S1 Dash Insert Panels

[jody391]

After removing the stereo I am fitting three gauges into the car, I planned to fit them into the stereo blank area but I think I am going to make some new insert panels.

 

I plan on doing a long stereo blank panel but also the heater and light panel too, just in case people want to play with a change of colour etc.

 

I am also going to do a tool for a long blank panel with built in gauge raises to mount the gauges straight into the long blank panel.

 

Would this appeal to some on here?

 

I have use of a CNC and Vac form machine at work so I shall be utilising them for these.

 

I plan on doing them in as close to the original grey colour as possible.

[dobbo]

Ooh, we need to talk, and I can show you stuff I have that might be of interest.

 

Another option would be to use the top panels rather than the vertical ones.  They're not structural, so they wouldn't need to be kept as ali extrusions.

 

I have contact numbers somewhere for the companies that did the original senotex coatings (both Senotex and the company that sprayed them for Lotus).  The senotex coating needs to be oven baked once sprayed, and the paint can usually only be bought in 5L tins.  It's not available to domestic / individuals !

[@ndy]

 

 

Another option would be to use the top panels rather than the vertical ones.  They're not structural, so they wouldn't need to be kept as ali extrusions.

 

 

 

As Dobbo mentions above, I would prefer a top panel option, This is what I'm planning on doing with my gauges

[dobbo]

I've bought some spare top panels to play with (items 1 and 2 here - http://www.deroure.com/diagrams.asp?TBL=1232&MAK=1&MDL=13&SMA=0&SMO=0&ST=&SC=0).

 

The gauges I bought came with hoods.  When I reversed the hood, the curve of the hood matched the curve of the top panel perfectly.  I took mine off and guess what - top quality control from lotus - mine has a slightly different curve !  The hoods are only plastic, though, so easily sanded to fit.

 

I've contacted the supplier to see if they've available on their own.  If so, I'll get a load and start playing.

 

Having taken the top panel off (only the short one so far), it's just free space behind and there's definitely no strength there, so that would free up material choice if necessary.

[KurtB]

I'd be interested in a long vac formed panel Jody! I just want to delete the head unit entirely and don't want additional gauges...

[dobbo]

I'd be interested in a long vac formed panel Jody! I just want to delete the head unit entirely and don't want additional gauges...

 

Item 18 in my earlier link...

[KurtB]

That's the boy, Dobbo

[jody391]

I have the parts at work being Drawn up this afternoon and shall prob have a sample early next week.

 

As for the top section Dobbo/Andy let me have alook at the shape later it prob for strength would need to go over the top of the existing panel.

[@ndy]

I have the parts at work being Drawn up this afternoon and shall prob have a sample early next week.

 

As for the top section Dobbo/Andy let me have alook at the shape later it prob for strength would need to go over the top of the existing panel.

 

I would be interested in whatever you do Jody.... Look forward to seeing your design.

 

Cheers for the tape again., Any special procedure for using or just ensure surfaces are clean ?

[jody391]

Yeah just make sure it's clean and press together as much as you can, give it over night and it's solid

[KurtB]

Hi Jody,

 

Have you been able to progress with this any further?

[jody391]

Hi Kurt the CAD is done and I shall be looking at jumping on the CNC when I can this week, I'll do a set to test and post the outcome.

[KurtB]

Good work mate, I'm looking forward to the results :-)

[MilesH]

Good work mate, I'm looking forward to the results :-)

 

Ditto

[jody391]

The CAD is done, I just need to find the time to get them machines and vac formed!