Dash Template

[Kingme2]

I'm getting greedy, I think.

My original '80 "wood" dash is near perfect ... and I'm going to pull it out!

I saw Manoa Matt's dash and got immediately envious (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/3821962560/) (... thou shall not covet thy neighbors dash...), so now I have a complete gut of my interior planned (new carpet, mats, etc already on order!)

Problem? I want to have my new, Custom Dash prefab'd BEFORE I pull the old one out (eg to make a template)

Are there any wise folk out here who have made PDF file (or similar?) scale drawings/tracings?

Thx,

already smelling the wood shavings,

Toby

[manoa matt]

I wish I could say that was my dash, I too am envious. I saved the picture so that one day I'll make one like that. It's certainly within my capabilities, I just need to find the time.

[Kingme2]

lol... I've been very cafeful to give you full credit for the idea I'm going to steal (already have thoughts for my own spin on it)

[manoa matt]

I could make some tracings of the dash pieces and mail them to you, or If you have AutoCad I could make and send you a drawing file.

You may want to re-consider your approach. If I was going to go through the trouble of making custom dash panels I would make sure they fit the dash precicely. What I mean is that due to the effects of the sun and thermal movement each (30 year old) dash is ever so slightly different from the next.

You will notice the stock dash pieces have square edges, while the dash itself tapers back. The rear edge of the stock pieces fit in the dash, but the front edge has a running gap. The section diagram illustrates this, stock dash is on top, a more elegant solution on bottom: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/3860966888/

[htchevyii]

hopefully your dash pad is in good shape. I used the stock dash as a template for my aluminum one, but had to reshape everything to make it fit with the full cap on it, (alot more work with alum. than wood). Mark said with the top cap only it's not an issue, so next time I'd try that. Sorry, I sold my old dash on Evilbay or I'd trace it for you.

[Kingme2]

Manoa: yeah, I wanted the original dims for the rearmost sections... then planned on using calipers to see how much to taper "up" or "down" to get the elusive perfect fit... Somewhere I'll find that elusive scale drawing! Suppose I could disassemble mine, trace, put it back together, make measurements, create the new piece... then install it!!

HTChevii: I "think" my dash is original... or new. I'll doublecheck, but I don't think I have a dashcap... EvilBay, indeed! Lol.

Toby

[launieg]

Toby, if you are not in a hurry, I plan to pull the dash from my parts car out in a week or so. (I am swapping it into my drive, 'cause it has no top cracks - just a small split below the glove box). I can take measurements then.

But you sound like a man on fire , so I'll bet you get what you need long before then!

[Kingme2]

Launieg... I'd love to just have a tracing of yours, once you pull it out. Would it be possible?? No need for measurements if I have an actual true-size tracing...

Yes, seems like I'm on fire, but got (many) projects on the go currently, plus my Ebay account has just taken a beating from all my parts on order, so, lol, can wait a few weeks if I have to!!

Pm me, if you can, and we'll see if we can swing a deal! Let me know.

Thx,

Toby

[radiopilot]

Matt I PM you regarding the DXF file...

Thanks..