Ever think of making a fiberglass copy of an early dash?

[PSloan]

I've got an early dash with the chrome on it and it's pretty rough. I'm trying to weigh out my options - and I thought about making a glass copy and then wrapping it in hand stitched vinyl or leather like armond did. Does this sound possible to you guys? Or should I pony up the 2 grand to get it restored? Since it's in 3 pieces it seems like it would be alot easier than a 1 piece dash.

[Ian]

Interesting idea. I've often thought about modifying my one-piece dash so it could be removed while leaving the front windshield installed. My vote is to go for it. I might even try and buy a copy from you!

Ian

'76 M2

[Bobby_Digital]

I've also considered this option. I know that fiberglass dashes are made for e30s and I considered cutting one up to fit in the 2002. If you or anyone ends up making one for the 02, put me on the list to buy one!

[Guest Anonymous]

Why not just cover the old one with stitched vinyl/leather? You know it would fit back in nearly perfectly. I, too, will have to deal with this issue, eventually. Although having a pre-covered fiberglass replacement could make the swap a one day job. Commercializing a custom covered replacement dash sounds like an interesting venture for some enterprizing restoration entrepreneur.

________________________

Roger

'72 Malaga

[PSloan]

My dash is pretty fubar'd. It looks like an old set of piano keys. I'd take it all apart - sand it - fill it - then make a good mold. I'm not experienced with fiberglass so it would be a learning experience for me.

[harrym2]

Thats sounds like a good idea . Is your original dash just to far gone to cover in vinyl .

[bmw_jeff]

Patrick, did you get my email about the clutch? Sent via the FAQ yesterday. You probably need to update your email. Please email me directly...

By the way I will be selling a near-mint '67-68 upper dash section eventually. I need to swap the dash out of the car so I'm not sure when it will get done since thats a major job. I'm planning on putting it on eBay at the time.

bimmerjeff AT gmail DOT com

[PSloan]

Email sent.

[Shad]

I used long hair fiberglass to repair my old three piece. It had twenty three cracks in it and some sizeable chunks missing. First I soaked the pieces in Marine Clean degreaser to get the years of Armor All out of it, then let it dry, scuff sanded it, drilled 1/4" holes to act as anchors for the long hair fiberglass resin (I'm used to working with concrete), sanded it all into shape, floated some bondo and icing to smooth it out, then painted with primer sealer then automotive paint. I changed the color to RLM Grey to match my race cars paint scheme but if you used black primer/sealer you'd have nearly a spot on perfect stock look. I also removed the heater controls and glassed in my switch panel, MC, and a vent. Came out pretty nice and looks a whole lot better than where I started and didn't cost me the crazy amounts they ask on ebay for nice replacement three piece dashes.

I've easily got about sixty hours into the process of repairing the old one, but given the customization and low cost of the materials used I consider that a very fair trade off compared to buying a nice one then butchering to fit into a race car...

hth...

-s

[Shad]

some more pics...

[MrNvgtr]

Cahsel.de has something along these lines, but it's certainly more for race car applications. It's nothing stock or nice looking.

[Kidasters]

Hey Pat,

How'd you and the cars fare during the storm? Wondering when I would see you back. We were lucky. Lost power at 3:51 am on Saturday. Lost water on Saturday, and didn't get it back 'till Sunday night. Got power back Monday evening. I was so happy that I did a dance when the power came back.

House did fine. Hid my 330 in a concrete garage 10 blocks from the house (second floor - in the middle).

Worst part - tree cleanup.

[PSloan]

Well, all of my fences fell over and I has the window on my back door explode. I was out of power for 10 days - fron 4pm on friday to 7 pm the next monday. I actually put the audi outside because unlike my e30 and 1600 it has full coverage insurance.

[Kidasters]

Good grief! That stinks. I was standing in front of my front door looking at the wind and green lightning, and then I said "What the hell am I doing!".

Yeah - I have 2 fences down. I just propped them back up for now. It's going to be tough finding fence boards for awhile.

The power part really sucks. We have friends in West U that didn't lose power (they were the exception though), and other friends off of Montrose that just got it back yesterday.

Glad all is OK now.

As always - give me a shout if I can help you with the 1600.

Ken

[PSloan]

I've vowed to start working on it again so I may actually hit you up sometime soon!