Original replica RHD dash, another one!

68notch

Yes another dash.

In 2008 I picked up a really good dash from the UK and have just had it on the shelf until now.

I had always planned to make a moulded fibreglass dash that could then be covered with vinyl or other material since I was afraid to risk moulding from my original but lately I have been working with silicone faced moulds which are much safer to work with.

I have now decided to make full mould from both sides that will capture top and bottom of the dash including every detail that makes an original dash look like they do. The silicone surface of the mould will replicate the grain and the speaker holes although the holes will only be about 2mm deep. It will look as normal and the holes could be drilled out if needed.

They will be made from polyurethane resins and foam so the dash will appear very original like and may even fool some. The surface is a hard but flexible black and the foam back may be a lighter yellow than stock (maybe I can tint it?).

Below are some pics of the dash that I will mould from and also a sample of the black skin from a test off an old dash. It's very much like original to touch.

The plan is to also use the original plastic ring inserts that are in each gauge hole so I need to collect these so they can be put in place during the casting process.

It's going to take some time but it starts this week with more prep and flanges to be added to the original prior to moulding, I'll post some pics as I go.

If all goes well then I could also consider doing other dashes. Only catch is I need excellent originals to mould from.

I have a small business that specialises in carbon fibre and composite parts. Prepping patterns and making moulds is something I have done a lot of. Working with polyurethanes is a little unfamiliar but so far it looks good and I think I will work it out ok.

The cost may be around $600 each though. There will be a considerable amount of time invested in the mould and it may have a limited life too. Maybe 20 parts maybe 100 parts. I don't know.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
John

68 Aussie notch
2011 Citroen Berlingo

https://www.facebook.com/Fastacraft

RHD dash pad project http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=475227

vlad01 · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 11:00 pm Post subject:

F**king hell! this is what I'm talking about Twisted Evil

I would also like to see some late model dashes Laughing

What is the early dash shape/size like compared to the late model dash?

Just wondering if your planned repop can be used as a basis to mod into a late dash. Or perhaps one without speaker holes?

If you can make an accurate, durable high quality dash, you would totally own the market.

I would pay 1000! buks without hesitation for a perfect modernized repop. I love how you want to use the plastic rings which makes is even better!

chaosisme · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 12:26 am Post subject:

Im definitely looking forward to seeing your progress with this.
_________________
'65 1500 S [quareback]

'68 FI Sunroof Squareback

'70 Westy

OCT3 - Orange County Type 3's

l469 · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:29 pm Post subject:

good to see an aussie having a go good onya.
very interested in the progress of this .
best of luck to you Dancing

l469 · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:40 pm Post subject:

vlad01 · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:44 pm Post subject:

No thank you Cool

I only buy quality Laughing

68notch · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 5:16 pm Post subject:

I forget to mention that I will also be able to make coloured dashes too, pigalle and teak! or any colour you like.

Maybe a $1000 purple one for Vlad Shocked

Thinkin I might go for a teak one myself. Savannah beige car, oatmeal carpet, brown seats and door trims.
_________________
John

68 Aussie notch
2011 Citroen Berlingo

https://www.facebook.com/Fastacraft

RHD dash pad project http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=475227

l469 · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 8:14 pm Post subject:

wow now your showing off top stuff
this is just the most encouraging news on type 3's
parts i have had in a while again good on you for doing this
like already mentioned you will have this market to yourself
so go for it i say well done Dancing

vlad01 · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 3:06 am Post subject:

Matthew Tolbert · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 6:24 pm Post subject:

im here for the updates Very Happy

_________________
Matthew Tolbert
1958 ragtop
1961 doublecab
1965 Notchback S

JDYT3 · Samba Member Joined: June 03, 2007 Posts: 18

Hi,

I have a 1970 Fastback, so if the dash suits that, then I am in too, depending on the final outcome.

Regards,

Jed in Sydney
1970 Fastback, Sahara (?) Beige known as Fast Fritz

vlad01 · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 11:30 pm Post subject:

70 dash is the same as early isn't it?

68notch · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:03 pm Post subject:

Making some progress with repairing all and any small flaws in the dash. Most are not visible and are just things like the vinyl peeling back along the bottom edge which is under the chrome trim.

Blanked out gauge holes.

Cracks in the speaker that have not come through the top skin. Glued with epoxy.

A little restick of the vinyl.

Some carbon reinforcing below the grab handle.

A really fine crack that has come through in front of the speedo that is the typical flaw in old dashes. This is the worst of any issue with the dash but still so small that I am not actually going to try and fix this. It's barely noticeable and will make the finished part even more authentic Smile

When the dashes are made I am considering adding some fibreglass reinforced polyurethane behind the black skin so the outer skin will essentially be fibre reinforced to resist cracking in future.

These are the plastic rings from the gauges that I would need to collect for re-use in the new ones.

This is the base/box that the pattern(dash) will set up on so that it's stable and straight etc.

Overall the dash is really just hanging in there and it's fragile but on the outside it still looks great.
_________________
John

68 Aussie notch
2011 Citroen Berlingo

https://www.facebook.com/Fastacraft

RHD dash pad project http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=475227

Matthew Tolbert · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:27 pm Post subject:

nice work!!!
_________________
Matthew Tolbert
1958 ragtop
1961 doublecab
1965 Notchback S

vlad01 · Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 3:07 am Post subject:

popcorn please!

68notch · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:24 am Post subject:

In Germany they would have sweet popcorn (with icing sugar) at the cinema.

In Australia they have it salted.

What do you do in the USA?

Dash mould flanges almost done, should be ready to begin moulding the top side later next week.

_________________
John

68 Aussie notch
2011 Citroen Berlingo

https://www.facebook.com/Fastacraft

RHD dash pad project http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=475227

Matthew Tolbert · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 8:36 am Post subject:

DAM Volks · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 9:42 am Post subject:

any possibility of a LHD dash? This dash looks very promising so far.

As for the popcorn its done way to many ways in the US. salted, buttered, plain. Shoot caramel kettlecorn and funky flavors. Ill take caramel corn please.

vlad01 · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject:

68notch · Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 7:13 am Post subject:


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Original replica RHD dash, another one!
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