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Another dash thread ‘73
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DaveVHS
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 1:18 am    Post subject: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Another dash question but her goes
I want to fill these holes
My gasless MIG welder will prob blow holes thru the metal cause a) it’s thin and b) my welding skills are average

Question:
Is it possible to fibreglass, fill, sand and paint a dash and get a decent result that might look like a painted metal style dash?

Pic of my current status and yes, I’m sure ppl will ask why I’ve forged ahead with interior before doing the dash but it was a bit of a last minute decision


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runamoc Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:54 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

if you can 'back-up' where you want to weld with some copper it will stop burn-thru and the weld doesn't stick to the copper. I've used this 'method' to fill in 1/2" holes. Here I'm fixing the gap.

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Braukuche
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:07 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

I’ve seen it done and it just doesn’t look right. The later dashes have too many switches he’s and warning lights, they are physically larger...lus you can’t hide the carnage because it is visible from behind if anyone looks.
If you ever decide to sell it will take away the value significantly. Done right the plastic cover looks good and visually correct.
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DaveVHS
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

runamoc - thanks. good tip I might give that a try.
My glove box door is in bad shape so I might start with that as a test by welding a plate over the door to clean it up

Braukuche - agree with all points, unfortunately the car has been modified heavily so I don't need to keep it original. A lot of the switches and warning lights are items that have been removed by PO
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Loren
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:43 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Wouldn't it be easier to drill out the spot welds and weld in an early dash section? The dash is spot welded at the windshield opening and across the bottom. The sides are stitch welded. It doesn't take too long to drill out the spot welds and remove the current dash. I have never done this so I don't know how well an older sash section fits, but it would make for a super clean looking modification and welding the spot welds is much easier than patching the current dash.
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Marcdeb
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 5:38 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Loren wrote:
Wouldn't it be easier to drill out the spot welds and weld in an early dash section? The dash is spot welded at the windshield opening and across the bottom. The sides are stitch welded. It doesn't take too long to drill out the spot welds and remove the current dash. I have never done this so I don't know how well an older sash section fits, but it would make for a super clean looking modification and welding the spot welds is much easier than patching the current dash.


Prior to buying my car, a PO did exactly that to my 71 Vert. The original dash was removed and a 62 dash was welded in. There was nothing wrong with the original dash other than they wanted a different gauge arrangement. I just had the windshield out and it is hard to tell anything was changed.
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DaveVHS
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 5:39 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Loren wrote:
Wouldn't it be easier to drill out the spot welds and weld in an early dash section? The dash is spot welded at the windshield opening and across the bottom. The sides are stitch welded. It doesn't take too long to drill out the spot welds and remove the current dash. I have never done this so I don't know how well an older sash section fits, but it would make for a super clean looking modification and welding the spot welds is much easier than patching the current dash.


I like this idea and would think its a lot easier to weld in a full or partial dash than patch everything. Not sure where I'd find a donor dash tho. I'm in Australia, doesn't seem to be many KG's around for parts like this
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Bones 53
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 8:24 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

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PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 11:48 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

DaveVHS wrote:


I like this idea and would think its a lot easier to weld in a full or partial dash than patch everything. Not sure where I'd find a donor dash tho. I'm in Australia, doesn't seem to be many KG's around for parts like this


You can ask the local VW club. Also you can ask the Suppliers in BNE, SYD and ADL. Another guy is Vic Brkovec (Vic's Bahn) who is a specialist for obscure Ghia parts. http://www.vicsbahn.com/karmann.html

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PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:42 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Loren wrote:
Wouldn't it be easier to drill out the spot welds and weld in an early dash section? The dash is spot welded at the windshield opening and across the bottom. The sides are stitch welded. It doesn't take too long to drill out the spot welds and remove the current dash. I have never done this so I don't know how well an older sash section fits, but it would make for a super clean looking modification and welding the spot welds is much easier than patching the current dash.


I think it took me the better part of a Saturday to drill out all the spot welds, their are hundreds. But worth it.
Out with the old, ignition on the column.
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67 dash, ignition on the dash.
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kingkarmann
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:13 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Braukuche wrote:
I’ve seen it done and it just doesn’t look right. The later dashes have too many switches he’s and warning lights, they are physically larger...lus you can’t hide the carnage because it is visible from behind if anyone looks.
If you ever decide to sell it will take away the value significantly. Done right the plastic cover looks good and visually correct.


I had my extra holes filled on my 67. If the work is done correctly i think they can turn out just fine.

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Braukuche
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

kingkarmann wrote:
Braukuche wrote:
I’ve seen it done and it just doesn’t look right. The later dashes have too many switches he’s and warning lights, they are physically larger...lus you can’t hide the carnage because it is visible from behind if anyone looks.
If you ever decide to sell it will take away the value significantly. Done right the plastic cover looks good and visually correct.


I had my extra holes filled on my 67. If the work is done correctly i think they can turn out just fine.

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From behind


Agreed. Very well done.
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1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
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56reddy
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 5:59 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

The dash holes are fairly easy to weld up. I took the time to delete all holes, seatbelt indicator, fresh air controls, speaker grill, and defroster vents. I think the final thing I’ll do is relocate the headlight and wiper switches to a hidden location.
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Vladiiiii
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PostPosted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 11:18 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Are you planning to use the lower dash pads? Be aware that those lower horizontal slats may be visible, in case the fittment of the dash pads is not so good Confused

(or they have not yet been covered, in the picture?)
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DaveVHS
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 3:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

No, I removed the factory AC unit and that thin horizontal vinyl strip between metal dash and the AC unit.

AC unit was missing condensor & compressor and the car is far from original, just trying to create more room in the front and style it the way I like, doesn't have to be 100% original as I struggle with leg room

I've really progressed the interior which was a bit dumb so now I need to cover everything to tidy up this dash.

I was reading about those low temp solder/ weld rods and wondered if if anyone here has used them?
I hear they are OK for cosmetic stuff not structural so maybe these would be better than me grinding and welding the dash up now I've already finished a large part of the interior

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Vladiiiii
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 11:52 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

That's a nice color combination Cool
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Braukuche
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:35 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

If you are going to weld or braze you’ll want to gut that nice interior, and pull the windshield. sparks and slag will fly everywhere.
If you are bent on doing this I’d just fiberglass mat the holes from behind, fill, sand and paint. It’s gonna be one hell of a messy job anyway you go.
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Retirement is here!
1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1973 Ghia convertible
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kingkarmann
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:45 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

I love the look of a painted dash but I will say i get a lot of glare. I lay a towel or microfiber when I'm driving.
I once considered finishing the dash face and top with Alcantara. I think it looks very classy.
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myghiarocks
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:42 pm    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

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We filled and painted mine with metal. Complete interior was removed.
Really like how it turned out. I was not a fan of the fake wood. With the original style dash pad I get no glare.
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DaveVHS
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2021 2:05 am    Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 Reply with quote

Kinda finished it, im a bit over it now really. Many attempts at the vinyl and paint...auuugh anyways, this is the design I wanted so happy I got it done, up close it’s a bit rough in places

Top half I wrapped in vinyl and painted the lower half.
I did fibreglass the holes and fill sand over... it was hella messy,
I ran a chrome datum around entire inside that curls up onto the rear parcel shelf, just used that stick-on moulding stuff, cost about $30 for a roll

Vinyl I bought for $20 and got so much I did the dash three times due to a few failed gluing attempts
Still have some cleaning up and new lights/ switches to put in
Gauges were some smith replicas off eBay for $70... not sure how they’ll go as not wired up yet

Overall, very happy with my budget attemptit but trying to get vinyl neat and painting dash was a nightmare


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