How To Make Your Own Dash
Started by
The_Mini_Bug
, Jan 08 2004 09:31 PM
7 replies to this topic
#2
The_Mini_Bug
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Posted 10 January 2004 - 09:44 PM
the instrutions that i got off web with the console template ( i knew i had em)
1) Get down to Homebase and get yourself a sheet of MDF or equivalent, depending on your budget. Ensure the sheet will accomodate the template plus a bit more just in case. Thickness should be about 10mm, depending on how steady your hands are at drilling!!
2) Copy the template onto the wood and cut out. You may want to make the pieces slightly bigger to ensure a tighter fit, and sand/plane down later.
3) After cutting out all the components, you will need to mark a line 2cm in from the edge of each of the side panels so that the central panels lie below the edge of the sides, and not flush. This will make the console look more professional.
4) Next, you will need to lie each central panel piece along the 2cm line you marked out, and plan where the screws will be inserted into the sides of the panels. Ensure you counter sink the heads on the outer sides of the panels so that the screw heads lie flush.
5) After drilling your holes, try to construct the side panel with the inner panels. You should now have 1/2 of your console. Place the other side panel on, and again mark out where to place the screw holes. Mark out and drill.
6) After you've drilled all your holes (take your time, this needs to be perfect!), construct the console and place in your Mini to check the fit. Plane/sand to fit. Check your stereo fits as well. Then try and put the gear stick into each gear. Ensure that it goes in well otherwise it'll pop out during motion. Enlarge the hole as required.
7) OK, so you've got all your panels which fit. You now need to cover them with some sheet vinyl for that leather look. If you don't want to look like a big nancy, ask yer missus/mum to get some from the local fabric shop. Dismantle the console and cover the inners of the side panels and all the central panels individually. After it's glued, re-construct.
8) After you've put all the screws back in, cover the outer sides of the side panels with vinyl. Place back in your Mini and check the fit. It may be a bit of a squeeze but depending on the fit, you may not need to secure it with corner braces. If you do, place them where the console meets the metal bar that runs along the front of the seats.
9) As a final touch, you will need something to cover the top edges of side panels. Try using some of those plastic document spines you can get from Partners or whatever you can find.
1) Get down to Homebase and get yourself a sheet of MDF or equivalent, depending on your budget. Ensure the sheet will accomodate the template plus a bit more just in case. Thickness should be about 10mm, depending on how steady your hands are at drilling!!
2) Copy the template onto the wood and cut out. You may want to make the pieces slightly bigger to ensure a tighter fit, and sand/plane down later.
3) After cutting out all the components, you will need to mark a line 2cm in from the edge of each of the side panels so that the central panels lie below the edge of the sides, and not flush. This will make the console look more professional.
4) Next, you will need to lie each central panel piece along the 2cm line you marked out, and plan where the screws will be inserted into the sides of the panels. Ensure you counter sink the heads on the outer sides of the panels so that the screw heads lie flush.
5) After drilling your holes, try to construct the side panel with the inner panels. You should now have 1/2 of your console. Place the other side panel on, and again mark out where to place the screw holes. Mark out and drill.
6) After you've drilled all your holes (take your time, this needs to be perfect!), construct the console and place in your Mini to check the fit. Plane/sand to fit. Check your stereo fits as well. Then try and put the gear stick into each gear. Ensure that it goes in well otherwise it'll pop out during motion. Enlarge the hole as required.
7) OK, so you've got all your panels which fit. You now need to cover them with some sheet vinyl for that leather look. If you don't want to look like a big nancy, ask yer missus/mum to get some from the local fabric shop. Dismantle the console and cover the inners of the side panels and all the central panels individually. After it's glued, re-construct.
8) After you've put all the screws back in, cover the outer sides of the side panels with vinyl. Place back in your Mini and check the fit. It may be a bit of a squeeze but depending on the fit, you may not need to secure it with corner braces. If you do, place them where the console meets the metal bar that runs along the front of the seats.
9) As a final touch, you will need something to cover the top edges of side panels. Try using some of those plastic document spines you can get from Partners or whatever you can find.
#3
mini7racer
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Speeding Along Now
Posted 06 March 2004 - 10:45 PM
that consoles a waste of time, i made one. threw it in the bin!
#4
marksmini
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Mark - Founder of TMF since 2003 - Onwards
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Posted 30 May 2010 - 03:12 PM
Old jiber jaber posts removed and it turns out we dont have templates after all.
Ive reopened the old post but Im after a good template myself.
Anyone got a good one we can also store in the FAQ section?
im aware there are many posts with this question but cant seem to locate a template myself.
Ive reopened the old post but Im after a good template myself.
Anyone got a good one we can also store in the FAQ section?
im aware there are many posts with this question but cant seem to locate a template myself.
#5
marksmini
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Mark - Founder of TMF since 2003 - Onwards
- Name: Mark
- Location: Nottingham
- Local Club: TMF
#6
skaterava
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Camshaft & Stage Two Head
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Posted 06 June 2010 - 11:34 PM
How deliciously convenient, i was going to start making a dash sometime this week! 
#7
amarcd
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Posted 07 June 2010 - 12:04 AM
I got a cheap mdf dash off ebay, cut the holes in it and then stuck on some teddy filling and covered in fake leather glued then stapled on at the back. I really like it nice padded dash effect.
#8
amarcd
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