mk2 dash

[steve]

Has any one fitted a mk2 dash, as i went with a mate to veiw a mk1 which had one fitted. It was out of the 8 valve, i want to use one out of the 16v but the only differnce is the centre of the dash. It didnt look like any thing had been shaved or cut off so i imagine it is quite easy to do.So if any one has done it or knows how to do it could they please reply, cheers.

[SY.L]

I think this is faily easy as you are right no triming as it is the same width as the mk1 dash,but you do have to weld on a couple of mounts each side of the dash for it to fasten too.

[astradave81]

i've seen a mk3 dash in a mk2 so i'm presuming that the mk3 will also fit inyo the mk1, think i'll have a go at this in winter when it gets quiet in the garage..

[exuptoy]

Mk3 dash is a lot nicer than mk2 item. I think the mk2 dash is old fashioned looking and boxy, even more so than the mk1 dash.

[SY.L]

[Phat Stan]

what about building a custom dash ? You can have what you want, where you want it, monitors, speakers, gauges, etc. You're only limited by your imagination and they're easier to build than most people think.

[exuptoy]

I remember someone in the mini scene doing one using some foam which seemed like the texture of expanding foam and when he finished shaping it all he covered it in leather. Looked good from memory.

[Phat Stan]

The easiest way is to build an MDF skeleton that incorperates your mounting points, then stretch mould fabric around it (this is just like fleece material but it has fibre-glass fibres in it. For supplies find a good car audio shop) and staple securely around the back of the skeleton or you can use a hot melt glue gun to tack it.
Once you have done this and the material is stretched nice and tight, you apply fibre-glass resin to the fabric, make sure you're liberal with the resin and try to soak it through to the other side. Once this has gone off you will have a nice hard shell that can be sanded, you may have to smooth over with filler or hi-build primer but this depends on the quality of the mould fabric and how you want to finish the dash.
I've recently made some door builds for a friend and I was able to trim them in non-backed alcantara without needing anything other than to sand the mould fabric, however if you wanted a painted finish you would need the filler and primer.
For a softer padded finish alcantara is available that is foam-backed, however it is harder to work with for the ameteur trimmer and I personally don't think it looks any better than non-backed.

Sorry to go on but remember that your MDF skeleton will form the back-bone of the dash and it will dictate how the shape of the dash ends up.

Good luck.

[exuptoy]

Stan....Any photos of your work m8? Sounds good.

[Phat Stan]

Ahem, er......slightly embarrasing
After describing how it's done I must now confess that I have never actually, personally done a custom dash !!
However, I asure y'all this IS how it's done and I have applied the same methods and principles to other areas of car audio custom installations.
Plus I've got one or two friends who HAVE done this.

I was planning a custom dash on the last car, but we decided to trade it in for something a bit newer.

[exuptoy]

Amazing work m8, looks stunning. Just because you aint done it doesnt mean you cant.

Like the boot install and the tool board.

[Phat Stan]

Thank you for your complements, I'm my own worst critic so every little helps. That install was in my wifes Micra and we used to enter sound off competitions for sound quality. She was the Uk Champion for 2 years running. Here's another pic for your viewing pleasure, hope you like.

[exuptoy]

Mint. I can see that in the king of blings boot in silver......what do you think Tom?

[Phat Stan]

There was quite a few of the components that we had chromed to match the rest even little things like gold plated fuse holders !! So it would be right up toms street.

[TurboTom]

aight, i appreciate all things bling hence why im here!