8 replies to this topic

[mini maniac]

Anyone know how it is done? I have seen some pictures with wooden frames etc but don't have a clue and would realy like to make a custom 'dash. Any sites or anything?
Cheers guys.
Switz x

[mini maniac]

Anyone?
Switz x

[Jammy]

There was a topic around about making a fibreglass enclosure for speakers. Dam, the username is on the tip of my tongue, but can't think of it! A search might bring it up.

Anyway, you can either make a wooden skeleton, add fabric over it, then fibreglass it, or make a mould (using wood or metal, etc) then use the mould to create your dash.

[Millers Mini]

I was watching overhauling on sky the other night and they made some speaker boxes for some guys GTO by creating a frame from MDF and stapling carpeting felt tight to the inside. They then covered the whole thing with fibre glass and sanded back to the desired shape. You may need a little body filler for finishing.

I recently brought some plans for a dash and centre console from ebay but haven’t tried them yet, if I remember when I get home tonight I will pass them on.

[mini maniac]

Alright thanks guys...
If you do have those plans handy that would be awsome.
I watched that Overhauling as well... But that must of been the one part of it I missed... Damn mother calling me out every two minutes! Haha.
Cheers.
Switz x

[Millers Mini]

If you do have those plans handy that would be awsome.

Here you go matey I hope these help, sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

Attached Files

•  classic_mini_under_seat_speaker_board_template.pdf   59.97K   35 downloads
•  mini_dash_and_centre_console.pdf   26.54K   74 downloads
•  boot_liner_plans.pdf   328.08K   38 downloads
•  arm_rest_template.pdf.pdf   1.09MB   33 downloads

[scottyegg]

hes a way for you

1 remove you dash clocks and top and botton dash rail

2 fill all you dash area with expanding foam the stuff you use in houses that is yello ? and expands

3 sand/shave to you desierd shape

3 apply GRP fiberglass

4 remove and cut all clock shapes out n other stuff

just a quicky but ya get the idea

[minichick]

Here try this, I know it's for an ice install but goes through everything you have to do with the fibreglass

Clicky

[Ethel]

I'm sure you can get lots of info on moulding grp off the net.

If it's a one off project you may be better off using ply, mdf or hardboard.

For grp you'll need a mould first, you could attempt to make this straight off out of pretty much anything - or you can make a mock up of your dash (easier to visualise the finished article), known as a "plug", then cover it in fibreglass to make a mould.

Think about how your dash will release from the mould. Unless you make your mould in more than one piece it needs to be all oblique angles (like other moulded products - buckets, washing up bowls etc) or you won't be able to get it out without breaking one or the other.

Unless you're going to cover the dash in vinyl or similar the finish on the mould will be transferred to the finished article.

Fibre glass also doesn't like sharp corners - plasticine works well at adding a good radius to moulds. If you really can't avoid sharp edges use glass tissue or make up your own "filler" by chopping glass mat into little "whiskers" and mixing with resin.

You'll need polyester resin - with hardener, chopped strand mat, acetone for cleaning up, gelcoat if you want self coloured / finished mouldings and a release agent. fibreglass sticks to pretty much anything though aluminium and polythene releases fairly easily. If your after a quicky mould and you're not too fussed about a few flaws in the finish brown parcel tape and clingfilm are handy.

Fibreglass is the biz for diy manufacturing you can make some complex shapes with nothing more than a stiff bristled paintbrush and it's twice as strong as steel weight for weight.