Building new dash for 2001 FW Horizon 180

ric · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:32 am

UV stable CF veneer with 3M backing is cheap... I did a few test run on some gauges this weekend and they really look good. I'll show mine hopefully this week.

http://dragonplate.com/ecart/categories.asp?cID=12

Wet Doggg · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 11:15 am **Posts:** 682

Wet Doggg wrote:

So could you not tap your new speedo into the existing? I will need to be doing this in the next year or so as my trim gauge is never accurate and I know I am on borrowed time. Your dash area that you are replacing seems to be a little bigger than mine.

Finally had a chance to do some measuring and I am in a tough spot. That panel you can see where my VDO gauge cluster is very small. Going to need to find two combo gauges that include everything except maybe a depth gauge for it to even have a chance at working. So far, I have not found any gauges that function the way I need as well as look ascetically pleasing.

Graham R · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:59 am

Can you not make up a panel that fits further out than the original VDO cluster, but with it's edges still within the metallic plastic surround; ? That way the panel will get bigger. Also, the insruments would be further out, I always thought they were set too far into the dash on my 225 Sundowner, I couldn't see all of them when standing up.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:07 am

There's various types of gauges out there in the world. Faria and VDO are no more water proof then any thing else sold. (as in, they're not).

Check out something like Dakota Digital
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/ ... /cat69.htm

I bet you could call them and have them reprogram the odometer to an hour meter.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:43 am

Graham R wrote:

Can you not make up a panel that fits further out than the original VDO cluster, but with it's edges still within the metallic plastic surround; ? That way the panel will get bigger. Also, the insruments would be further out, I always thought they were set too far into the dash on my 225 Sundowner, I couldn't see all of them when standing up.

It can be done. But not easily....

Before:

After:

Under construction.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:47 am

^ WOW! That looks better then factory!

Wet Doggg · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 11:15 am **Posts:** 682

That "after" picture is the dash Four Winns used to sell as a plug and play. I think St. Louis Dave bought one. It is no longer manufactured. Heck, I even have been looking for just the panels without the gauges and have had no luck. Somebody out there owns the vac form tool...but have had no luck finding out who that is.

captkevin · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:29 am

You could get someone to water jet or laser cut a thin sheet of sheet metal into the panel. Wouldn't be that hard. We used to have a laser a work & did several projects like that. Unfortunately we no longer have a laser but I could give you a couple of names in the Chicago area but you should be able to find someone close to home. It would not be a big deal. Shouldn't cost more than $100. Y

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:06 pm

captkevin wrote:

You could get someone to water jet or laser cut a thin sheet of sheet metal into the panel. Wouldn't be that hard. We used to have a laser a work & did several projects like that. Unfortunately we no longer have a laser but I could give you a couple of names in the Chicago area but you should be able to find someone close to home. It would not be a big deal. Shouldn't cost more than $100. Y

WD, if you are interested in the laser possibility, let me know.

elhippie64 · **Joined:** Wed May 07, 2008 2:59 pm **Posts:** 25

That replacement panel look great...
As for making one, has anyone tried wrapping the outer face of the og panel with fleece material and soaking it with fiberglass resin like the molded speaker boxes are made???

Wet Doggg · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 11:15 am **Posts:** 682

The thin metal panel is not a bad idea at all. Wonder of I could pull the plastic/gray panel off and make a template from that. Would just need to figure out how to fasten it.

Thanks captkevin and Capn Morgan...but I do have access to some places that could get the piece cut if I gave them the file.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:44 pm

I can get you in touch with a vac form shop, he does anything/everything. You'll have to make a mold or he will have to make it of course. I used to have a shop many years ago next door.

Vac Form Products
3867741700

Wet Doggg · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 11:15 am **Posts:** 682

Thanks...but we have a small vac form operation as part of my company and have some much larger local facilities we work closely with if needed. The tool for a piece that size is outrageous. Hence the effort to find the place that has/had the tool already built or coming up with a different solution.

captkevin · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:30 pm

As long as it fit good you could use some heavy duty velcro. Or you might be able to put in a few screws around the perimeter that you could cover up with some trim.

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:36 pm

Yeah that curved section will be tougher than my flat one.

How about plastic bagging and taping that area to protect it, then taking craft paper and laying it in there to take the shape. Cut to fit until it is a perfect match. Then lightly resin it to create and hold the shape. Remove it when dry and add more resin and possibly some fiberglass and you have a mold that can be used as a backing to add a thicker plywood veneer in very thin sheets until you have a 1/4 inch or so panel. Then drill the gauge holes and cover with your choice of material.
That is what I might try before spending a ton of money. Should be fairly cheap but may be time consuming.
Just a thought
Rob

www.iFourWinns.com

Building new dash for 2001 FW Horizon 180

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