Real TD dash in a replica ?

[Bill Clemons]

I’ve read through all the dash articles I’ve found here but didn’t find what I was looking for . Has anyone put a real TD dash board in one of these kits ?

[Dennis P]

Did some searching, as i am sureyou did,for fun.could not find one, but  i imagine it would be muchless costly to make one and buy a used center guage piece.

[Bill Clemons]

I’ve been able to determine the real dash is 41 1/8″ wide at the bottom which is the same as the replica dash. The only question now is the profile of the “humps” matching. I already have a center piece so I think I’ll roll a $110 dice with a Moss Motors plywood dash and see how it goes 🙂

[Dennis P]

cut a dash from apiece of scrap plywood.  cost 0.  my neighbor did for

 

 

 

 

 

cut a dash for 20 dollars worth of wood.  used the origional fiberglass dash as a template.  my neighbor  cut it.  if i did it, cost would havebeen zero.  how did you find the td dash piece?

 

 

 

 

 

420.0

[edward ericson]

The replica dashes are all a bit different from the originals, mostly around the steering shaft relief, and also in the gauge holes.

I bought a used real dash for the brass/chrome beads and the door hardware and then replicated it from marine plywood and bits of nice mahogany and maple.

Documented the project here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

The key to making the TD dash look legit is all the details—the windlace, the chrome beading, the glovebox, the center plate, proper horn button, etc.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by edward ericson.

[Bill Clemons]

Latest update on my effort to put a real TD dash in a Fiberfab Migi . I started with the FF wood bass boat dash and tried putting a TD center pod and some Opel instruments and while it was an improvement I really didn’t care for it. But was a good springboard for DASH V2 . I ordered a plywood dash blank from Moss Motors and dang if it wasn’t almost a perfect fit. The “V” in the middle of the FF dash is a little sharper (lower by about 3/4″) but the humps and total width were spot on with the money. TD tach/speedo holes are smaller but my Opel units use 5 1/4″ holes so no prob. The TD steering cut out needs moving a couple inches to the left but no biggy. I will be covering the dash in green leather so I can cover any carpentry. Still a long ways to go but this I like

• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Bill Clemons.

[Bill Clemons]

 

[edward ericson]

Those Opel gauges look about right, size-wise.

Love the vinyl cover. That’s how they came stock and it’s a rare look these days.

[Dennis P]

Bill, where did you get that beautiful banjo steering wheel?    Your dash is really looking good.

[Bill Clemons]

it’s from a late 1980 MGB . I’m also using a MGB steering column but using the TD turn signal switch on the dash. I modified a MGA horn button for it because it originally had a big rubber horn push that imho looked too new.

[edward ericson]

That’s looking great Bill.

@dennis-p point of clarification: Bill’s is a GT style wheel. “Banjo” wheels have wire spokes that look a bit like banjo strings. Like mine (above) and:

…which is also mine…

Which means I guess I have duelin’ banjos.

[Dennis P]

Hello again, Yes, that is what I would like to know.  Where did you get the Banjo style wheel, in the picture of your beautiful TDr dash ?  I meant to ask the question of Ed.  amazed and confused… Dennis P. 79 Fiber Fab MiGi, on 67 VW.

[edward ericson]

I tried to post a detailed response; the site won’t accept it. See your email and private messages.

[Author]

Posts