I needed to install some gauges and saw this the other day
I liked the idea and went outside to look at how the dash is molded and as soon as I saw the dip right in front of the clock I decided to make one out of FiberGlass.
Now I did not want to cut the dash to run 13 wires and 1nylon tube for the gauges so I then decided to remove the clock and run them through the opening.
So lets begin.
I made a quick mold and roughly cut it to where I wanted, as you can see it extends to cover the clock. I later cut out a hole for the wires to pass through.
Next I made some “rings” which is nothing more than two circular pieces of wood glued together. I was after the “flush” look.
So I then glued them to the base which I sanded the edges.
I then used a piece of cloth to wrap the pod. You must remove all the wrinkles before applying resin, this is critical.
I then cut out the hole openings for the gauges after it cured, cut out the excess cloth underneath the pod.
I then sanded added some bondo to smooth out the shape and sprayed some primer.
I sprayed some paint.
Then went outside to test fit the product. Fits like a glove.
Installed the gauges.
fits great and the best part is that is completely removable and no cutting of the dash and no wires showing.
Damnit, you beat me to it! i’ve been working on a pod for a while now, mine’s a little different. i ended up cutting a hole in the dash because i really dont care, but nonetheless, Very nice work i’ll post mine when finished
nice work, a guy here in richmond built one for my 92-95 civic about 6 years ago. he had it fit exactly like the center air vent on those cars go. he had it patented for a while not sure what he ever did with it.
BTW JW how you did the mold originally…did you spray a coat of something so when you did the bottom of the mold it wouldn’t stick to the dash? like a wax or something? IDK…basically i want to know how you did the bottom of the mold, which is pic #3
i misted a little bit of water on the dash then used a plastic bag and smoothed out all the wrinkles. (stuck perfectly), then glassed my shape and let it cure, then peeled everything apart like nothing
Just use masking tape, double layer should be enough but if you think is not enough slap a piece of aluminum foil. Cut up some pieces of fiberglass mat and place them on top of the aluminum foil and cover them up in resin until it cures. When done it should pop up with out sticking. You can use any type of car wax if you want but not needed.
I’ve bought a sunshade which covers them real nice. Florida is hot, however the lights should not be turned on during the day if you wired them correctly. At night is much cooler and should not be a problem.
i’ll post mine when finished