kit car dash board

[browser07]

Hi
I own a Ginetta G26 it is registered and road legal i am going to remake the dash board using 3mm sheet Aluminium ,I am going to have a radius of 20mm on any edge includeing the center console, do I have to pad the dash or can I just paint it ?


I am new to kit car ownership and 18 so I apoligise for any stupied questions I ask

thanks Dan

[Vindi_andy]

Given the car is already registered I would say it is your choice. However would you feel happy smashing into a unpadded metal sheet?

[browser07]

Hi

Not realy but I am unsure of how to pad the dash board ?
The last owner made a dashboard out of mdf and covered it in what appears to be felt and isnt in keeping with the rest of the car it makes the car feel dark and small inside.

thanks for you help dan

[vojx]

Vindi_andy said:

However would you feel happy smashing into a unpadded metal sheet?

this always confuses me re the interior and how it shouldn't damage you (in a crash presumably) but, supposing the seat belt doesn't work, the steering wheel's gonna hurt, before you worry about attacking the windscreen. Is it that your hands fly around as you roll over and over, and may catch on sharp edges?

The energy involved in a crash is going to more damage than a little padding can prevent. i'm quite happy with the bare carbon fibre dash i have. . .

[browser07]

yes it is a confuseing subject because even in a production car you can see numorous hard surfaces that wouldnt deform if your body weight hit it.
The sharp edges can be minimised but there will always be sharp edges that are produced as part of an accident and in my car the bottom of the dash is part of the fiberglass molding and provideing that the harnesses were fitted and worn correctly thats where my legs are most likely to hit.

thanks for the help Dan.

[Vindi_andy]

I was really thinking of the passenger. I understand what your saying about the steering wheel.

Regards coverings what I have is Vinyl with foam underneath, this is the way I'll be going

[Davi]

as far as I'm aware there is no requirement for the dash to be padded (with as many as I've seen get through SVA without it that would seem to be confirmed...) and personally if done well I think just a polished / brushed ally panel can look great.

[Steve_D]

Unless you don't like the existing dash then just re-cover it with the vinyl you have chosen.

Steve

[browser07]

Hi steve
I would but it had a radio and speaker holes in it and I am removeing every think but what is needed and it dosent seem to be of very good design and because I now have harnesses I cant lean forward to press any switches a good idea thanks for the help

Dan

[kayos]

I think brushed ally sheet would be best, thats what I am using to re-do my dash. If I crash hard enough to contact the dash it would be all over anyway!.

[mkindy03]

Good thing about using thin MDF is that if you do hit it with any force it will snap and break with very little chance of causing harm....Also cheap and easy to work with and some designs turn out very good.

[The Black Flash]

kayos said:

I think brushed ally sheet would be best, thats what I am using to re-do my dash. If I crash hard enough to contact the dash it would be all over anyway!.

I'm considering this, but I wonder if it will be too reflective without some covering? Anyone have any experience of living with an ally dash?

[antnicuk]

my cousin has an ali dash on fury and managed to slice hi knuckles during an over excited track session with some tail action.

I made mine out of MDF, covered it in soft toy filling and then vinyl. Good thing about MDF is you can staple the Vinyl to the mds and not have to worry about gluing.

Another option is a complete carbon fibre (look) dash from someone like www.Car Builder Solutions.co.uk, just check its long enough.

Edited by antnicuk on Friday 19th December 19:33

[kayos]

Here is one I made from MDF and covered, is was in an (agricultural) Jago with dials sourced from all types of things, and they all worked (most of the time).

[kayos]

And here is an Ally one I did.







[/quote]

[Tony427]

kayos said:

And here is an Ally one I did.

I know its really sad of me but can you confirm that there are two Marlin roadsters in the first picture..........I just cant help myself being an anorak.

Cheers,

Tony

Edited by Tony427 on Friday 19th December 22:19

[Kiwi Carguy]

I've made mine out of mdf to get the shape etc and am about to cover it in Fibreglass, then padding and finished in Alcatara.

[The Black Flash]

Looks a really nice job, Kiwi. Swoopy curves.

[antnicuk]

that looks like a lot of (sticky) work. Would be good to see pics as your doing it. I never got to grips with this fibre glassing lark, do you keep the wood and glass over it or does the wood just act as a mold and is then discarded?

[Snake the Sniper]

The Black Flash said:

Looks a really nice job, Kiwi. Swoopy curves.

Mmm, something like that'd go well in the Epona, don't you think? Or any kit with a proper roof for that matter!