How to strengthen gauge pod

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=62434
Printed Date: April 28, 2024 at 8:35 PM

Topic: How to strengthen gauge pod

Posted By: rppngears
Subject: How to strengthen gauge pod
Date Posted: September 09, 2005 at 11:16 AM

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?

Replies:

Posted By: rppngears
Date Posted: September 09, 2005 at 11:20 AM

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?

Posted By: 5150azn
Date Posted: September 09, 2005 at 11:26 AM

Add more resin add more hardner.

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Tell the Snap-On guy I'm not here!

Posted By: rppngears
Date Posted: September 09, 2005 at 12:24 PM

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.

Posted By: realitycheck
Date Posted: September 09, 2005 at 1:17 PM

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.

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Learning the trade one fiberglass creation at a time!

Posted By: rppngears
Date Posted: September 09, 2005 at 2:08 PM

So you guys agree that duraglass isn't the right stuff to use here?

Posted By: crzycreations
Date Posted: September 10, 2005 at 11:57 AM

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.

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-Don't buy it, Build it-

Posted By: darkknight1999
Date Posted: September 10, 2005 at 2:25 PM

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...

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-JOHN
www.rimotorsports.com

Posted By: abovestock
Date Posted: September 12, 2005 at 1:10 AM

just a thin layer of 3/4 ounce chop strand mat and resin will give it all the strength your looking for.

Posted By: juniorxs
Date Posted: September 12, 2005 at 4:41 AM

what about disolving some matt in resin an pouring it through the gauge holes to the inside.