Discussion
Hi i am new on these pages, just about to start the long process of building a GTR with Leem5, busy looking into options. We aren't too keen on the factory dash and interior. Can any one reccomend a good company in the north east how can do custom dashes and interiors? Thanks for and info.
petersafc said:
Hi i am new on these pages, just about to start the long process of building a GTR with Leem5, busy looking into options. We aren't too keen on the factory dash and interior. Can any one reccomend a good company in the north east how can do custom dashes and interiors? Thanks for and info.
Welcome! There's a few of us on here who have likewise decided to do something a little different with the dash. The Ultima dash is a nice blank canvas, so it seems a shame not to spice it up a bit 
I've just posted up a few pics of progress on my car ( see mini PH diary here or full build diary here). I'm using a Race Technology Dash 2 (with live OBD link), AB column stalks & cowl, Merc SLS air vent with custom cowl and then a full lower console for touch screen and ventilation controls. For the dash top cowls and lower console, they're home made and will only go to the trimmers for final finishing.
Before I started work on these pieces, I'd never made anything like this before. With a bit of internet searching, patience and trial & error, I'm very happy with what I've built. If you're remotely handy (and I suspect you are if you're building a car!), I'd certainly suggest giving it a go yourself.... unless you're really planning something crazy and outrageous!!
petersafc said:
Hi i am new on these pages, just about to start the long process of building a GTR with Leem5, busy looking into options. We aren't too keen on the factory dash and interior. Can any one reccomend a good company in the north east how can do custom dashes and interiors? Thanks for and info.
It never ceases to amaze me what people put into changing the interior of these cars, IMO anything that needs listening to or taking your eyes off the road for is pointless, a sound system is fine for laybys waiting for a breakdown truck but on the move you would be better off with headphones if you really need to listen to something other than engine and road noise.If you want a "production finish" interior with all the toys save yourself the effort and buy a GT3 et al, believe me there are people who have spent £100K+ on their idea of what a "production" Ultima should look like inside (and out) only to throw the towel in and do just that.
F.C. said:
It never ceases to amaze me what people put into changing the interior of these cars, IMO anything that needs listening to or taking your eyes off the road for is pointless, a sound system is fine for laybys waiting for a breakdown truck but on the move you would be better off with headphones if you really need to listen to something other than engine and road noise.
If you want a "production finish" interior with all the toys save yourself the effort and buy a GT3 et al, believe me there are people who have spent £100K+ on their idea of what a "production" Ultima should look like inside (and out) only to throw the towel in and do just that.
Thanks for the advice but I have had a 911 a short while ago and don't really fancy one. I just fancy making the interior nice. I also own the other gtr too and don't plan on anything else for a while. This is a project for the sake of a project. Why not tart the interior up?If you want a "production finish" interior with all the toys save yourself the effort and buy a GT3 et al, believe me there are people who have spent £100K+ on their idea of what a "production" Ultima should look like inside (and out) only to throw the towel in and do just that.
356Speedster said:
Welcome! There's a few of us on here who have likewise decided to do something a little different with the dash. The Ultima dash is a nice blank canvas, so it seems a shame not to spice it up a bit
I've just posted up a few pics of progress on my car ( see mini PH diary here or full build diary here). I'm using a Race Technology Dash 2 (with live OBD link), AB column stalks & cowl, Merc SLS air vent with custom cowl and then a full lower console for touch screen and ventilation controls. For the dash top cowls and lower console, they're home made and will only go to the trimmers for final finishing.
Before I started work on these pieces, I'd never made anything like this before. With a bit of internet searching, patience and trial & error, I'm very happy with what I've built. If you're remotely handy (and I suspect you are if you're building a car!), I'd certainly suggest giving it a go yourself.... unless you're really planning something crazy and outrageous!!
I like the way it's looking. I've just posted up a few pics of progress on my car ( see mini PH diary here or full build diary here). I'm using a Race Technology Dash 2 (with live OBD link), AB column stalks & cowl, Merc SLS air vent with custom cowl and then a full lower console for touch screen and ventilation controls. For the dash top cowls and lower console, they're home made and will only go to the trimmers for final finishing.
Before I started work on these pieces, I'd never made anything like this before. With a bit of internet searching, patience and trial & error, I'm very happy with what I've built. If you're remotely handy (and I suspect you are if you're building a car!), I'd certainly suggest giving it a go yourself.... unless you're really planning something crazy and outrageous!!
petersafc said:
Thanks for the advice but I have had a 911 a short while ago and don't really fancy one. I just fancy making the interior nice. I also own the other gtr too and don't plan on anything else for a while. This is a project for the sake of a project. Why not tart the interior up?
I didn't say don't tart it up.Also be aware, don't fall foul of IVA regs when changing radii on dash etc.
Like Mark, I decided to 'do my own thing', but be prepared! It take far longer than you imagine!
BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
3Dee said:
Like Mark, I decided to 'do my own thing', but be prepared! It take far longer than you imagine!
BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
I must admit that looks real sharp. Well done.BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
3Dee said:
Like Mark, I decided to 'do my own thing', but be prepared! It take far longer than you imagine!
BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
I like this finish. Do AutoBionics offer this now, or was it a one off?BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
Cheers
3Dee said:
Like Mark, I decided to 'do my own thing', but be prepared! It take far longer than you imagine!
BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
Have to say your dash is just about spot on.BUT, it doesn't take a fortune despite some might tell you (unless you don't do it yourself, in which case prepare for a wallet raping!)
You can see Marks (very nice indeed), and there are some others around too..
Here is my interpretation for better or for worse!
No funky displays out of line of site of the wheel, all controls very easy and to hand.
Personally I like the Spa dual gauges,and if I were to change the pod position the Spa "all in one" might get a look in, though last time I looked I found the LCD read out too small for my myopic vision.
leem5 said:
I like this finish. Do AutoBionics offer this now, or was it a one off?
Cheers
None of the dash mods are a standard offering from AB I am afraid. I came up with the design, made many templates, including the centre-console and aluminium mockups over several tortuous years, before commissioning AB to turn my designs into the finished product.Cheers
All the dash cowls are hand fabricated by myself (with many mistakes along the way), before a final version was ready for covering in leather.
The original base idea, as I have said in other threads, was nicked from the Porsche 911 dash, then refined in continuous nightly dreams for months and months (weird eh - but worked!) ...indeed the only original Porsche parts are the side dash screen vents. The front ones were hand fabricated.
..and it is still being worked on, with a new rear camera screen being added and moulded into the dash. The whole top section can be removed with a couple of screws to access the wiring behind.
At the moment I am on the Doors - I have covered them in two materials, a matt (and serviceable) carbon look for the bottom half, and brushed headlining for the top half... and absolute frickin' nightmare to do, especially figuring out how I was to finish the join in the middle... but another dream sorted that.. after attempting various methods, I ended up with B&Q wood-strip moulding covered with the same fabric as the bottom, and secured with fir-tree clips - I am quite pleased with the result... I only have to fit the new door openers (same as Mark's)and the new button pushes and since I have already fitted the side screens (another nightmare), the job will be done!
Pickys soon....
Edited by 3Dee on Tuesday 11th December 13:45
3Dee said:
None of the dash mods are a standard offering from AB I am afraid. I came up with the design, made many templates, including the centre-console and aluminium mockups over several tortuous years, before commissioning AB to turn my designs into the finished product.
All the dash cowls are hand fabricated by myself (with many mistakes along the way), before a final version was ready for covering in leather.
The original base idea, as I have said in other threads, was nicked from the Porsche 911 dash, then refined in continuous nightly dreams for months and months (weird eh - but worked!) ...indeed the only original Porsche parts are the side dash screen vents. The front ones were hand fabricated.
..and it is still being worked on, with a new rear camera screen being added and moulded into the dash. The whole top section can be removed with a couple of screws to access the wiring behind.
At the moment I am on the Doors - I have covered them in two materials, a matt (and serviceable) carbon look for the bottom half, and brushed headlining for the top half... and absolute frickin' nightmare to do, especially figuring out how I was to finish the join in the middle... but another dream sorted that.. after attempting various methods, I ended up with B&Q wood-strip moulding covered with the same fabric as the bottom, and secured with fir-tree clips - I am quite pleased with the result... I only have to fit the new door openers (same as Mark's)and the new button pushes and since I have already fitted the side screens (another nightmare), the job will be done!
Pickys soon....
Well hats off sir, that really does look great. Sure Lee agrees. If we can get any where near that quality I will be happy.All the dash cowls are hand fabricated by myself (with many mistakes along the way), before a final version was ready for covering in leather.
The original base idea, as I have said in other threads, was nicked from the Porsche 911 dash, then refined in continuous nightly dreams for months and months (weird eh - but worked!) ...indeed the only original Porsche parts are the side dash screen vents. The front ones were hand fabricated.
..and it is still being worked on, with a new rear camera screen being added and moulded into the dash. The whole top section can be removed with a couple of screws to access the wiring behind.
At the moment I am on the Doors - I have covered them in two materials, a matt (and serviceable) carbon look for the bottom half, and brushed headlining for the top half... and absolute frickin' nightmare to do, especially figuring out how I was to finish the join in the middle... but another dream sorted that.. after attempting various methods, I ended up with B&Q wood-strip moulding covered with the same fabric as the bottom, and secured with fir-tree clips - I am quite pleased with the result... I only have to fit the new door openers (same as Mark's)and the new button pushes and since I have already fitted the side screens (another nightmare), the job will be done!
Pickys soon....
Edited by 3Dee on Tuesday 11th December 13:45
As promised, some pictures of my finished doors.
The door openers as Mark said were from AB as the push button.
I was a bit nervous about the fitting of the openers, but to my delight found that with very careful positioning, you can get it to sit pretty-much flush, avoiding the need for fillers or grp work.
It is also useful to note that I replaced the countersunk screws that hold the bracket behind with longer ones, to allow me to slip the whole thing including bracket already mounted, into the hole, rather that have to fish around behind to try to fit the bracket and locate the screw. It is a contortionists nightmare anyway!
Here is the push button
and here are the doors inside showing how I have sorted the join between the two coverings.
Oh! and as you can see I added a 'proper-like' pull handle for good measure!
The door openers as Mark said were from AB as the push button.
I was a bit nervous about the fitting of the openers, but to my delight found that with very careful positioning, you can get it to sit pretty-much flush, avoiding the need for fillers or grp work.
It is also useful to note that I replaced the countersunk screws that hold the bracket behind with longer ones, to allow me to slip the whole thing including bracket already mounted, into the hole, rather that have to fish around behind to try to fit the bracket and locate the screw. It is a contortionists nightmare anyway!
Here is the push button
and here are the doors inside showing how I have sorted the join between the two coverings.
Oh! and as you can see I added a 'proper-like' pull handle for good measure!
356Speedster said:
Well done Keith! I've just done my door handles too.... last few items to complete and the doors & dash will be off for trimming by the end of the week 
Race you to IVA, LOL!!
Race you to IVA, LOL!!
Not doing it yourself then Mark?
Unfair contest then methinks!
Love the centre-console etc btw... good job!
keep posting!
Oh and Merry Xmas to you and everyone....
3Dee said:
Not doing it yourself then Mark?
Unfair contest then methinks!
Love the centre-console etc btw... good job!
keep posting!
Oh and Merry Xmas to you and everyone....
).Have a good Xmas yourself, will there be a celebratory turkey dinner in the garage?
3Dee said:
None of the dash mods are a standard offering from AB I am afraid. I came up with the design, made many templates, including the centre-console and aluminium mockups over several tortuous years, before commissioning AB to turn my designs into the finished product.
All the dash cowls are hand fabricated by myself (with many mistakes along the way), before a final version was ready for covering in leather.
The original base idea, as I have said in other threads, was nicked from the Porsche 911 dash, then refined in continuous nightly dreams for months and months (weird eh - but worked!) ...indeed the only original Porsche parts are the side dash screen vents. The front ones were hand fabricated.
..and it is still being worked on, with a new rear camera screen being added and moulded into the dash. The whole top section can be removed with a couple of screws to access the wiring behind.
At the moment I am on the Doors - I have covered them in two materials, a matt (and serviceable) carbon look for the bottom half, and brushed headlining for the top half... and absolute frickin' nightmare to do, especially figuring out how I was to finish the join in the middle... but another dream sorted that.. after attempting various methods, I ended up with B&Q wood-strip moulding covered with the same fabric as the bottom, and secured with fir-tree clips - I am quite pleased with the result... I only have to fit the new door openers (same as Mark's)and the new button pushes and since I have already fitted the side screens (another nightmare), the job will be done!
Pickys soon....
thank god we live in a world now of 3d drawing and rapid prototyping with usable matarial for true one of bespoke interiors..All the dash cowls are hand fabricated by myself (with many mistakes along the way), before a final version was ready for covering in leather.
The original base idea, as I have said in other threads, was nicked from the Porsche 911 dash, then refined in continuous nightly dreams for months and months (weird eh - but worked!) ...indeed the only original Porsche parts are the side dash screen vents. The front ones were hand fabricated.
..and it is still being worked on, with a new rear camera screen being added and moulded into the dash. The whole top section can be removed with a couple of screws to access the wiring behind.
At the moment I am on the Doors - I have covered them in two materials, a matt (and serviceable) carbon look for the bottom half, and brushed headlining for the top half... and absolute frickin' nightmare to do, especially figuring out how I was to finish the join in the middle... but another dream sorted that.. after attempting various methods, I ended up with B&Q wood-strip moulding covered with the same fabric as the bottom, and secured with fir-tree clips - I am quite pleased with the result... I only have to fit the new door openers (same as Mark's)and the new button pushes and since I have already fitted the side screens (another nightmare), the job will be done!
Pickys soon....
Edited by 3Dee on Tuesday 11th December 13:45
draw it 3pm .... click send 4pm..... print overnight...despatch next day.... takes the end result from kit car look to almost production..
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