Original replica RHD dash, another one!

[Sunset Garage]

I’m new to the forum side of things as far as posting, (mainly active on Australian Forums) but have been using theSamba to buy parts for the last 15 years.

The reason I’m replying, is that I’ve read this post from the beginning to end, after trying to buy a couple of dashboards from John only to find he doesn’t do them. He seems to no longer be making them anymore for whatever reason, and there seems to be a strong demand for good quality early style dashboards.

My background is Industrial Design, However I have worked in the Movie Industry for the last 20 years. In that time I have become highly experienced with Patternmaking, Toolmaking & Moldmaking. I am interested in picking this up where John left off, and producing early Type 3 dashboards using a similar technique but with faster turnarounds and better materials.

I will start with RHD dashboards due to my own necessity, and then if the demand is there, I will tool up to do LHD dashboards if I can get a good one to take the mold from. When the RHD product is up & running, I will start a new thread.

Obviously I don’t expect much response considering this is my first post & nobody here knows me from a bar of soap, but this is similar to what I have been doing for close to 2 decades, so I’m very familiar with what’s involved in the process.

Cheers, Dave

[squaretobehip]

I think a lot of people will be interested in seeing what you can do. Good luck.
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[68notch]

I will likely make these again it's just that right now I have other work priorities and fitting in the dashes is difficult with the time and attention they take to make.

It's a four day process where different materials are added each consecutive day, each day or step must me done within this 24 hour window so once I start I am committed to it so it really takes some focus to do them. And then 16 hours of being cured in an oven too.

My business is within the composites trade (originally shipwright/boatbuilder) where we specialize in carbon fibre parts and other products, patterns, mould making and process development etc. Since 1986.

Sorry I just can't make these right now.
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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

[Sunset Garage]

Hey John. I’ve tried contacting you on FB to see what your future plans are, but haven’t managed to get your attention yet. I need at least 3 high quality dashboards and I need them soon, hence my decision to start producing them.

I’m not interested in taking business from you if you’re actively pursuing this & plan to continue producing them, however it’s been 7 years since you first started doing them & you’ve been quoted as saying you’re not doing them anymore.

I’m also guessing your RHD mold is reaching it’s upper limits for age & the amount of pops you’ve already done anyway. I’m familiar with the brand of silicone you used for the mold as it’s one that we also use in the movie business, & there’s no way that mold is popping out many more before it deteriorates, if it hasn’t already. No amount of mold release & extra silicon oil is gonna keep that thing producing quality dashboards for much longer, regardless of the care you’ve taken.

There’s no doubt the dashboards you’ve produced are easily the best so far.

[68notch]

The face mould surface is in fact like new with 51 dashes made so far since this is protected by the dash surface coating from the harsher expanding foam resins.

The back side is becoming more difficult but seems to keep going with coats of Vaseline.
_________________
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

[Tram]

[Matthew Tolbert]

I’m still interested in one if they become available. Forgot to add that I’m needing a LHD wrap around
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Matthew Tolbert
1958 ragtop
1961 doublecab
1965 Notchback S

[TransModeV]

Same here, very interested in an early to mid LHD ^_^

[Otto1969]

I bought one of Johns dash pads about four years ago. Bloody good piece of kit in my opinion.
The type 3 world needs more reproduction parts!

[Bobnotch]

[greendragon]

if john ever does lhd dashboards, i'd at least take one in red (pigalle). my offer to provide my pretty good dashboard as a template is still valid.
and what about ratlookvw?

[greendragon]

If anyone is interested, a nice early dash at german ebay:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.de%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F274133856016

[Erik G]

[squaretobehip]

[ratlookvw]

I have a pad or two for you to copy when your ready. Just let me know
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[Matthew Tolbert]

I wish this would happen. I would love to have a nice dash for my Notch.
_________________
Matthew Tolbert
1958 ragtop
1961 doublecab
1965 Notchback S

[EverettB]

Moderator time:
We are getting into personal insults and many comments were deleted by the person(s) who posted.

If anyone has an update on dash production, feel free to post again.
Thank you.
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[Sunset Garage]

Production of new RHD replica dashpads will recommence within the next few months, as we are in a hard COVID lockdown here in Australia 🇦🇺, and most of my suppliers are either closed, or working in a limited capacity.

I have sourced a genuine VW N.O.S. early “non wraparound” dashpad that has only recently been fitted to a restoration. It will provide the basis for perfect reproductions, that will include reinforcements for screw holes, new pre, moulded urethane gauge rings, and fully moulded speaker holes. These dashpads can also easily be modified to accept the speaker grille fitted to later models, and will be supplied with the correct speaker grille holes upon request.

This is my first venture into manufacturing car parts for sale, and I have invested a substantial sum to get to this stage. However I have 25 years experience in the designing and manufacturing business, with particular experience with the materials used in this process, and the process itself.

As I have previously mentioned, I am also interested in producing LHD dashpads in the future, providing I can source a suitable one to make the moulds from. Anyone who’s interested can contact me directly. Cheers.