Plaster Cast of Console

[launieg]

I was looking at Racy Dave's photos: http://flickr.com/photos/wwwfiatspidercom/

and was intrigued by the plaster casting of the forward center console. Dave, I don't see that console in the finished car photos (carpeted instead?). What was the plan, did it work? Was the dash done similarly, or painted?

You see, I'm a sucker for spending all my time trying to do something that would be cheaper and better if I just bought new parts It's the satisfaction of DIY.

So if anyone has a proven method of reproducing/repairing interior plastic components (center console, front and back, dash, doors, I'd appreciate the advice.

[Danno]

I'm attempting to avoid the center console cap. If this doesn't work then I'll be buing all new parts because I think this piece is unsalvageable after this project. the plan is to relocate the fan switch to the dash and smooth the entire thing out and HOPEFULLY paint it the same color as the car body. Otherwise it gets a vinyl texture spray on it and painted to match the interior. This picture is after one coat of bondo/resin mix, I've since sanded and am going to apply one more thin coat to sand and then minor filling before a final sand and paint.

[launieg]

Great Dan. That's what I want to do. Be sure to post a photo when it is done. I'll be watching for it. I can appreciate your creativity and independence/stubborness.

[mbouse]

i'll bet your wife loves all that dust on her living room floor too.

danno....you needa garage.

[Danno]

i'll bet your wife loves all that dust on her living room floor too.

danno....you needa garage.

Mike, That dust is resting on MY living room floor. (P.S. Don't tell Beth I said that.) (P.P.S. I DO need a garage)

[mdrburchette]

How much is that thing going to weigh when it's done? At least it sits in the center of the car.

[Danno]

How much is that thing going to weigh when it's done? At least it sits in the center of the car.

Right now I'm guessing about 200lbs (not really). It really is quite heavy, and I keep thinking that every time I move it. this should not be considered a "performance Mod", that's for sure... I was hoping no one would bring weight up, lol. I'll weigh it when I'm finished.

[ventura ace]

I would be worried about cracks forming in the plaster. I'm not very familiar with the materials, but isn't the bondo fairly rigid? What happens when you need to wiggle it a little, or spread the base out slightly to fit it over the carpet during installation. Will it hold up to a little flexing without cracking? That would be bad news after all the time and effort put in to make it nice.

Alvon

[Danno]

I would be worried about cracks forming in the plaster. I'm not very familiar with the materials, but isn't the bondo fairly rigid? What happens when you need to wiggle it a little, or spread the base out slightly to fit it over the carpet during installation. Will it hold up to a little flexing without cracking? That would be bad news after all the time and effort put in to make it nice.

Alvon

Mine is made with bondo and with fiberglass resin as a thinning agent. it is fairly flexible, but not near as much as the plastic that the piece was originally made of. So I have to be a little gentle with it, but not to the point that it's a huge deal. The thinner it is the more likely it is to crack, I'm trying to keep it thin (for weight) and this is a slight concern.

[So Cal Mark]

why not synthetic marble or granite? that would be indestructible

[Danno]

no comment.