new dashboard console project (pics)

Having just finished a new dashboard console (not wanting to buy one) I thought I would share. Please let me know what you think though as I'm not 100% happy with it. I think I'll re-do the front panel at some point but I have lots of other things I want to do first.

EDIT: Until I can figure out how to get a static url for images out of icloud here is a link to the photostream:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A5JtdOXmGRgbim

First I pulled the casing out - this was pretty easy. At first I thought I would need to pull apart the dash but it turns out - if you undo the strip along the top of the tray you can wedge it out.

Then I had to make up a template. I have this if anyone wants it - let me know and i'll scan it to a pdf so you can just print and trace it. It fits behind the tray against the vents. I know its wood but should hold up for a while.

The front panel needed a space for the stereo and switches. I've left some room on the top for more switches and might end up putting a plate in there at some point.

Then I covered the sides with some 3mm foam and then some leather vinyl. It matched the dash pretty damn close. Two screws in the top edge and its solid as a rock.

So thats pretty much it. There's lots of spare space for switches / etc which I'll populate as I finish the other things. The 'cigar' lighter is actually down the side now so that the cable for my iphone is out of the way.

The only thing I'm not totally happy with is that it sticks out about 1/2" to 1/4" too much but we'll see how it goes after a while.

Critical feedback?

Looks spot on mate i do like it when people have a go at this sort of thing.Saying that i have the Raptor dash and will say that for the money it cost it was a bargain.

Cracking job that,,looks great

Photo's not working or is it just my computer?

Were have the photo's gone?.

pictures dissapeared

it's not just me then.:confused2::confused2:

Sry not sure what happened - will look when I'm back at the house in a bit.

Until I can figure out how to get a static url out of icloud here is the photo stream:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A5JtdOXmGRgbim

That has given me an idea thanks, bin thinking on what to do with mine,

Great pictures that is like what i have been trying to design but i have not got it right yet !!! would i be able to have the have the template please thank s Paul.

Ahhh, a boxwood rule in good old fashioned money Well done on that. been thinking of doing something similar but from steel. Might cut a lump from an old body panel and try to fold it, a la rapter and similar

Did a similar thing to house a double din stereo, bank of carling switches , 240 socket and aux gauges etc..... again a Raptor would have been easier but there is something far more satisfying about crafting your own... did chop the entire centre out of the dash though so ended up having to run a pipe through as the steel lower dash is the air channel for the heater...... and it gave me the chance to recover all the interior lol....



Cheers Steve

now i can see it..nice work mate look's spot on

Ebb, thats the first for me, I've never seen a 240v socket on the front dash before!!!!

Nice work!!

Landyfox said:

Ebb, thats the first for me, I've never seen a 240v socket on the front dash before!!!!

Nice work!!

Click to expand...

Lol... I was in Homebase and they were selling off all their satin black sockets which meant it would match the bank of switches and look good against the retrimmed dash... also meant I was able to tuck the inverter away under the d/s seat ...
Used to have one in my 109 and amazing how often it comes in useful when away at shows.... will run a drill, grinder, phone / laptop chargers if folks dont have a car charger etc etc

Cheers Steve

ebbadger said:

Lol... I was in Homebase and they were selling off all their satin black sockets which meant it would match the bank of switches and look good against the retrimmed dash... also meant I was able to tuck the inverter away under the d/s seat ...
Used to have one in my 109 and amazing how often it comes in useful when away at shows.... will run a drill, grinder, phone / laptop chargers if folks dont have a car charger etc etc

Cheers Steve

Click to expand...

I think that's a great idea!! 😀

pm sent

Looks great good job well done