Fiberglass dash?

[Chevy4life1985]

How do you fiberglass your dash. I hate my gray vinyl? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[alphalanos]

Well it would be pretty difficult, but heres a possible way you could do it.
You would need to cover the dash with aluminum foil and masking tape, then cover that with fiberglass resin and matt. then layer it (about 10-15 layers probably) and sand, fill, then sand again. this is just a rough instruction on how its done. to make any custom gauge pods or anything like that you just use MDF and create a structure then fiberglass over it.

i fogot to say, along with the foil and tape, you need a layer or two of plastic sheeting on the dash and surrounding areas.

[alphalanos]

i guess ill add this. after you have the shell made, you need to either mount it with screws in the same place or figure something out. i suggest doing some smaller projects like speaker boxes or something so you can get used to fiberglassing. here are some things you need:
gloves
acetone(to clean brushes)
cheap brushes
Fiberglass matt, resin and hardener
sandpaper(400-1200 grit or so)
if you are making custom structures you will need either MDF, or some kind of material that is strong

[jsntarrant]

why not just sand dash down, use high build primer and paint away?

[89Sunbird]

Because vinyl and sandpaper do not agree...it will just tear up the dash, then he'll need a new one entirely.

Personally, I dyed mine black, because I didnt like the grey.

[jsntarrant]

yes u are right sunbird...brainfreeze moment...alpine has good pages/pics about dash building....the mini cooper i believe-very helpful info there