Interior Panels

[wisc47]

Has anyone ever replaced the interior panels with custom ones? I considered aluminum ones for a while and then thought about replacing the wood interior dash panels with plastic ones done in the same red color (or at least similar color) as the outside of my car. This, I suppose, would require going to a plastic fabricating company who will do custom stuff for customers and using the original dash pieces as templates. What do you all think?

[azruss]

are you talking about dash panels, door panels....specifics, please

[wisc47]

Sorry, yeah dash panels and consol panels. For example the trim around the gauge, glove box, warning lights, all that stuff.

[azruss]

since those are all flat panels, you can use most anything. the only requirement is thickness for the thread insert on the glove box hinge. If you use a brittle material like acrylic it can crack easily in the narrow passages. Also, acrylic will craze in the sunlight. If you go that way, ask about UV stabilized material.

[georgeramos]

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=17691

look at this thread. these aluminum panels are beautiful and i think if you painted or powdercoated them the exterior color it would be awesome!! The work he's been doing for/with the kids is amazing. It sounds like he has some sets left at this time if you act fast!

George

[74ausfiat]

i just ordered the metal panels listed above. if you end up wanting a different look you can modify the metal, or have a perfect template if you want to cover it with a wood vinyl. and he'll even modify the gauge layout if you want!

seriously. at 100 bucks. cant loose!

[basarabam]

Thanks for the recommendation on the panels we made. I do have some precut and can also alter the layout if desired. Very easy to either powder coat or wet paint to color match.

The glove box door on this setup bolts with thru holes from the outside. Using .125" thick material doesn't allow for the inserts. I have the whole kit which includes the dash full or partial and the counsel piece for around the gear shift plus the piece the lighter mounts in under the radio.