Custom Wood Dash Panels

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Enzotessi
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2011 6:36 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby Enzotessi » Mon Mar 13, 2017 10:02 pm

Hi everyone!

It has come the time that I'm able to work a bit on my fiat and right now what I want to do is to get a new set of wood dash panels. Since I cannot find any with the wood finish of my desire, I started to look for dimensions and/or templates. I cannot really just go and measure mine because some bits are broken and I don't want to try and guess it and maybe get it right.

I have searched quite a bit but I couldn't find anyone with a template. My dash panels have 6 holes and the middle part has 4 warning lights.

Cheers!

gchocevar
Posts: 108
Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:40 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Pininfarina 2000
Location: Cleveland Ohio USA

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby gchocevar » Sat Mar 18, 2017 5:25 pm

Hi,

I might be able to help you. I started this project by cutting the parts out of 1/4-inch (6.3mm) finished plywood. I eventually gave up because of the modifications required in the center panel. These two pieces of factory wood laminate are about 2mm thick. The laminate for the dash and glove box is about 5mm thick.

Send me your address at hocev@hotmail.com and I will send you a template of the dash and glove box.

Greg

baltobernie
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Posts: 3466
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:00 pm
Your car is a: 1973 Spider [sold]
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby baltobernie » Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:43 pm

Not only do you need to get the correct gauge layout for your project, you also must ensure that the pattern matches your dash openings. Some cars have had caps installed, some dashes have swollen or shifted a bit. In short, the best way to get a great result is to make your own patterns. I'd suggest taking Greg up on his offer, but cutting some foam or fiberboard (of the finished thickness) a little big, and trimming to fit your car. Transfer this template to your final wood stock.

basarabam
Posts: 141
Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:56 am
Your car is a: 1980 Spyder 2000
Location: Alabama
Contact:

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby basarabam » Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:57 pm

I made the 2D Models for these by using a CMM in our inspection department. I cut mine from aluminum on a waterjet.

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I made several different versions. OEM gauges, Autometer, 2 piece, 3 piece, etc etc.

Here is a polished version. The first was a brushed finish. I used to have pictures with the gauges installed but not sure where those went.

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Matthew Basaraba

1980 Fiat Spider 2000

architect
Posts: 321
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2016 9:48 am
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat Spider
Location: Austin, Texas

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby architect » Thu Aug 17, 2017 11:28 am

I decided to delete the entire panel too... and relocated my hazard switch under the dash. I think its much simpler and cleaner...

Ha, just realized how small my steering wheel looks! :wink:

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78 Fiat 124

MykeNytemare
Posts: 43
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2019 3:38 pm
Your car is a: 1977 Spider

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby MykeNytemare » Sun Feb 17, 2019 4:20 pm

basarabam wrote:I made the 2D Models for these by using a CMM in our inspection department. I cut mine from aluminum on a waterjet.

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Why aren't you selling those? LOL! Super nice looking!


I made several different versions. OEM gauges, Autometer, 2 piece, 3 piece, etc etc.

Here is a polished version. The first was a brushed finish. I used to have pictures with the gauges installed but not sure where those went.

Image

PaulC
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Posts: 265
Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:04 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Maine

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby PaulC » Mon Feb 18, 2019 1:43 pm

I refinished mine with cherry veneer then never used them because I put in a California dash instead. Still available.

MykeNytemare
Posts: 43
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2019 3:38 pm
Your car is a: 1977 Spider

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby MykeNytemare » Wed Feb 20, 2019 9:34 am

would love to see the california dash you installed!

TX82FIAT
Posts: 1814
Joined: Mon May 03, 2010 11:04 am
Your car is a: 82 Fiat Spider 2000 CSO
Location: San Antonio

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby TX82FIAT » Wed Feb 20, 2019 4:14 pm

Love the look of the polished aluminum. Does it reflect sun back on you and your eyes? A cherry wood with a leather wrapped dash is an awesome look.
Buon giro a tutti! - enjoy the ride!

82 Fiat Spider 2000
03 BMW M3
07 Chevy Suburban

PaulC
Patron 2022
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Posts: 265
Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:04 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Maine

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby PaulC » Wed Feb 20, 2019 7:39 pm

Our California dash

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Still need to add the custom dash cover that was just delivered to finish off some of the edges.

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RRoller123
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Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby RRoller123 » Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:36 am

That is really nice!
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle

PaulC
Patron 2022
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Posts: 265
Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:04 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Maine

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby PaulC » Thu Feb 21, 2019 11:19 am

The lower portion looks black in the picture but is really a British racing green to match the car body.

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v6spider
Posts: 1035
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 6:57 pm
Your car is a: 4.3L V6 Powered 1972 124 FIAT Spider
Location: Mount Vernon WA

Re: Custom Wood Dash Panels

Postby v6spider » Tue Jul 09, 2019 6:07 pm

basarabam wrote:I made the 2D Models for these by using a CMM in our inspection department. I cut mine from aluminum on a waterjet.

Image



I made several different versions. OEM gauges, Autometer, 2 piece, 3 piece, etc etc.

Here is a polished version. The first was a brushed finish. I used to have pictures with the gauges installed but not sure where those went.

Image

Nicely done basaram! I did the same years ago!
Here's my custom Polished Aluminum Dash. The gauges were what cost. I am currently installing a FITech TBI based EFI system on my Custom installed Chevy 4.3L V6 that has over 300hp.
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Cheers! 8)
Rob
http://www.v6spider.com
4.3L V6 Powered 1972 124 FIAT Spider


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