Modifying the dashboard has been one of the most satisfying parts of the build. Creating a custom dashboard does add it’s challenges, and any modifications behind the dash also create opportunities to innovate, or in other words, a pain in the butt process (LOL). There were some items that needed modification to finish the dashboard setup:
- Modify and attach the grab bar support
- custom 3D print A/C vents
- get everything aligned and screw the dash into the frame
First, the modifications that were done behind the dash made some essential changes. Adding the A/C and heater with a full size glovebox created a very cramped segment and moved some of the content behind the dash around. I had to relocate the Wilwood electric parking brake module, and run the wires out to the engine bay in a very tight cluster. I also cut the 3/4″ support bar between the upper dash hoop and the frame, which did move the angle a bit for the dash. Therefore, the grab bar design needed to be extended since the angles changed. Made a few cardboard templates and created some new support bars for the grab handle, it turned out great! It’s solid, and someone can grab it instead of the windshield, which usually breaks the glass!
Next up is the custom 3D printed vent ports. My son is just amazing at this design stuff, and really appreciative of his handiwork in the customization space. We did several mockups of the vent areas and came up with a few designs. Ultimately we landed on a dual port setup where the dash vents would also have footbox vents just below the dash vents. This required quite a bit of customization and test prints. Here are a few examples of the 3D prints:
Here’s a quick video of the UV curing process for the 3D printed parts covered in resin to harden and seal the units
Once the parts were test fit, it was time to install them.
Once the HVAC ports were finalized it was time to lube up the Russ Thompson turn signal, and screw the dash into the upper dash hoop. Voila! Done!
