Dashboard modifications

[james.a.c.911]

Hi,

I am looking to do a little bit of DIY on my race car. It’s a 1979 Porsche 924, and as such has a dashboard with lots of cracks. I plan to fill the cracks and then flock the dash.

I would also like to use the place for the central speaker in the middle of the dash to house my Aim Solo 2 and digital temperature reader.
The idea would be to create a little hood on top and then a mounting plate below for the two devices. Picture of a 924 dash attached.

I have no idea what to use to do this.
Should i be looking at sheet aluminium? Is it easy to bend into shape? Any other material that would be easier? Will i need to buy special tools?

Any help would be much appreciated!

[drmotorsport]

I've just used ABS plastic sheet from ebay (with carbon fibre pattern if i'm feeling posh) for mounting instruments in the past. It's easy to cut and work with and can be shaped with a bit of heat. Aluminium or stainless steel sheet is also a reasonable alternative.

[james.a.c.911]

Hi -
That sounds like a good option.
How difficult is it to shape, and does it hold its shape?
Do you need a heat gun and any specific tools to bend it?
Thanks!

[drmotorsport]

james.a.c.911 said:

Hi -
That sounds like a good option.
How difficult is it to shape, and does it hold its shape?
Do you need a heat gun and any specific tools to bend it?
Thanks!

It's pretty easy to shape simple curves with a heat gun (carefully!) and a vice helps. It does hold it's shape.

[james.a.c.911]

Hi drmotorsport,
Thanks a lot. Have watched a few YouTube videos and this looks easy to work with - looks like you pointed me in the direction of the best solution.
James