View Full Version : Working on my dash/revelation
While trying to cut the small holes for switches an indicator lights I found that a red hot ice pick or awl heated with a propane torch does a beautiful job! First smoke
Presto51
06-04-2015, 05:24 PM
While trying to cut the small holes for switches an indicator lights I found that a red hot ice pick or awl heated with a propane torch does a beautiful job First smoke
Did I miss something here :confused: Or
Did the dash go up in smoke :rolleyes:
Ron
May not be tire smoke but it makes a little smoke as you carve the foam and vinyl
edwardb
06-04-2015, 06:50 PM
What you're describing works great for the carpet, and I documented in my Mk4 build thread using a heated nail to open the holes in the carpet. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=181360&viewfull=1#post181360
For the dash, though, I would be real careful. I actually prefer to have the holes slightly oversize (e.g. the thickness of the vinyl) and then just cut pie slices where the holes are and push the triangles through the hole and glue on the backside. Then push the switch, light, instrument, etc. through. Most of the components don't have a large lip to cover a raw edge if it were to pull away from the cutout.
TouchStone
06-04-2015, 07:33 PM
If you want a bigger hole you could try heating up one end of a thin metal pipe. Or even better you could make custom shapes out of sheet metal, like a cookie cutter.
DaleG
06-04-2015, 10:22 PM
I'm with edwardb; just cut pie slices in the material covering the hole and wrestle the gauge, light, whatever into the hole. Nice firm fit.
Scud67
06-05-2015, 05:21 AM
I just used a stepped drill bit - went right through without any issues. I went from the back of the dash (slowly) and the stepped bit did not tear the dash cover at all. It leaves
enough material for a "snug fit" of the switches and lights.
Well guys that all sounds good how ever the dash pad that I received from FF5 has a very high density foam and I tried to put it thru the holes with the gauges no go I then tried to scarf off some of the foam from a scrap piece with mixed results. That is when I went to the hot awl trick and it turned out perfect Thanks for all your input I was just describing what worked really well for me.
Just my two cents. For the larger holes which are for the instruments I cut the hole about 2mm larger to accomodate the pie shaped cuts. I did use the backing and vinyl from Alex which I found a lot nicer and thinner foam than FFR. For the switch holes I heated a coat hanger with butane. At least that is what my mentor used. Worked great and left clean hole for switches.