109 replies to this topic

[RossKnight]

This is my current build in progress, I'll document every problem and what not I come across and maybe this will help some people

Firstly, I searched around for some free plans for the dashboard template, but I didn't rely on them fitting my mini completely.

Once I had my plans, I starter drawing it onto paper and then cut it out. I stuck 4 A4 sheets together which fits fine



This is my template... (which has changed now)



Here's the template on a sheet of 12mm 4ftx2ft MDF, which was bought at Focus for £12 I think...
I drew the template on, and cut it with a jigsaw as neatly as I could..



This is where I'm up to right now, speaker holes are cut with a jigsaw too, good fit
Currently waiting to go and test to see if the MDF dash fits in okay before I go too far into the build.


I've got 3 sunpro gauges on their way to me, these will be fitted to the dash in the week and hopefully I'll be able to wire them up, as of now I'm quite clueless

If anyones interested, It's being finished in some black suede fabric, I got a sample of the fabric, and it looks really good


Plan so far..

[RossKnight]

More progress


Some nice gauges


Cuttycutty


oooh shiny



So far



If anyone's wired these guages up, could someone PM me? Need a little help...

[MiniMonty]

Looking good...

[RossKnight]

Looking good...

Thanks

Just ordered suede black fabric to cover it in once it's done

[somecrapname]

How will you mount the Speedo/Fuel gauge?

I'm looking at doing this, and am at a similar stage to yours, but I need to root out a few bits before I carry on, I was thinking of making a removable binnacle, like the existing 3 clock type which I could swap with a 2 clock (my current set-up).

will you just be mounting it between the standard upper/lower rails? I'm thinking of extending my dash over the rail, and not using the standard plastic thing.

[RossKnight]

How will you mount the Speedo/Fuel gauge?

I'm looking at doing this, and am at a similar stage to yours, but I need to root out a few bits before I carry on, I was thinking of making a removable binnacle, like the existing 3 clock type which I could swap with a 2 clock (my current set-up).

will you just be mounting it between the standard upper/lower rails? I'm thinking of extending my dash over the rail, and not using the standard plastic thing.

Looks like you're in completely the same boat as me.. I've been leaving it untill last because I have no idea either

Currently my ideas were to either take the clocks out of the dash and the plastic casing thing, and then cutting the 2 holes out on the dash and mounting it behind the dash...

Or, cutting down the plastic clock holder so it looks good and can be fixed to the dash nicely...

orrrrr, buy a center speedo so I can put it where my clocks are at the moment but mounted in the dash..

[MiniMonty]

I've been involved with lots of other peoples projects via Gallileo Gauges.

It's pretty easy to remove the clocks from all the plastic binnacles and holders. Just remember to also
remove the bracket that holds the whole assembly to the body of the car or you'll end up with very little
room behind the dash when it comes to fitting clocks and running cables etc.,

Most folks go for "bare" clocks (with no extra plastic) behind a couple of holes in the dash.
If you click my sig then click "Installation" you'll see a set of "bare" clocks. You can even take
the plastic lenses off and then fit glass / plastic lenses to the back of the dash.

Just don't forget to cover the dash in whatever fabric / covering you are going to use
before you fit the ancillary gauges (oil / temp / water) and any switch gear / lights.

Best wishes
Monty

[RossKnight]

I've been involved with lots of other peoples projects via Gallileo Gauges.

It's pretty easy to remove the clocks from all the plastic binnacles and holders. Just remember to also
remove the bracket that holds the whole assembly to the body of the car or you'll end up with very little
room behind the dash when it comes to fitting clocks and running cables etc.,

Most folks go for "bare" clocks (with no extra plastic) behind a couple of holes in the dash.
If you click my sig then click "Installation" you'll see a set of "bare" clocks. You can even take
the plastic lenses off and then fit glass / plastic lenses to the back of the dash.

Just don't forget to cover the dash in whatever fabric / covering you are going to use
before you fit the ancillary gauges (oil / temp / water) and any switch gear / lights.

Best wishes
Monty

Thanks for your help! It's been very helpful, I never even though about taking the clock thing apart as a whole...

I'll have a look properly tomorrow, thanks again

[RossKnight]

More progress if anyone is following?



Glovebox opening and lid was cut, needs some more sanding etc...

and I used my new hole cutter to cut out for the speedo clocks

[yeti21586]

what is that attached to your drill???

[RossKnight]

what is that attached to your drill???

Adjustable hole cutter. Needed a 95mm hole and hole saws were a bit pricey, so I tried this for £5 posted... worked a treat

Shame about my DIY drill though, used 2 batteries to cut it..

[chrisls]

That is wicked! I'm getting one of them...

[DanRobinson]

Looking extremely good this. Its making me want to embark on my own quest to build a custom dash.

[RossKnight]

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...e=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Just incase you wanted the link...

[RossKnight]

Looking extremely good this. Its making me want to embark on my own quest to build a custom dash.

Thanks, you should do it, cost me £12 or something so far minus the tools I didn't have