Design, Moulds & Manufacture
To get a dash board that was as similar as possible to the originals, required designing first designing the dash using the many photos available, and working with the CAD model of the windscreen hoop. Once the surface designs were completed, I designed a wood template frame that slotted together, and formed the basis of the dash board mould. We then filled the sections between the wood templates, and smoothed the surface to be able to lay-up and take a flash off this mould. And finally we made a 15mm soft wood frame for the lower edge of the passenger side of the IP as required by IVA.
But overall the finished dash board looks excellent and very representative of the original cars.
Dashboard - 1st and 2nd Fit
This is the first splash to be taken from the buck which was made from the CAD models I designed. We needed to make sure that the dash fitted to the screen hoop correctly. As we had to modify the screen hoop early on to fit to the bodyshell correctly, then I had to revise the screen hoop in CAD. So I was always a little concerned that the dash would not fit the screen hoop, but it fitted very well with a 5mm gap.
We are going to use this dash for the prototype, so have prepared the A-side to give a smooth finish and painted in matt black, but eventually will be wrapped in matt black Alcantara once we have cut for the gauges and switches. On the left, we have 4 gauges, oil pressure and temp, fuel, and volts. And the ignition switch in a similar position to the original cars, just have to drill the key! Also the first time I have had the dash fitted with both seats. I was worried that I might not be able to get my knees past the LHS dash panel to sit in the pass seat, but managed to squeeze in, and I'm 5ft 10.5inches (or 1.8m). And can just tuck my size 10 (45 in EU) feet over to the left, so they clear the pedals for the driver.
