Dash...How to start

[mtnman210]

I've been looking at the empty dash for half an hour. I really like the dash in ORD's green blazer...

I just don't know where to start. Right now I have an empty metal frame of the original dash. Should I cut it out completly or should I leave some of it and build the new one off the existing? any suggestoins would help.

 

[k5freak44]

if it were me, i would make one out of cardboard and tape first, fit it in how you need it, then use that as plans for a metal one, so u dont end up wasteing any metal.

just my 2Cents

 

[RustBuket]

Rip it out!!! Fab up something new and different and give us pics.

 

[mtnman210]

Rip it out!!!

I like the sound of that
This is where I'm at right now.

 

[Jew Pimpin]

I was there right there afew weeks ago...

 

[mtnman210]

just a quick question thats way off topic--I can't view any of the pictures from anybody when they're linked like that, is it because I'm not a member? ok I'm done hi-jacking my own post

 

[82dieselburb]

I'd rip it all out and start from scratch.Here is a pic of the dash I just finished in my Jimmy.I used a piece of 1/8 X 8 aluminum.I just made a frame out of 3/4 inch tubing and welded to the cage.It was pretty easy and only took about 2 hours to complete.

 

[mtnman210]

that looks awesome...nice work

 

[79k20350]

I ripped everything out to build mine. Built the frame out of 1x1"steel and then used .063 diamond plate for the passanger side and top and .125 flat aluminum for the gauge panel. if you have anyquestions feel free to ask

 

[mtnman210]

if you have anyquestions feel free to ask

cool thanks

 

[jekbrown]

some good examples there... if you want to see another, check out the thread on "Project Freak" over on pirate. That dude put some serious time into his dash. Way nicer than anything I'll probably ever have. lol!

j

 

[ronnny]

Did not see where anyone put a spot for the defrost vents. That would leave me with only a floor vent on my dd. But cutting the holes and such for that sould not be a problem. I just need to happen up on a fuel gauge since that is all that works on my dash anyway.

 

[79k20350]

I made mine to run defrost on the top peice, the picture just doesnt show it. the pics are from atest fit and i just hadn't cut the hole for the defrost yet, but it is there

 

[seschev3]

How well does that diamond plate do when the sun hits it? Seems like you would have a hell of a glare. Looks great though.

 

[3rdshiftdesign]

i've heard of people clear coating, or some sort of spray on for diamond plate and such to keep the glare down. anyone try it?

 

[mtnman210]

got the metal dash out finally. I decided now to wait and tie the dash into the roll cage instead of building it's own frame. So next comes the cage---I think.