FFR Vinyl Dash

[chmhasy]

A couple of weeks ago I stop by FFR to pick up a radiator. Base build, I am that point that I need one“ I live in CT so its about a 2 hour drive” While I was there I also picked up the Vinyl Dash on a whim. “I wanted a glove box and did not want to invest in the effort of building or adding a bought one to the aluminum dash. I liked the idea of the vinyl Dash and that It had a glove box already built into it. So I pulled the trigger. After I got home, I noticed that it did not come with instructions. So I promptly went on the FFR parts site as they post pdf installation instructions. I found the vinyl dash link and click on it and to my dismay. I got a “404 Not Found” error. They still need to fix this! Anyways, I do like the dash and I like the look of the dash with all the gauges in it. Very well done! “In my humble opinion” except for the door of the glove box. This is a great idea but poorly executed. So here is what I came up with to improve my dash. I have a Aluminum dash that I will not be using anymore so I decided to cut it up. First I decided to use the old aluminum dash as a backing to stiffing up the vinyl dash. Second when I cut out the glove box area I would re-purpose the aluminum from that area to help the dash door.

So I made a template that would fit into the dash door, I routed out the dash aluminum to fit into the door drilled out the mounting holes. added vinyl and attached it to the door

[chmhasy]

aluminum behind Vinyl dash

[chmhasy]

Sorry if Pictures are out of order, its my first time posting pictures.

[chmhasy]

Oh here is my final template

70990

[bil1024]

Nice

[jwebb]

Oh here is my final template

70990

So you reinforced the glove compartment door with the aluminum and used the remaining aluminum to reinforce the complete vinyl dash? I just have the vinyl dash and thought it could use some reinforcement!

[chmhasy]

So you reinforced the glove compartment door with the aluminum and used the remaining aluminum to reinforce the complete vinyl dash? I just have the vinyl dash and thought it could use some reinforcement!

Yes, when I got my kit, FF did not offer the Vinyl dash.

I see you are in Longmeadow. I work in Enfield

[JRL16]

I did basically the same with my dash/glove box. FFR told me to glue the hinge to the inside of the door. I don't think that is enough surface area for the adhesive with the amount of use the door gets. So I cut an insert for the door face like you did and used the adhesive recommended to hold that to the entire door. Only difference is I riveted the hinges to the insert and filed them down a bit. Gives it a nice strong look and feel. Wish it would have come with a door pull behind the lock button. I fixed that by putting in a medicine cabinet like push to open cylinder there. Works great.

[chmhasy]

JRL16 , Do you have a picture of the pushbutton?

[JRL16]

Sorry, no pics. I'm a little tech challenged. A lot according to my wife. Bless her heart. More of a nuts and bolts guy. The push button cylinders are standard medicine cabinet hardware for a hinged mirror or the like. Couple of bucks at most. Attached one to the top next to the lock closest to center. Nothing on the door since it is somewhat of a friction fit. Just push the door in at top and the cylinder pushes the door out about a half inch. Closes same way.

[Papa]

Has anyone used something like this?

https://www.mcmaster.com/#1219a82/=18nnr0v

I'd love to have a push button latch that I can still lock if I want to. I just don't like the black plastic and haven't found one in chrome or stainless anywhere.

[edwardb]

Has anyone used something like this?

https://www.mcmaster.com/#1219a82/=18nnr0v

I'd love to have a push button latch that I can still lock if I want to. I just don't like the black plastic and haven't found one in chrome or stainless anywhere.

Do a search for VW 111857131L Glove Box Lock with keys. Really nice glovebox button. Learned about it from another forum member and used it on my last build. I found one on eBay. They're available elsewhere as well. In the $20 - 25 range. Looks like this:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Instrument%20Panel/th_IMG_3847_zpstdljgw2n.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Instrument%20Panel/IMG_3847_zpstdljgw2n.jpg.html)

To the OP, nice job fixing up that plastic dash and glovebox. One come with my kit and I chose not to use it for the reasons you mention plus I really wanted a competition layout. But you did good. ;)

[chmhasy]

Anyone have some pictures of the vinyl dash being install on the frame and how much over hang does the dash have?

[JRL16]

No overhang of the dash tube in the middle and about 3/8 inch on each edge.

[chmhasy]

Thank you

[Papa]

Do a search for VW 111857131L Glove Box Lock with keys. Really nice glovebox button. Learned about it from another forum member and used it on my last build. I found one on eBay. They're available elsewhere as well. In the $20 - 25 range. Looks like this:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Instrument%20Panel/th_IMG_3847_zpstdljgw2n.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Instrument%20Panel/IMG_3847_zpstdljgw2n.jpg.html)

To the OP, nice job fixing up that plastic dash and glovebox. One come with my kit and I chose not to use it for the reasons you mention plus I really wanted a competition layout. But you did good. ;)

Thanks, Paul. The only thing that would make it better is if it were round. I just picked one up off of eBay for $15.49 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GLOVE-BOX-LOCK-Fits-Beetle-52-67-Dunebuggy-VW-/112302704204?hash=item1a25c3464c:g:kAwAAOSwA3dYk6L D&vxp=mtr) with free shipping.

Dave