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View Full Version : NA Fibreglass Crash pads with gauge pods...or without



vindi49
10-12-2012, 05:36 AM
Something I've been working on for a while, I made some gauge pods to go in the crash pads a while back, and now I'm smoothing a set into a crash pad so I can make it in one piece...

So far I've just made a smooth crash pad, this was about a week ago:
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/21912009_zps040f9e6d.jpg
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/21912011_zps4c4c3dbc.jpg

Part 2 is happening right now... a one piece crash pad with the gauge pods inset... been a complete nightmare, leading me to experiment with a mould made from Silicon as the curves are too complex and won't release with a normal hard one. Just need to tidy up the pad and see what its like, fingers crossed I'll load some pics in a few minutes!!

This is stage 1 in a 6 or 7 stage interior set that I'm working on... not sure if it will be to everyones taste but hey, its going in my car not yours!! Hopefully it will be a lot more organic / flowing than the current interior, but fingers crossed I'll eventually do door cards and tops, crash pad and radio console and the armrest console.

Russell.

Phatmiata
10-12-2012, 06:08 AM
Wow I like that! looks like the Piano Black versions from the NC, nice job!

vindi49
10-12-2012, 06:59 AM
This turned into a bit of a nightmare, the shape of the pods are really tricky so I ended up using a silicon mould to make sure it would release ok with all the complex curves... first one out of the mould is always a bit messy as it settles down, but here's how it compares to the (now very much abused) smooth one:

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/121012002.jpg

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/121012001.jpg

Looks ok I think? Hard to tell 100% until I've done 2 or 3 of them and they come out smooth... but I'm happy with the overall shape.

The all important drivers view (roughly anyway!)
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/driverview.jpg

and somewhere near the passenger view
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/passengerview.jpg

Shame its all pointing the wrong way for most of you guys!!

Russell.

revlimiter
10-12-2012, 07:16 AM
Shame its all pointing the wrong way for most of you guys!!

Russell.


THIS. Once you've worked out the details, you should get a LHD crash pad and make up one for the other half of the world. Because this is pretty epic right here.

91BRGLE
10-12-2012, 07:19 AM
I would absolutely want a LHD version! I've been looking everywhere for some crash pad gauge pods!

revlimiter
10-12-2012, 10:13 AM
Perfect spacing on those gauge pods too.

jux
10-12-2012, 12:49 PM
Definitely looks nice from here!

vindi49
10-12-2012, 03:00 PM
Perfect spacing on those gauge pods too.

Thats why I really like your work, you're even more picky than me!! Being honest that was the 2nd attempt though, the first had one of them off by about 2mm and it was driving me nuts!! Its still not perfect, but I need to do about 2 or 3 out of the mould before it settles and I get to find out if I have the glassy smooth finish I want.

Russell.

treeafodo
10-12-2012, 04:15 PM
These look great!

fastnfurious7
10-12-2012, 08:11 PM
Really nice work, man. I was in search of a LHD version of this but I searched in vain. Went a different direction now but would still consider this if it became available. Keep it going!

Cxmoney
10-12-2012, 09:25 PM
I want crash pad gauge pods. :(

vindi49
10-17-2012, 07:18 AM
OK I get the idea!! I'll look at making one in LHD once this and the shorty console are done. I'll have to get properly signed up as a trader as well I guess!

Russell.

vindi49
10-29-2012, 04:55 AM
Managed to get the crash pad fitted in time for the big meet in the Peak District yesterday. Didn't take much tweaking and it was fitted, the speedo surround, vents and radio console wedge it into place nicely so it doesn't actually need any fixings to hold it on!

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/281012003.jpg

As I've only got a single gauge I decided to make up some blanking plates:

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/281012004.jpg

Useful to have a load of carbon lying around from another project!!

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/281012005.jpg
One in...

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss345/vindi49/281012006.jpg
and the other one... held in place by Blu Tack but hey, no one will ever know!!

Russell.