Filling gaps in dash?

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

I've got a thread on DIY going, but hoping I can get some advice here, too.

My dash looks like this:

Note the horrendous gap. I can pull my h/u further into the dash and get a trim ring, but I hate the look of that. I'd like to build out my dash so that the h/u sits flush with it. I'm not doing a FG install, as I don't have the space or ability to do so at my house. I'm wanting to use epoxy putty or something similar. My main issue is how to mock the dash up to get the ball rolling to begin with?

I can't remove my faceplate, and am not really interested in leaving the h/u in while doing this as it's a $1000 unit. Don't want to take the chance on getting crap on it. I could tape it up well, but would rather just not have to go this route.

So, any advice on building this up? Links to installs that have this process?

Click to read more...

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

Strips of 1/8" abs plastic and some finishing glaze.

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

Can the strips of plastic be bought locally? (auto stores, etc)

I would think putty would be the better choice. Are you saying to build the area up from the back with the plastic pieces, sandwich together, and then mold that? ...

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

The plastic usually comes in sheets like 12"x18". Hobby stores should have it.

Tape up the headunit. Cut strips of plastic to cover gaps between radio and dash. Glue them in place, than take a little filler to mold it together.

 

[MikeyB 5,000+ posts]

40/40 is your friend

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

40/40?

Guys, I've only FG'd once, so I know nothing about customization of panels, etc. You might have to give me a bit of an explanation.

I do appreciate the help, though. thanks

Moke, I got it. Just build out from the inside via LOTS of strips of plastic, up until I get to the out portion, then I'd have to do some bondo/putty work on the top layer, correct?

 

[MikeyB 5,000+ posts]

http://www.levineautoparts.com/dursemplasre.html

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

40/40?
Guys, I've only FG'd once, so I know nothing about customization of panels, etc. You might have to give me a bit of an explanation.

I do appreciate the help, though. thanks

Moke, I got it. Just build out from the inside via LOTS of strips of plastic, up until I get to the out portion, then I'd have to do some bondo/putty work on the top layer, correct?

I would actually just attach one strip (as wide as the gap) to the point of the bezel where you would like it to start. Do this for all four sides. Then glue them while somehow holding the pieces in place. Ca glue works really well for this as it only takes seconds to set. Then use a little filler to blend in with the bezel and where the strips meet each other.

You could build it up like you are talking about but I see no reason to do that.

Let me see if I can find some pics.

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

So, just go around the border of my h/u with strips. Then glue them in place, remove the h/u, and get to using filler, sand, and done?

Yea, pics would be nice. I'm having to visualize this stuff and it ain't easy. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

http://www.caraudiomag.com/technical/caep_0711_tricks_of_the_trade/index.html

 

[ltkenbo 10+ year member]

Or mabye you could use some cardboard to make like a template or outline that way you can see exactly how much needs to be covered. You know like cut the carboard to fit the gaps and cut a hole exactly where you want the headunit to show through and then you can possibly go off that without having to worry about damaging the headunit/screen.