for those that did custom dashboards....

[fiesta54]

Well good luck! I look forward to seeing the results

[SoFlaFiat]

Beautiful work Andy and Kevin!!!
Inspirering!!!

[RRoller123]

Nice dashes! No shortage of creativity in Spider enthusiasts.

[btoran]

what are the two toggle switches on the right for?

[toplessexpat]

The one that's labelled with something that looks like a diff-lock symbol is the TPMS power switch (the TPMS unit lives in the glove box, so no need for that to be on all the time), and the last one is a spare that's wired into the ignition fed 12v circuit, with the output from it on a trailing lead also into the glove box. That way I don't have to take the dash apart when I work out what I want to put on it

I was thinking an oil slick release would be useful... then I remembered that heck, this is a Fiat - that's standard issue

[MrJD]

did you paint the italian wording on the modern gauges?

[toplessexpat]

nope... I designed them on the computer and sent them to a sticker manufacturer. They printed them on a vinyl sticker for me. I applied them to clear plastic discs, and mounted them. The VDO gauges are back lit - and the light comes through in the right bits. Actually looks kind of cool with the yellow backlit too

If (when) I do it again.. I think I'll use a double sticker to ensure the black is completely masked. But - you live and learn.

[aj81spider]

Who did you use for making the stickers?

[MrJD]

You, sir, are hardcore. That is a whole new level of intensity, lol.

[toplessexpat]

Who did you use for making the stickers?

http://www.jakprints.com

[btoran]

well, i'm almost done with my custom dashboard project.

after the final coat of varnish, what's a good wax to use? also, i read someone applied the wax with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper. is that advisable?

[RRoller123]

That was me. I do this for a living (such as it is) and I use the 400 or higher to apply the wax because it levels out the final little bimps that are always present, and you get a glass like finish. Counterintuitive, but it works. Practice on a scrap piece first and see if it makes sense for you.

[btoran]

thanks. the varnish i used is "epifanes wood finish gloss", which does not require sanding between coats. i applied 10 coats and selectively sanded dust spots on approx half of the coats. what kind of wax do you recommend?

[azruss]

Do not wax until you give the varnish plenty of time to dry. like at least 30 days.

[RRoller123]

yes! it takes a long time to fully harden. I use Boston Polish, but pretty much anything is ok.