Dash help please!!!

Ct_Cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2016, 09:16 PM

I'm finally making some pretty good progress on my A & C kit. Riveted and bolted the body down. Installed the clutch and brake pedals, both doors, gas tank and windshield. All in the last couple weeks. Was going to do the steering column and dash next. What did everyone use for their dash. I have the padding, leather and gauges but nothing to put it all in. Should I have gotten something else or do I need to build it myself.....I see ....Cobra Project Page shows a nice picture of it done, but, I can't find any information on what it looks like before it is covered......thanks very much......Steve....

Tommy · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 04:53 AM

Steve, My car is not an A&C so consider this an idea that might work rather than a sure solution. My dash was made from a simple sheet of aluminum about 1/8" thick +/- . The bottom edge is straight and was made by creating a 3/4" lip on a bending brake at the same sign shop where I bought the aluminum. The top edge is shaped like an arch to fit behind the fiberglass lip of the body. The cut didn't have to be perfect (as it doesn't show) so I cut it with a band saw. The outermost 6-8 inches on both sides curve toward the front of the car to follow the lines of the fiberglass and wrap around the metal birdcage that supports the doors. I removed the bottom lip in the areas to be curved and used a large tube of some kind (likely PVC pipe) as a form and hand shaped the curves. Drills and hole saws made places for the gauges, mounting holes and switches. .... Again, your car may be entirely different, but if this helps, I'm glad.

Dwight · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 07:55 AM

you can cut aluminum on a table saw. Just watch for the flakes being thrown off the blade. You don't want to get them in your eye. A carbine blade works the best.
I first saw this years ago on a large construction job. The carpenters were cut 1/4" aluminum sheets on a table saw like it was plywood. I asked one of the carpenter about it. I've been cut aluminum on my table saw ever since. Just go slow and easy.

Another way to cut aluminum is with a jig saw. medium number of teeth blade and a squirt bottle with water to cool the blade as you cut.
The water keeps the aluminum from sticking to the teeth on the blade. Cut a lot faster and doesn't destroy the blades.

I like Tommy use aluminum for dash material. I spray with glue and use cloth pins to hold the leather in place till it drys.

I only spray the aluminum, keeping it wet when I stretch the vinyl. That way I can work out the bubbles before the glue drys. If you end up with a bubble just stick a pin into it to work the air out. I have used a syringe and needle with glue in it to inject into the air bubble.

good luck, it not hard, take you time. You can practice with a piece of scrap vinyl on the dash before using the leather.

Dwight

Ct_Cobra · #4 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 08:22 AM

Tommy & Dwight....thanks very much......I appreciate your quick answer!!!

lippy · #5 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 09:35 AM

I wouldn't cut aluminum on a table or mitre saw. You'll ruin the motor. I use a jig with the proper blade, and I clamp a guide to the aluminum and run the saw base down the guide. Super clean cuts every time.

Ct_Cobra · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 11:32 AM

Tommy, Dwight & Lippy...thanks very much......I appreciate your quick answers!!!

monster7 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 12:44 PM

I just finished my dash, using Dibond, a aluminum "sandwich" plate with a plastic core. Quite rigid, but easy to work with.
GraphicDisplay USA

monster7 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 12:46 PM

I just finished my dash, using Dibond, a aluminum "sandwich" plate with a plastic core. Quite rigid, but easy to work with.
GraphicDisplay USA

rcobrakit67 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 06:26 PM

I have an a&c and it came with the dash panel.

Ct_Cobra · #10 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 06:43 PM

.....perfect....that's what I thought....how long ago did you get yours? What is it made out of? Maybe they stopped including it....

Jaydee · #11 (**permalink**) 12-11-2016, 08:18 PM

It's best to make a template first with mdf or stiff carboard, until it fits. Then trace this onto the aluminium.
JD

PNJSNAK · #12 (**permalink**) 12-12-2016, 01:01 PM

They should have included a fiberglass dash panel with your kit.
Give Joe T a call.
It had a position for the steering column scribed into it.
You make a layout how you want to position your Gage's, switches and indicator lights.
Cut the holes, then glue the padding and cover material to the panel then cutout the material where the items go.
Then figure how to mount.
I made brackets that mount to the firewall, then the dash mounts to the brackets.
Some decide to use different materials for the dash cover, animal skins , wood to metal.

Ct_Cobra · #13 (**permalink**) 12-12-2016, 04:21 PM

Hmm....rccobrakit67 said the same thing.....I asked him how long ago he got his and I haven't heard back yet. When did you get your kit.? I'll give Joe a call tomorrow ....hopefully they didn't stop including them. Thanks very much for your response!!!!

PNJSNAK · #14 (**permalink**) 12-12-2016, 04:37 PM

I picked up my body and additional items in 2001.
This is a good sized fiberglass part.
There is a box structure that fits down over the transmission tunnel.
I actually have my heater box assembly behind it.
If your not using a heater you can mount a radio in the face.
I can't believe they don't supply it anymore.
Call Joe T.
Jim

PNJSNAK · #15 (**permalink**) 12-12-2016, 04:41 PM

Look at the pics in my gallery
Click on the camera icon top left
Jim

Ct_Cobra · #16 (**permalink**) 12-14-2016, 06:56 AM

You got a love this forum!!! Thanks to everyone for all their help! I talked to Joe this morning and he will box one up and ship it out to me. They do still include it and somehow I didn't get mine when I went up and picked up everything. Joe is always so helpful too....Thanks again to all have a great holiday!!!!