ever built a dash?

[info4all]

I have always been one to go head first into a project and in a year I will have a festiva that is completely torn down. At this point I will be doing a ton of work such getting the drive train to be AWD, make a BPT fit under the hood and try to build a roll cage that doesn't draw attention. My Idea is to keep it as close to the body as possible and perhaps fiberglass it and cover it to make it blend in. In this endeavor I am also thinking about making my own dash. I haven't seen this done yet on this site but I wanted to find out if anyone has done anything like this before. I can tell you right now that I don't know what I am getting into so I'm posting this as a sound board to get feedback.

Thanks

[Guest]

I've customized 2 Festiva dashes so far, but to add goodies etc.. another guy around here did all fiberglass interior panels and glassed over his dash with custom gauge pods etc.. All of them are mods that came from original Festiva pieces. Is this what you mean or like just fabbing up a completely one off dash that attaches to the Festiva dash bolt pattern?

[Jimmy]

I built an aluminum dash for my 510. It all it was was an aluminum box (probably something you could buy, I had a friend TIG one together for me) with some holesawed (holesawn?) holes aftermarket guages. I was going for light and easy to service rather than any aesthetic quality.

[vincefestiva]

i have fiberglassed the whole interior of my car, the original dash was used then i fiberglass over (even though it is heavier) it made mounting the dash back so much more easier. its a hell of alot of work especially with sanding and all the fiberglass mess. but if you have the time an the patience it can turn out increadible, like the cars you see in magazines and tv. check out my interior at

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2428209

if you have any questions feel free to ask.
vince

[info4all]

xpnsyd I was planning on doing a one off and match the bolt pattern. Though I am still bouncing around ideas of cutting away and building on to parts of the dash.

Vince, your car is beautiful. I love the whole thing. The hood, the speakers, the seat, and dash. Not to leave out the doors. Wow! I don't really know what to say. Nice job. You definitely have some talent and skill. Do you have any pictures of the development or during construction? Are there any special tools that you would recommend to someone that has never done anything like this before

After hearing what has been posted so far I think I am going to come up with something original. Not sure to what extent but I have plenty of time to knock ideas around and do some sketches.

Thanks

[vincefestiva]

thanks, actually the only tools that were used was good old elbow grease and a tone of sandpaper and maybe a power sander. but i find with sand paper wrapped around a block works best because a sander sometimes doesn't sand and smoothen transition as well as with a block or sand paper wrapped around your hand.

[Jcomnislash]

vince that festy is siiiiick....i live in brampton which is like right beside woodbridge...i was considering doing fiberglass work on my bumpers and "making" my own body kit type of thing....what do u think from ur experience with working with fiberglass???