Modern GT Dash

[maxim_96]

I have a (pipe dream??) of creating a new, modern dash to replace the dash that is currently in my GT. I have a couple of questions for the group before I start.


1) Has anyone already done this?

2) Is there any features that should be included that are not already included? (ie room for side speakers, extra switches for misc items, etc)?

3) Can anyone think of any problems areas that I need to be aware of while in the design phase?

I'll post some pics of the design as soon as get a little further down the road.

Thanks!!!
Dave

[Old Hippie]

Don't know if anyone has tries that or not, Dave. Here's some ideas: 1) Give it a "M" shape so you can run a console down to the center shifter/rollover lever cover. 2) Improve the panel heater vents (maybe something froma junk ToYo car. 3) Do away with the "glove" box for a heater/AC unit from a junk mini-car.
My 2c's

[DESTEC]

Contemplating doing just that on Opel4; and have half ways version of it tried in the DESTEC Aerogt. I will post picture of new switch console (which will be redone in Opel 4; then retro fitted back into the Aerogt.)

I use a slanted towards me switch console. It has switches to roll the headlights, since I ate up the rick-a-rack head light lever real estate with the console.

Heater valve is solenoid operated; the floor/defroster bowden cables have been replaced with a itsybitsy rack and pinion motor driven switch. Power window switch in the console too. EWW Washer, Timed wipers, Power Door Locks. Digital gauges (but they are still in their stock gauge heads. Thinking about video rear view mirrors, built in GPS in Console II as it is called.

And mostly, make everthing modular, so I can change it often.
It would be nice to beable to afford Peltier-effect cooling modules for A/C, but they would cost more than a new car that has A/C.

I want a completely modern, functional dash, too.

Any sculptors out there who can mold one? I certainly can add the goodies. Also Console has 22 fused circuits under the center console and modern fuses. Change fuses sitting upright, not doing head stands. Almost like the '86 Volvo has, (it fact it is.)

I have added 4 or 6 new wire harnesses THAT remain in the car when the instrument modules are pulled for repair or upgrade.

Been a couple years in the design of Opel4's electrical system.
Opel4 is OpelLast. I am sure. At lease 40 pages of electrical drawing support this major modification the the Opel GT's electrical system.

Any breavehearts out there want to RADify your dash?

I can't do your work, but I can chearlead.

Happy New Year,
JJ

[maxim_96]

Does anyone know of someone that has a crappy dash that they are willing to part with for little money (plus shipping of course) so that I can construct a mold?? Here are a couple of other questions that I'm debating....

What are your feeling about carbon fiber vs fiberglass as the base of the dash???

What style of dash would be best to emulate?? Im thinking a cross between the 2000 cougar and the 2000 Olds Aurora. In my opinion, both have good layouts.

Does anyone have any good suggestions about switches for the replacement dash?

[kyles1970gt]

i was thinking today at work, and i have a 98 integra dash i think i am going to try to fix into the opel. white gauges, molded centerconsole, ignition in the center console like some fieros have, same with electric windows, with controls in center console. how does that sound. . big task

[krabysniper]

Originally posted by maxim_96 What are your feeling about carbon fiber vs fiberglass as the base of the dash???

Fiberglass=small amount of $
Carbon Fiber=$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Answer= are you rich and/or have friends in the Aerospace industry

[free4u2nv]

there was talk of fiberglass dashes back during the summer .....as I recall, it was opinionated that the fiberglass dash could be seriously dangerous if there was a sudden impact from the front of the opel......risk of shattering.....

[maxim_96]

LOL, heck no I don't have $$$$, If I did I would have bought a true classic (and don't get me wrong, I LOVE Opels, and there has always been at least one in my family since I was born).

I do have the a lot of help in the right places (I think??). Fiber glass would be optimal because of the cost, but I would like to explore every option and get a lot of opinions on the subject. And I'm also thinking of creating a carbon fiber hood for sh**s and giggles.

I would love to have a mold of a great dash layout that works in the GT and can be shared with other members.

[maxim_96]

Ive heard the worries over creating a dash out of composites such as fiberglass and carbon fiber. I was hoping to just use this as a base to which the finish layers can be added on to (ie foam padding and the exterior surface/skin). I was thinking (hoping) that it would reduce the risk of shattering and causing damage.

I'll look at the post tonight! Thanks for the heads up!!!!

kyles1970gt, I finally found a good pic of the 98 Integra dash. The drivers side area is exactly what I was thinking of. I'd also like to have the center console angle towards me as DESTEC described.

[pvcar]

well the old 80,s 3 series bmws had the center area of te dash angled towards the driver would that be able to be molded into an integra dash sounds like an idea i would put the pics into photo shop and see how it looks.

[houserc]

While looking around several months ago for some electronic circuits, I came across some sites that offered add-on from the old "Knight Rider" series for Pontiac T/A's.

There were a couple of companies that produced the dash boards and the steering wheels to make your car look like KITT.

Here's an idea;

[kyles1970gt]

with the integra dash and a bmw center that would be true customization, I think it would be hard to mold together because if im not mistaken, the 80s bmws were kinda square, and the integra dash is rounded alot more. it could be very interesting, and if you did a good job, maybe made it so it kinda sectioned the car into two, it could be really good looking.. Its snowing like a mad man in washington right now, so i guess i will have to be in my garage working on a customized part for the opel.. maybe i will start on the dash, then i will get some pictures of it, if it keeps snowing, i could have the dash done by sunday..... please keep snowing

[houserc]

One more;

[show no go]

If you're real serious about creating a new dash the best way is to get everything out and use cardboard to block out your rearward clearances. Next box in the front well beyond where you plan on the dash ending and fill it with two part expansion foam. The foam is easy to mould into what you need and cheap enough to scrap a few times until you get it how you want.

[maxim_96]

Actually, I was hoping that I ccould find a cheap, beat to heck dash to start with, take it down to its base, and then build up from there using foam and other goodies. If any one knows of someone with a beat up dash that they are willing to get rid of for little $$$ please let me know.

kyles1970gt, Be sure to take some pics while working on the dash. I'd love to to see what you come up with. I think that we are thinking about the same design.

Does anyone know of a website that sells good looking aftermarket interior switches??

Thanks!!!!!

[Jim Branham]

Hey you guys wanting to experiment with the dashes, I have a couple that are cracked up and would not put in a GT without recovering. You can have them if you pay packing and shipping.

[maxim_96]

Jim, my dash saver!!! :-)

That would be great. Just send me a private message or email me at maxim_96@yahoo.com so that we can work out the details.

Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!!

[DieConeDie]

I wonder if you could do the initial layup layers with Fiberglass, then finish the top layer with CF or Kevlar if you are using an epoxy resin. Call it a composite-composite?

You can get big sheets of "floral foam" very cheap from Hobby lobby, that you can just scrape down and sculpt away... its like styro foam but it shaves off in a fine dust.

PS: I've done a little fiberglassing. I recommend using epoxy resin (its expensive, but stronger, and far less noxious), and I also recommed getting enough materials to do it twice.

[houserc]

I agree with DieConeDie.

I'm using the Green Floral foam for a rear spoiler project I have going on for my GT and it works great. It sands wonderfully and it will take the heat from the curing process without melt down.

That and it's light if you need to leave it in as an internal core.

[DieConeDie]

Oh yeah, the other thing about Epoxy is it will stand up to the UV rays etc... it really makes a big difference, and the only downside is the price, but this project wont require too much.

[maxim_96]

Well, Thanks to Jim B. I have a dash to experiment with on the way.

Thanks for the idea of the green floral foam. I was thinking about going another direction, but after thinking it over, the foam would be the easiest way to go.

Well, it looks like this pipe dream of mine might just work out after all.

Here are some upgrades that Im currently looking into adding with the dash. Thank God for this forum, it looks like many of these items have already been addressed.

- New fuse block (where's the best location to put it??)
- Dash wiring harness
- Power mirrors
- Power Windows
- Power locks ??? (Don't know if I really want to do this one)
- An actual working glove box (not just a hole in the dash)
- Replacement gauges. Anyone have any ideas here?
- Heater system from a different car
- controls, blower, vents, etc.
- Yea, I know, this one might not be possible, but Im still going
to research if its possible.

Well, it should be fun. Hopefully Ill have some pics up next week.

[Nathan Acree]

Hello,

I have been trying to work on a similar project for a couple of years now.

I will be making my dash from a fiberglassed foam block, which will eventually be covered with Alcantara (or Ultrasuede).

As far as gauges, I like the VDO millenium series, check the web for pics etc.

I had hoped to find a suitable air conditioning system, but I have come to the conclusion that there are no aftermarket systems that are anywhere near small enough. Looks like I will have to scour the junkyard to find a small OE system that could be pieced together.

Keep us updated,

Nathan Acree
Albuquerque New Mexico

[namba209]

Nathan, is the AC going on the V-6 GT or a 1.9? I don't have the compressor yet on my engine, I plan on doing the junk yard trip and get a compressor and alternator off a V-6 Camaro or Firebird. The compressor that came with my 72 1.9 is the original GM rotary but it is 3/4 as long as the engine and won't fit on the V-6 at all. I'm looking at having to make up an accessory mounting plate for the compressor and use half of the alternator plate with the auto belt adjuster. That way I'll have the alternator on the passenger side and the compressor on the driver's side next to the dehydrator and condensor. Still waiting on the exhaust to finish Phase III, so I started Phase IV, electrical integration. So much fun.

Ron

[Nathan Acree]

Originally posted by namba209 Nathan, is the AC going on the V-6 GT or a 1.9? I don't have the compressor yet on my engine, I plan on doing the junk yard trip and get a compressor and alternator off a V-6 Camaro or Firebird. Ron

Forgive me if this is a double post, I replied once already but it did not show up

Ron,


Yeah, the AC is for the V6 GT. I figure with the V6 and exhaust manifolds so close to the bulkheads AC would be a must in the summer.

FYI, the stock 3.4 AC mount and compressor will not fit in the GT; it wants to occupy the same space as the passengers side "frame" rail. Take a look at my pictures on this site and you can see the fully dressed motor with the compressor and mount.

Glad you are moving forward on your project. I just purchased some header flanges on Ebay so I hope to make some progress on that front, but It looks like you are going to finish before me.

Nathan Acree
Albuquerque New Mexico