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DaveVHS Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2020 Posts: 34 Location: Brisbane QLD
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 1:18 am Post subject: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2006 Posts: 5593 Location: 37.5N 77.1W
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:54 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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.
_________________ Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 44 yrs - Plan B: '81 Rabbit Diesel LS Deluxe - Plan C: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs-
VW Wiring = It's just wires |
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Braukuche Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004 Posts: 10965
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:07 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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. _________________ Go Reds! Smash state!
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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DaveVHS Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2020 Posts: 34 Location: Brisbane QLD
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2004 Posts: 1694
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:43 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2019 Posts: 3009 Location: Vermont
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 5:38 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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. _________________ Marc
68 Karmann Ghia Cabrio Autostick
71 Karmann Ghia Cabrio
Previously Owned:
2011 VW EOS Hard Top Conv
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Conv
2003 Saab 9-3 SE Conv
2001 Saab 9-3 Conv
1998 BMW 3 Series Conv
1997 Saab 900 Conv
1997 Mazda Miata
68 Ghia Vert Survivor with 22,350 miles: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=768107&highlight=
71 Ghia Vert Restoration: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=726710&postorder=asc |
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DaveVHS Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2020 Posts: 34 Location: Brisbane QLD
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2005 Posts: 661 Location: Reno NV
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Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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sputnick60 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 22, 2007 Posts: 3907 Location: In Molinya Orbit
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c21darrel Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2009 Posts: 8206 Location: San Dimas
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Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:42 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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.
67 dash, ignition on the dash.
_________________ GhiaBuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=481184
1967 DC build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=693583&highlight=67+dc
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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kingkarmann Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2003 Posts: 4105
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Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:13 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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.
From behind _________________ "Depression is a malfunction of the instrument we use to determine reality.”
Mike Gerson
What is your "Bespoke Reality"? |
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Braukuche Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004 Posts: 10965
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Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:07 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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.
From behind |
Agreed. Very well done. _________________ Go Reds! Smash state!
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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56reddy Samba Member
Joined: October 22, 2005 Posts: 774
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Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 5:59 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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.
_________________ New Vintage Specialist.
1974 ghia convertible
1981 Vanagon Westfalia
Making VW’s Fun Again.(MVFA) |
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Vladiiiii Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2019 Posts: 518 Location: Munich, Germany
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Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 11:18 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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
(or they have not yet been covered, in the picture?) _________________ Vlad's 72 Ghia (Once in a Lifetime Restoration topic)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9237746#9237746 |
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DaveVHS Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2020 Posts: 34 Location: Brisbane QLD
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Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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
Before:
After:
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Vladiiiii Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2019 Posts: 518 Location: Munich, Germany
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Braukuche Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004 Posts: 10965
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Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:35 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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. _________________ Go Reds! Smash state!
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 Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2003 Posts: 4105
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Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:45 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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. _________________ "Depression is a malfunction of the instrument we use to determine reality.”
Mike Gerson
What is your "Bespoke Reality"? |
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myghiarocks Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2009 Posts: 143 Location: DFW area Texas
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Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:42 pm Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2020 Posts: 34 Location: Brisbane QLD
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2021 2:05 am Post subject: Re: Another dash thread ‘73 |
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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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