Hey P,

I've been tinkering with different designs for the back of the gauge pod. How funny is it - we both thought the exact same thing to create a pocket / cubby up top behind the gauges. I went a little further a thought about a flip screen / GPS. I probably won't do it but it would be pretty cool.

I am going to round out the top side of the gauge pod over toward the back and then round out the console sides under the dash itself. I'm also going to create a permanent cubby area in front of the radio. I'll then make the leap and permanently adhere the front radio and gauge faceplate to the console. I'll buy extras when i do this - I'm not ruining the originals. Why? Everything is perfectly lined up when the faceplates are bolted in - why not take advantage of this. I'll keep the bolt holes and nuts in place just to retain the look but sand smooth and paint everything to match. I think this is the way to go. Plus it frees up time from making a whole new panel from fiberglass.

I'm hoping to create something like this:


It's going to be nice today so I should be out there working when I get home.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-23-2010).]

UPDATES!

After counterless hours of sanding I finally sprayed the first layer of paint on the door panel

Final sand and primer


First few layers of paint - As you kknow this is the fun part. Paint, wet sand, paint, wet sand, high gloss clear coat, sand etc etc etc... I actually really enjoy this process.


I had an extra window switch plate lying around and decided to cut the hole for the iPod - there's tons of room but I did have to remove one of the bolt holes

Measuring the lines


Drilled a few pilot holes


Taped out the area to cut - I used an X-Acto knife, modeling file and and saw blade and took my time - no need to rush


The process took about an hour from start to finish


Another


I then sprayed with primer & flat black


Because I removed one of the bolt holes I quickly fabricated a simple support when the button is pushed


Installed - turned out really nice. All I need now is the iPod docking station and connector to the back of the stereo (but I think I need a new stereo as well... DANG IT - LOL)


On to the console. I ran into a wall on this project. As you know I have to find a way to cover the gauges up top. The idea was to create a nice rolled cover going down the back side of the console. However, this is impossible to do with the consoles current configuration / design. The horizontal piece of the "stock" console - where the upper gauges mount - is directly in the way when removing / installing the console. So.... I either remove the horizontal part of the structural or I create an entirely NEW piece that actually covers the console - kinda like a lid - GREAT... another lid... LOL

As I said in a previous post, I want to utilize the stock plate covers. However, I run into another problem. The A/C vent surround on the backside of the plate cover will have to be removed in order for me to successfully create a cover that can be removed / installed using the stock mounting hex locations. It's kinda confusing... I'll take more pics tomorrow

I added lots of filler to the console


Sanded smooth




No more sag in the middile




I then began the process of creating the back side of the console


Hot glued them into place


Another


Then added fiberglass for strength




I then removed the excess and sanded smooth


Tomorrow I'm going to try to create a cover and see where that leads. I've begun the masking process


As I said, I hit a wall on the radio console. I have no doubt I can do it... it's just figuring out the correct steps. Until tomorrow

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-27-2010).]

I just had an idea for the radio console lid/cover plate. I'm still going over it in my head but i think it's going to work. The white area is the new cover portion. It will add a little bulk to the console and I'll add some visual highlights as well. I'm still tinkering with the design.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-27-2010).]

Thanks guys! Here are a few more updates. I didn't get as far as I would like. I've had a terrible head ache ALL day and it finally went away.

After tinkering with the console design I rounded out the back side of the "gauge pod" area



Using foam core I then created the curve to close the gap



I then covered the entire console with clear packing tape to prep for glass


Covered with glass and tanning in the sun




I sanded the mold while it was still attached to the console. I then pulled it free



Adding more layers of glass to build up the thickness and fill in the holes



I also painted and wet sanded the door panel - I'm really happy with the way this is turning out.



That's it for tonight. The console will take several passes with filler and glass before it begins to really take shape - I think I've figured out the trim plates as well. I'm hoping to work on the console a little tomorrow after work.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-28-2010).]