can fint a spot it best fits in the dash so it is almost flush or flush and then create another faceplate to cover the brackets. that way you can always pull it out to get at the wire connections. and if you really want to get facy you can find small actuators and sliders and at a push of a button it will slide out for you to make connections.

thats just my suggestions!!



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Posted By: shaddr3
Date Posted: April 28, 2004 at 11:42 PM
You should sell that LCD on some sort of computer forums like hexus.net or something. go to earthlcd.com and buy a smaller size touchscreen LCD. Also with Touch SCreen LCD's, there are alot of drawbacks..




Posted By: mv2123
Date Posted: June 09, 2004 at 8:33 AM
your going to have to get really custom to make that look good . i would grind of all thoise tabs build some sort of stationary cabinet in the dash and just make a front cover out of fiberglass also id make sure that pc has enough cooling.i agree with streetstorm that thing needs to be higher up , plus id try to find a way to rip that screen of that case that way all you have to do is intall the screen , but thats my 2cents .

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wait , you hear something sparking?




Posted By: josemoises_0910
Date Posted: June 09, 2004 at 8:56 AM

some vary have software for desing booths for

this is my a-mail

josemoises_0910@hotmail.com






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