Dash Surround Replacement Solution

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S&S1stCruzer said:
It finally came! Here is cell phone shot of it. Won't know the fitment until late tonight!




Thanks for you're patience guys!
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That looks awesome! Can't wait to see a 62 option come up. Mine is totally trashed now and I do not want to simply put another old brittle piece in its place.
 
S&S1stCruzer said:
It finally came! Here is cell phone shot of it. Won't know the fitment until late tonight!
Thanks for you're patience guys!
Click to expand...

What have you decided about formats? Generic + filler plates maybe??? :clap:
 
woytovich said:
What have you decided about formats? Generic + filler plates maybe??? :clap:
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We'll sort of, for sure stock replacement and yes a generic blank should be pretty easy.

I had some time today to play with the mock up.

The biggest one, has to do with whether or not to counter bore the switch holes. The stock switches want to be 1/4" material so the clips are pressure tight against the surround. I milled two of switch holes 1/8" down and those stock switches now have a little bit of play in the fit.

One solution might to make a backing surround around the switch holes that is 1/8" thick to make up the difference but that's more material, labor etc...

The other solution is to not counter bore the switch holes. The switches themselves have a surround and it doesn't look bad.

I'll post pics soon as I get chance.

Keep you posted.
 
I wonder if you could incorprate one of these into one style? :cool:
Amazon.com: Digital temperature meter with remote temp sensor: Everything Else
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This is really looking great, nice work! I'm still in a for a "V2" version! :cheers:

scott84 said:
I wonder if you could incorprate one of these into one style? :cool:
Amazon.com: Digital temperature meter with remote temp sensor: Everything Else
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Things like that are the reason I want a more or less blank panel - so I can customize it to my own needs! ;) Nice find on that thermometer... I'm gonna look around for one that looks like that, but is hard-wired so I don't need to worry about batteries...
 
UPDATE - NEW Photos!

Ok, finally had some time to put the switches together on the panel and on to the dash.

I'll have two more stock panels ready by next friday. Then I'll work on the V2 style. Once I have this down, I'll start a thread in the vendors section.

Looking for feedback in the meantime.



The upper cubby hole is set back a little to far, but again I think with nuts or small spacers it will push 1/8" or 1/16" it needs to get tight.



I have an idea to close the gap/make a ledge/shelf for the heater controls so you don't see into your dash, but it's not horrible as is, what do you think?













The counter bored didn't leave enough material for the stock switches to grip on tightly. There is wiggle in then. I think I'm going to scratch the counter boring and since the switches already have a surround on them. You can see the play the switch has in the photos









Only small challenge is the ash try. I didn't have the original screws to mount them so I had to improvise. The gap can be tightened up. Also the ash try looks like mounts on the backside of the panel. I didn't want drill the panel for that but I'm sure if you're one that wants the ash try tight you can handle that fab job.









 
You asked for feedback:

1. Why such thick material?

2. Still more interested in a generic main piece with modules that can be screwed on with various switch blanks
 
woytovich said:
You asked for feedback:

1. Why such thick material?

2. Still more interested in a generic main piece with modules that can be screwed on with various switch blanks
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1. Going with idea that stock switches needed to be able to clip in and carling switch type modules also fit in the 1/4" panel thickness (has to do with switch tangs.)

I suppose it can be thinner, if you're not concerned with the stock switches clipping in. What's your reason for wanting 1/8" panel?

2. Sure i think you suggested, just wanting one with the heater controls cut out. No problem.
 
I think that looks great. With a couple tweaks it'll be good to go. Hell as long as it doesn't crack I could deal with minor imperfections.
 
S&S1stCruzer said:
What's your reason for wanting 1/8" panel?
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Looks...

S&S1stCruzer said:
...just wanting one with the heater controls cut out.
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Not exactly... see post# 81.

I would like a main panel with large "blank" holes. Then also make thin panels that have the cut-outs for switches (stock or carling), and also blanks. Those can be screwed onto the main panel (from the front or behind)
 
S&S - that is really looking great!

1. What is your idea for closing the gap around the HVAC controls? It's not absolutely necessary, but it would look nice, and I'm just curious about how you're thinking about doing it...

2. Would it make sense to have the blank panel (V2) in 1/8" material? My thinking is that I'm not going to be using OEM switches, so I wouldn't need the thickness there... I'm cool either way, just thinking it might be a little cheaper... ;) Edited to add: also easier to cut out the holes I'll need...

Nice work, though - the prototype looks awesome...

Neil
 
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yea it's looking awesome... i like the switches not recessed....just my .02


I would like to hear what you are thinking for filling that gap too...

:cheers:
 
gotta clean up the heater and AC section, that gap is fugly..

Other than that, it looks cool :)
 
woytovich said:
Looks...



Not exactly... see post# 81.

I would like a main panel with large "blank" holes. Then also make thin panels that have the cut-outs for switches (stock or carling), and also blanks. Those can be screwed onto the main panel (from the front or behind)
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The only issue I see right now with 1/8" panel is in trying to keep the recessed oem screw look would obviously have the stock screws heads stick out. But I'm sure if you wanted to, you could find some taper head ones to set flush. Now I'm curious...gonna see if can get one made sooner that later.

...and yes I, have any early (still on the cpu) design of the style you're talking about. I'll see if can post a pic of that file tomorrow.
 
Proto AC/Heater surround

Had a few minutes and mocked up an idea. It's a little crude, but I have want i need to head to the shop and make it clean.


 
S&S1stCruzer said:
The only issue I see right now with 1/8" panel is in trying to keep the recessed oem screw look would obviously have the stock screws heads stick out. But I'm sure if you wanted to, you could find some taper head ones to set flush
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I have NO PROBLEM if there are round head screws on the surface. I like what I see with the carling 5-up switches...
 
I like the surround for the environmental controls. Looks much cleaner and more professional. Having the capped off 12V is also nice. If this works out and you end up doing up 62 surrounds, I'd love to have two 12V outlet openings. Then I just gotta find outlets that have an LED ring around them to illuminate when I have the dash lights on :D
 
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