Well in lieu of the engine going in I had to have some where for all the guages to go. So ive spent a few weeks on this and then come back to it and restarted it today a-fresh, and I am almost upon completion of it( trimming comes afterwards even though I have the fabric all ready)

Now when I started it I went for fibreglass. Now this is all good in keeping with the weight loss from all the panels behind the dash I removed. But unfortunatly the panel sagged ( as happens - but more my fault for not meshing behind it) and I decided I was wasting too much filler trying to bring it all level and where I wanted it( I used a 1/4 of a tub bringing one corner almost level!)

so today I restarted with some MDF and here are the results.


1) Positioning the panels where i wanted them


2) Using filler (P38 easy sand) arround the edges enabling me to smooth it later. I also roughly cut the shape for the cd player into the bottom panel at this stage


3) Bottom of the centre part of the dash( when it is in the car the gear stick trim panel and pocket attach to this - underneath)


4) Showing the ammount of filler to bring the top in and to join the lip that goes arround the original dash cluster


5) After some heavy sanding with a palm sander the glove box side of the work is fairly smooth, admitaly there is lots more to do including filling the little holes appearing and to smooth it in to the foam stuff more.


6) I have smoothed in to the edges of the panel joins by using a circle motion to make it smooth so that the vinyl I am using will go over it smoothly no nasty points apearing etc when trimmed.


7) Trying to get the panel to join the lip a rather awkward part so will have to go in by hand to get the curve right but its goign alright.


Just an idea of how much sanding and work is still to be done. but its getting there another night( tonight more than likely) should see it ready for trimming.




9) Just sort of showing the CD player in situ roughly. The guages will sit in the top half of the panel and between them and the CD Player will possibly sit a small bank of rocker switches controling the likes of fuel and ECU cut off


10) Another view of 9. But shows how it should all work quite nicely


Any tips comments apprieciated chaps.

Monday Nights work left my dash looking like this:


1) First hole for one of many guages..


2) Dash placed in the car and the majority of the guages installed briefly. The holes still need sanding out a bit so that when the vinyl goes on, the guages sit snugly and help to pin the vinyl in place


3) View accross the car along the dash.


4) Head on, and almost finished.


5) Rough drivers view( gauges just pinned in position)


6) Some btis of volvo dash trimed place in position to see the rough final look.


7) All the wiring lines up still.


Any tips, comments?

looks pretty good, how much does fibreglassing something like that cost? (in materials mostly - but also time) - I'm thinking about modifying my dash to fit lots of bits and bobs after(if) I sort a roll cage.

well i have yet to finish trimming mine.

but ive spent about £15. to do what ive done.

ok, are you rerouting the heater controls?

Nope no heater in my car at all. just cd player and guages! and an interior retrim to match..

Are the gauges going to be mounted flush?

oh yes. all flush, on the black vinyl im trimming it with, when the local council have finished pissing arround installing oil heaters!