Molding/filling tips

[Jannelle]

Hey guys,
I plan on molding my gauges and I'd like to have some advice and tips on how to do it properly.

Can you tell me what product I should use?
I want to fill the gap around the gauges.
Any specific paint would look like stock color?

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz215/Max_Jannelle/CIMG0039.jpg?t=1289938800

Thanks

[Tokuzo]

There are various ways to do this, but the easiest would be to first build a template. You can use what you please to do so, but something as cheap/simple as cardboard would work. Once done use painter's tape to wrap it up. Next use fiberglass mat to do the outer the outer shell. Continue to mat and resin a few layers, and then pull this frame and gauges from the designated install area. You can then pull the cardboard/tape frame and mat the inner portion. You then top coat/fill the outer shell with fibralite (sp). This is similar to bondo, but is made of very small fiberglass fibers. It works like kitty hair, but is much more pliable. Sand that down and bondo the top coat, and repeat sanding to make for a smoothe, pore free, surface. Others may chime in on various methods, but this way is actually very simple and will make a sturdy structure. If you choose to make this even better you can make a silicone mold of your finished structure and poor plastic urethane, such as smooth 300 or roto, and sluch cast a more durable and light product. I hope this information helps.

[bman365]

So you want it molded in with no lines shown?

Could just stretch some thin material across it, tack down edges that you want apparent and resin the material. Then you could apply either some reinforced filler or plastic repair stuff if you want plastic to plastic bond. Make sure to roughen up dash piece and resined material after it has cured before you apply the fillers. Continue with body filler and all that mess to finish it up.

[Jannelle]

There are various ways to do this, but the easiest would be to first build a template. You can use what you please to do so, but something as cheap/simple as cardboard would work. Once done use painter's tape to wrap it up. Next use fiberglass mat to do the outer the outer shell. Continue to mat and resin a few layers, and then pull this frame and gauges from the designated install area. You can then pull the cardboard/tape frame and mat the inner portion. You then top coat/fill the outer shell with fibralite (sp). This is similar to bondo, but is made of very small fiberglass fibers. It works like kitty hair, but is much more pliable. Sand that down and bondo the top coat, and repeat sanding to make for a smoothe, pore free, surface. Others may chime in on various methods, but this way is actually very simple and will make a sturdy structure. If you choose to make this even better you can make a silicone mold of your finished structure and poor plastic urethane, such as smooth 300 or roto, and sluch cast a more durable and light product. I hope this information helps.

That sounds soo complicated haha, I know the result would probably nicer and last longer.

My idea is only to fill the gaps around the 3 gauge hoods so it only looks like one piece of console.

So you want it molded in with no lines shown?

Could just stretch some thin material across it, tack down edges that you want apparent and resin the material. Then you could apply either some reinforced filler or plastic repair stuff if you want plastic to plastic bond. Make sure to roughen up dash piece and resined material after it has cured before you apply the fillers. Continue with body filler and all that mess to finish it up.

Exactly, I'd like to know what I should use. Bondo? Plastic repair kit? What kind of paint? Clear coat?

If I use painter's tape to block all holes around the gauges, what do I use to fill the area after?

Thanks a lot for the answers.

[bman365]

You'd want to use a reinforced filler, which has fiberglass fibers in it..long strand will do. "Bondo", which is just regular body filler, has no strength and is only used to smooth out a surface.

You don't tape the area around the gauges..or you will not get a good consistent shape. Stretch some material across it and tack it down with some super glue where it meets the dash opening and the edges of the gauge hoods.

[Dammed]

fiberglass molding is really easy, you have to just be patient and take your time.

I would stretch some cloth like the Ikea Irma blanket across the front, and then fill it with some resin, and then enforce(?) the front with some fiberglass mat and resin.

After that you start to fill the front with some body filler and then the boring part starts, sanding the front and filling with body filler until the surface looks smooth and nice.

Then some primer and paint.

You can take a look at the process here: http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/1163637-post3.html

[trdmsprts27]

to make the process a little easier with less gap to fill you can cut the back of the cubby hole out but leave the lip still intact. make a cardboard template of the inner part of the cubby hole as if the door was to be closed on it. transfer that template to a piece of plastic and cut it to fit then cut the holes for the gauges so that they are recessed in the cubby hole so they dont stick out so far then do as mentioned and use fiberglass cloth and resin to fill in the gaps. i would post pics of what im talking about but they are currently on my phone. im in the process of making another custom center console for the car.

pic of current setup. hard to tell but the gauges are recessed in the cubby hole
http://a.imageshack.us/img684/5749/img7563t.jpg

[nate23232323]

pic of current setup. hard to tell but the gauges are recessed in the cubby hole
http://a.imageshack.us/img684/5749/img7563t.jpg[/QUOTE]

Show off.... :P

[themuffinman]

Show off.... :P

We're all jealous.