Real carbon fibre dash - my attempt

[Technoholic]

Hi all

I’ve been wanting to experiment with a carbon covered dash for a while, I know it’s not to everyone’s taste but I think it can look quite good. While vinyl has its place, I really wanted to see if I could make a real carbon laminated dash as I don’t personally like the vinyl look and it doesn’t have that depth of real carbon.
Anyway, it’s not perfect close up but without examining it closely you couldn’t tell, so here’s my attempt.

https://youtu.be/CttoTF_S8Co

[uk66fastback]

Wow. Great work. I hated the old cracked dash on my Chim (N reg) and wanted one of the stainless steel basketweave-type ones but I think something like this would have looked great.

[Classic Chim]

Nice job.

[phazed]

That is a really nice job.

Can I be number one on the list please!

[Badgerchim]

Excellent work. I did the same a couple of years ago.
Just be careful when you fit the triangular heater lights not to chip the resin on the face when fitting them, they are a tight fit with the resin build up. A small triangular file keeps the edges sharp.

[ianwayne]

Looks great but have you test fitted any gauges yet? There is quite a bit of clamping force when you do up the screws holding them in. And if they're not tight, the gauges can rotate under vibration.

You can get away with the inner lips of the apertures not being 100% perfect because a rubber O-ring sits on there under the gauge bezels.

[Technoholic]

I used a triangular file to remove all the resin on the led holes so I hope they will fit ok, but I;ll be careful

In terms of the apertures, I used a mini drum sander to remove the carbon to the edges of the existing holes, so they should be exactly the same size as the original holes. When it comes to fitting the dials, I haven't had a chance yet, but I'm fairly sure the resin won't crack, but we will see!

Peter - when I get round to removing the old dash and fitting this one, I may make another carbon one as I have a different method that I want to try. If it comes out well, you'll be first in line!

[Technoholic]

uk66fastback said:

Wow. Great work. I hated the old cracked dash on my Chim (N reg) and wanted one of the stainless steel basketweave-type ones but I think something like this would have looked great.

Of all the "off the shelf" dashes that you can buy, the basket weave one looks really good I think. If I had decided against carbon, I would have gone for that too.

[LeeHodges]

Very nice. I’m looking to get one for my Griff, so if you’re taking orders...

[phazed]

Technoholic said:

Peter - when I get round to removing the old dash and fitting this one, I may make another carbon one as I have a different method that I want to try. If it comes out well, you'll be first in line!

Fantastic, a carbon dash to match my carbon splitter!

[QBee]

That looks far better than my vinyl wrap jobbie - I was perfectly happy with mine until you popped up, but that's not your fault!
Do promise you will report back when the reflections off that wonderful shiny finish dazzle you in bright sunshine.

Here is how second rate the vinyl wrap appears in contrast

[uk66fastback]

QBee, I think that looks fine! Might not have the high gloss finish but I like the matt/satin ... (if that's what it is).

The OP's attempt does look a quality item though.

[QBee]

Thank you - straight on photo might be better

[QBee]

I still prefer the OP's high gloss finish - looks the absolute mutt's.....

[Steve_D]

I'm not a fan of carbon for the dash but would say I prefer the matt look rather than high gloss.

Steve

[Technoholic]

Steve_D said:

I'm not a fan of carbon for the dash but would say I prefer the matt look rather than high gloss.

Steve

It's not for everyone, everyone has different tastes. I prefer the high gloss which is the way real carbon fibre tends to be finished, also you wouldn't get the depth and 3D feel to the carbon with a matt finish, but like I said, there's no right or wrong. My other experiment was going to be reveneering the dash in a more modern wood like the type you find in modern Beemers etc. Definitely won't be to everyone's taste but I think it would look good. Might give that a go!

[phazed]

Dev, is your new carbon dash stand alone or did you laminate the old dash.

[Penelope Stopit]

Technoholic said:

Hi all

I’ve been wanting to experiment with a carbon covered dash for a while, I know it’s not to everyone’s taste but I think it can look quite good. While vinyl has its place, I really wanted to see if I could make a real carbon laminated dash as I don’t personally like the vinyl look and it doesn’t have that depth of real carbon.
Anyway, it’s not perfect close up but without examining it closely you couldn’t tell, so here’s my attempt.

https://youtu.be/CttoTF_S8Co

This is the best job I have seen in a long time (apart from my wiring jobs), I'm a perfectionist yet find the quality of your work too good
Stunning work, you are a master at it

[Steve_D]

Technoholic said:

.................................. I prefer the high gloss which is the way real carbon fibre tends to be finished....................

Carbon used for structural and weight saving is normally matt i.e. no more resin than is required to achieve the job. Carbon used where the surface finish is there for aerodynamics or just looks will be gloss i.e. much more resin than was required.
As an engineer I like carbon to look like it is there just for strength.

Steve

[Technoholic]

phazed said:

Dev, is your new carbon dash stand alone or did you laminate the old dash.

It's laminated. I'm speaking to come people about how I can make a stand alone dash. The problem is that with the subtle curve in the dash, I would either need to make a mould and then form the carbon over it, or find a pre made carbon sheet that is both thin enough to be flexible, strong enough not to break and hold the dials properly, and allows me to get a surface finish I am happy with. At this point though, laminating seems like the best option due to cost and relative ease of making it.