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I have a couple of “must do” projects to do(ie replace the gas tank with one that has the fill neck in the correct location and fix the E brake) before I start the dashboard update, but I want to start getting some ideas and input before I start. I had originally thought I’d make a wood overlay out of say 1/2″ wood, but the current dash is fiberglas with a simulated leather/vinyl pattern in the surface and the center section has a raised lip around it so it would have to be sanded down to provide a smooth surface to mount the wood overlay. Not sure at this point if I want to do that. Also, I’ve thought of resurfacing the dash with leather/vinyl and then fab a metal piece for the center gauge cluster out of brushed SS or an engine turned pattern(if I can find such a thing). I’ve searched the site for dashboard projects to try to get ideas, but only came up with a couple of wood replacement projects. Soooo, would appreciate any inputs, ideas, links to other dash projects, pics, etc. that would help me figure out what might be the best course of action for me. Thanks.
SamPut some pictures of what you have now, particularly edging, fasteners, etc. I’ll help.
From what you describe, sounds like a reupholstery type job might be the way. Buy a yard or two of marine vinyl; try to match the color you have (or contrast, or get some vinyl dye and spray the whole interior so it all matches.
Take whatever your current coating is on, off, re-wrap and glue. I suggest sticking a chrome trim bead around the edge. It’ll look more like the original and dress it nicely. And the beading is cheap everywhere. i found some of this at Auto Zone a few weeks back.
Love the engine turned center idea. If you have (or can borrow) a drill press you can do your own turning. A piece that size should be manageable. I’d do the turn first and then cut out the shape and make the gauge holes.
My old FF kit has the grained black fiberglass dash, with the center section smooth, and a raised lip or “fake beading” around that center section. It is all one piece of fiberglass that has been bolted in. Sounds like yours may be the same… I think what may be compounding your thinking is the idea of retaining the current fiberglass dash. Here’s a poor pic from the original listing on theSamba. I’ve made a few minor changes such as swapping out the grab handle, removing the old, inoperative radio, etc.
I’m thinking of updating mine somewhere way down the road to change out some gauges (mine uses the stock VW speedo) and gauge locations. My thoughts were to use the existing fiberglass dash as a template, and cut a new dash out of something like 3/8″ plywood. I think 3/8 is the minimum thickness for something that big with all the holes in it, but I’m not sure 1/2″ is necessary — given the thickness of the current fiberglas. Then, I’d plan for the center section to be screwed on top of that main piece, like the original TD is. So, you’d cut out the corresponding hole in the main piece (like the original TD one does) for all the gauges and stuff to mount directly to the piece on top. That center piece is not truly structural, more cosmetic, so it could be made with something thinner, such as Plexiglas.Then, cover the main piece with black vinyl (or perhaps match the seats), and cover the center in a contrasting color, then use piping around the center section when it is screwed on, just as piping is used around the main section when it is bolted to the cowling. Brushed aluminum for the center section might be an idea, also… as would a nice piece of wood there.Note that original TDs didn’t have nice wooden dashes – all those are aftermarket or DIY additions.KentT2013-05-31 00:10:52
Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...You could do 3/8 or even 1/4-inch plywood. More plys is better, as is marine plywood (the glue is water-proof, so it will tend not to delaminate as readily). I ordered some on line–little 2 x 4 foot piece was like $20 or $25 delivered. That’s enough for two dashboards.
I like the idea of vinyl with a wood center. Look at Schu’s car for an example of a nice wood center cluster.
I changed my speedo from a kit version to ’73 Bug. There are chrome trim rings available for these now. They’re almost imperceptibly smaller than the original TD Speedo. A “five-inch” (actually something like 4 5/8-inch tach will complete the look.
Ed, do you know of a relatively inexpensive tach that size that shows 7,000 or 8,000 RPM max? Most I see are the 3-3/8″ or whatever, like mine currently is. Retaining the stock speedo combines a lot of functions (gas gauge, warning lights, turn signal indicators, etc.) but matching it with a tach seems to be the challenge…
A lot of the Porsche VDO tachs don’t have flat glass on them, or the colors are totally wrong to match…Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...Thanks guys for the inputs. That is exactly what I’m looking for.Kent, yes my dash is exactly the same as yours.Ed, thanks for the engine turn link. I’m thinking I may try it. There is a salvage yard in Durham where I’ve been able to get alum and SS pieces at a very low cost,so I can get plenty of practice material and I have the time.Right now I’m thinking of trying to stay with the existing fiberglas dash since it has all the correct mounting to the body and the steering column. The gauges are another part of this effort. My current gauges are VDO 3 1/8″ and the PO cut one of the holes a little too large so there is a gap at the top of one of the gauges. I’ll probably have to go to 3 3/8″ gauges. I’ve looked at the VDO Antuque Biege and AuroMeter Old Tyme White, but I’m open to other suggestions in this area as well.Keep the suggestions coming……Thanks.SamMy tach went bad so I replaced all my instuments so they would match
They have wide varity of styles to choose fromAlAl, did you go with the Classic White series and how does the cost compare to VDO and AutoMeter?
SamSam
I went with the Hot Rod series, chrome bezel, black face & white letters/pointers. Cost for 5 guages (tach, speedo, oil temp, gas & amps) with new senders was $425 about 10 years ago. Didn’t do any cost comparison.Al
Nice looking dashboard Al. That recessed gauge panel sure makes for a different look!
Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...Yeah, I love that recessed panel too. Very slick.
I’ve got a Classic Instruments tach & it’s fine. I also have VDO oil pressure and volt gauges. They’re all white but the fonts and pointers don’t match each other.
I went to whitegauges.net for the speedo. It’s a simple kit. I’d like to try and fet a set of mint green faces for everything but taking apart the aftermarket gauges is scary. The tach feels glued together. Don’t want to break it.
There was talk on this board a few months ago about a new AutoMeter product (or was it?) (update: it was, here is the link) where you can pick your face color, fonts and pointer. pretty sure they had 5-inch tachs in that style. If you got those and had a custom face made to match for the speedo, you’d have the awesomest gauge set in the club, I think.
They didn’t offer green but the beige faces would get you by with anyone but a TD fanatic.
edsnova2013-05-31 20:32:09
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