Finishing your roadster dash, but not with the kit's vinyl

[Stangrob]

Evening gents,

I'm looking at options for finishing the dash of my 289 roadster other than the included padded vinyl. I'm seriously looking at a textured powder coating, but what else did you guys come up with? I'd love to see some pictures, and if you went the powder coating route I'd be very interested in your reaction to the finish.

BTW attached is the pic that got me going down this particular rabbit hole...

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Rob

[gbranham]

I also skipped the kit vinyl, as it was a bit too padded for my taste. I went to a local craft store, and hit the fabric section. There were plenty of choices. Here's mine.

Greg

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[Shamilton289]

I also skipped the kit vinyl, as it was a bit too padded for my taste. I went to a local craft store, and hit the fabric section. There were plenty of choices. Here's mine.

Greg

223422223423223424

I believe that is what is referred to as a “camera case” finish. It’s what I plan on using for mine also.

[Grubester]

Rats! On my Mk4 289 I was planning on using the FFR "padded" vinyl. I did want a bit of a recessed look... is it really too much? I haven't looked at the dashboard w/vinyl installed yet...
Without any padding at all the gages seemed to look too flat. With padded vinyl it has a slightly retro look or maybe a more plush look. I know, we have to make these aesthetic choices ourselves (still, feedback is good).

[cv2065]

Rats! On my Mk4 289 I was planning on using the FFR "padded" vinyl. I did want a bit of a recessed look... is it really too much? I haven't looked at the dashboard w/vinyl installed yet...
Without any padding at all the gages seemed to look too flat. With padded vinyl it has a slightly retro look or maybe a more plush look. I know, we have to make these aesthetic choices ourselves (still, feedback is good).

I was good with the padded on my first build. Not too plush and easy to work with. Wore nicely as well. The carbon fiber dash is amazing though. Really brings the look to another level.

[Higgybulin]

How about carbon fiber vinyl wrap....
223432
Or...you can peel the padding off the back of the Factory Five stuff and just use the vinyl. Comes right off. A bunch of people have done that but I don't have a picture. You could also try that first and if you don't like it, you are out nothing. Sand the dash and start again.
Higgy

[CDXXVII]

I went with leather and a very thin closed cell foam from McMaster (I believe it was 1/16" thick). I was also trying to avoid the "puffy" look. I love how it turned out.


http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/267417d1473136728-show-your-dash-dash-box-closed.jpg

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-roadsters/267425d1473136739-show-your-dash-dash-box-opened.jpg

[Joel Hauser]

Keep in mind that in some States you may have to have a padded dash and padded sun visors at the time of initial titling and registration. I believe that is a requirement in New York State, for instance.

[CraigS]

Never having own a Cobra I did however have a lot of MGs, and Sprites back in the 60s. Also had friends w/ all the other common British sports cars. What I remember most is either the unpadded vinyl (which was trying to the emulate leather on more expensive cars) or black wrinkle paint. I have tried wrinkle paint myself and it is tough to get right. It requires perfectly even coats so the amount of wrinkle is the same over the entire dash. I think that once you find a vinyl you like it would be the easiest to get a great job with. I really like gbranham's vinyl.

[Papa]

I'd caution going with a rough textured finish as it will be difficult to keep clean over the long haul. I just did my Coupe instrument panel in a high-end carbon fiber wrap and really like the look if it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222525&d=1765058254

[Bob 5.0]

To me it's all about what your taste is and what your going to use your car for ! Track road use or show car ! I'm just using mine for cruising and having fun with it. So I went a little more on the nice look !

[tnt_motorsports]

How about carbon fiber vinyl wrap....
223432
Or...you can peel the padding off the back of the Factory Five stuff and just use the vinyl. Comes right off. A bunch of people have done that but I don't have a picture. You could also try that first and if you don't like it, you are out nothing. Sand the dash and start again.
Higgy

I peeled the padding off my FFR vinyl. As you stated it was pretty easy. I like it, since it is way less padded this way.

[Mike.Bray]

I did the carbon fiber wrap and was happy with it.

223434

223435

There's also hydrodipping you could check out.

[cv2065]

Mike’s looks as good as the one that comes with the kit. Whichever you choose, just remember it’s pretty much the centerpiece of the car and any flaws like wrinkled material, screws showing through, wrong sized holes, etc., makes an impact on the entire car and can affect the resale value if you think about those kind of things.

[OB6]

I went with leather and a very thin closed cell foam from McMaster (I believe it was 1/16" thick). I was also trying to avoid the "puffy" look. I love how it turned out.

I've admired your dash before, and it's what I'm planning to do, but I'm not sure I have the confidence to tackle it myself.

[ProfessorB]

ROSEWOOD: About 15 years ago, I had a Triumph TR6 and it needed a new dash. There was a guy that made them and sold them on Ebay. He would list and show a pic of the actual dash you would be buying. I believe he also sold "blanks" of rosewood you could buy and make your own if it was for something other than an MG or Triumph.

[rickster991]

Carbon fiber wrap for me. I added wood accent as it was too monotone all in carbon fiber for my liking. Good news is it’s easy to change.

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[AC Bill]

I've always been satisfied with how my dash looks with the FFR supplied padded vinyl. It has stood up to the test of time very well (15 years now), and still looks like new. Hundreds of builders used it, and I've never heard a complaint about it.

Perhaps FFR changed the material they supply nowadays?

[Stangrob]

I've always been satisfied with how my dash looks with the FFR supplied padded vinyl. It has stood up to the test of time very well (15 years now), and still looks like new. Hundreds of builders used it, and I've never heard a complaint about it.

Perhaps FFR changed the material they supply nowadays?

Bill,

There’s nothing wrong with the vinyl - I’m just looking at other options. I just can’t leave well enough alone ;)

Rob

[Ejzajac]

Sources for high quality carbon fiber wrap?
Ed Z

[Papa]

Sources for high quality carbon fiber wrap?
Ed Z

This is what I bought:

https://a.co/d/fvotfr2

Lots of options out there.

[rickster991]

Same:

https://a.co/d/4YQ4LRA

https://a.co/d/857FQe6

I actually used it on the roof of my track car and it’s been on there for 2 years…

[rich grsc]

I guess I just don't get the whole fanboy "carbon fiber" thing?

[gbranham]

I guess I just don't get the whole fanboy "carbon fiber" thing?

To me, it's an evolution of engine turning/machine turning. Neither appeal to me, but I can appreciate folks' desire to do something different.

Greg

[cv2065]

I guess I just don't get the whole fanboy "carbon fiber" thing?

Love it for the dash and small accents, but not for something large like a hood, scoop, etc., unless the entire car is primarily carbon fiber. One exception might be the Superlite SLC. The carbon fiber exterior accents are done well but the actual build process to get there is abysmal.

[Grubester]

CDXXVII: I'm distracted by your glove box... your construction? Where did the hinges and clasp come from? Did you fab the box itself? It's exactly the look I want, though mine will be shallow due to the heater. (I do have a 2" forward firewall)

[Jeff Kleiner]

Another way of thinking...I did this ona customer car a few years ago.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223476&d=1767290953

Jeff


223476

[cc2Arider]

Hi Rob,

I have chosen a black crinkle-coated finish for my dash (I like it too)...but not for the entire surface...to each his own :)

If you are concerned about the "even" finish, I'd suggest going to a reputable Powder-Coater. Also, there are techniques which can add a satin top-coat so that you may wipe it clean "easier" than if you had to try on a "real" painted surface. If I were more web-savvy, I'd embed a link to my build thread...but alas I'm not :rolleyes: You can search for "Angelina" and if you go to the last post and go backwards, you'll see what I'm doing -- good luck!

Craig C

[BEAR-AvHistory]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216694&d=1753292829

Local fabric store black Naugahyde over thin foam. Dash, tunnel & lower console.

[Stangrob]

Hi Rob,

I have chosen a black crinkle-coated finish for my dash (I like it too)...but not for the entire surface...to each his own :)

If you are concerned about the "even" finish, I'd suggest going to a reputable Powder-Coater. Also, there are techniques which can add a satin top-coat so that you may wipe it clean "easier" than if you had to try on a "real" painted surface. If I were more web-savvy, I'd embed a link to my build thread...but alas I'm not :rolleyes: You can search for "Angelina" and if you go to the last post and go backwards, you'll see what I'm doing -- good luck!

Craig C

I've been following your build thread but I'm a bit behind, so I missed your dash work. The way you're finishing the dash with leather and powder coating is very unique and very cool. I like it.

And yes, the powder coating finish you picked is pretty much what I'm envisioning as well. And the notion of covering it with a semi-gloss finish to make it easier to keep clean is brilliant.

Rob

[ProfessorB]

223541

Found of pic of the rosewood dash....

[phileas_fogg]

I used 3M's 1080 vinyl wrap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058DIDTY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_1.

It's holding up really well.


John

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[Al_C]

A little late here, but what the heck...

I've had two different dashboards on my MK IV. The first was a cherry veneer that I stained and finished with a high gloss marine urethane. It was OK, but the feedback I got was less than great. So I scrapped that and went with leather over an 1/8" padding. It looks better and has lasted very well. No photos because you can pretty much envision what a black leather dash looks like. (see CDXXVII's post above...)

I like the look of the carbon fiber dash, and I still like the look of a wood dash, just not on my car. I think the idea of a powder coated dash is intriguing. You probably know this, but on the off-chance that you don't, if you have the pre-drilled dash, the holes will be sized to accommodate padding along with the gauge. If you don't have padding you'll need something (O-rings are an option) to take up the slack.

[Stangrob]

I just ordered a bunch of powder coat swatches from Prismatic. I did the same thing to help pick the color of the engine bay. For about $10 shipping you can pick ten different colors. Definitely helps ;)

I will say the leather also looks great. It’s great to have choices. As was mentioned earlier, the dash is the centerpiece of your car, so you want to get it right.

Rob

[narly1]

I'm surprised that nobody has suggested hydro dipping.

Earl

[rickshank]

For those that did vinyl wrap - looks like 5’ is the standard width (and 1' long) and the dash a a bit wider. Did you butt a seam up or buy the 6x5 size? I can't imagine I'd do a good job of butting a seam of patterned vinyl up like wallpaper.

(edit:typos)

[jeffbob]

Custom Dashboard we Designed & Built - Flat Matt Black Powder Coat Finish.223683

[phileas_fogg]

For those that did vinyl wrap - looks like 5’ is the standard width (and 1' long) and the dash a a bit wider. Did you butt a seam up or buy the 6x5 size? I can't imagine I'd do a good job of butting a seam of patterned vinyl up like wallpaper.

(edit:typos)

I just used the 5' length, and left a few inches bare on either side. Because the aluminum rolls back, the bare ends can't be seen. I had trim a handful of inches off the right side of the dash to get proper fit anyway, and that helped minimize what is left uncovered. Unless something has changed, you'll probably be trimming as well.


John

[Stangrob]

Custom Dashboard we Designed & Built - Flat Matt Black Powder Coat Finish.223683

Hardcore - nice....

Rob

[nashuanuke]

223688
I opted for wood, used a veneer, poly and spar varnish.

[Stangrob]

Well, I got my samples back from Prismatic - they have some very cool options. At this point I'm pretty sure I'll be going with a powder coat finish. Being able to lay out a bunch of choices sure makes it a lot easier to pick a winner. Right now I'm going between Desert Night Black and Granite Black.

Rob

https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PWS-2859/desert-nite-black
https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PTB-2486/granite-black

[vtullomk4]

I went with 3M CARBON fiber with zebra wood veneer pods to break up the space. Trans tunnel and door match
Vince
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[Al_C]

Well, I got my samples back from Prismatic - they have some very cool options. At this point I'm pretty sure I'll be going with a powder coat finish. Being able to lay out a bunch of choices sure makes it a lot easier to pick a winner. Right now I'm going between Desert Night Black and Granite Black.

Rob

https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PWS-2859/desert-nite-black
https://www.prismaticpowders.com/shop/powder-coating-colors/PTB-2486/granite-black

These two are pretty darn close, but I'd vote for the desert night black.

[BrewCityCobra]

I've admired your dash before, and it's what I'm planning to do, but I'm not sure I have the confidence to tackle it myself.

To the extent it helps, I too tried to mirror CDXXVII's dash and have a few posts in my thread on how I did it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?38979-The-Brew-City-Cobra-427W-IRS-Rear-Wheel-Well-Vinyl&p=534862&viewfull=1#post534862

The 30k foot view is that the padding, leather, and layout isnt too bad difficulty wise - the difficulty comes with the glovebox. Making the box, and specifically making the hinge/door fit is the hardest part. If you do not include a glovebox it is a pretty easy project.

[NJMike]

Rob,

Either finish will look great! Will you also be powder coating your engine compartment panels?

[NJMike]

vtullomka...I love your zebra wood, that's a real custom look.

[Stangrob]

Mike,

Yep! I found a good shade of silver that I’m going with. I’m hoping to have the panels prepped and sent out next week

Rob

[NJMike]

Rob,

Sounds like you are making good progress. I just took delivery last night...now the inventory begins.

Mike

[Wingman06]

I went with the Brown's Customs modular dash so the factory covering really wasn't an option. I used the satin black crinkle powder coat and I am very very happy with the result. Honestly I don't think the picture does it justice.223865

[Stangrob]

Rob,

Sounds like you are making good progress. I just took delivery last night...now the inventory begins.

Mike

Congratulations! Now the fun really starts!!!

Rob

[Stangrob]

I went with the Brown's Customs modular dash so the factory covering really wasn't an option. I used the satin black crinkle powder coat and I am very very happy with the result. Honestly I don't think the picture does it justice.223865

That looks great!

Rob

[JPFinger]

223688
I opted for wood, used a veneer, poly and spar varnish.

I like the idea of using wood veneer also.What type of adhesive was used and what type of wood?

[NJMike]

Wingman, I really like your dash, did you apply the Browns Custom Modular Dash to a FFR blank dash or the cut out dash?