My 88 Formula Interior Redesign (Page 52/87)
Sofa King MAR 29, 03:15 PM

quote
Originally posted by LaFierte:

just curious what cad program you used to do your computer designs? btw what you are doing is amazing.



Hey There,

Thanks for the compliments. I use a drawing program called XARA Xtreme - www.xara.com. It was originally part of the Corel Draw Drawing Suite many many years ago but branched off and became it's own entity. If you're not a Corel user you've probably never heard of it. It combines the best of Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop and packages it into a well rounded and streamlined application that is not only faster than Illustrator but 100s of dollars cheaper.

WOW... I sound like a salesman for XARA.
Sofa King MAR 29, 08:40 PM
A Few Minor Updates

I sanded the console down a little more this afternoon and added more glass to the sides. Tomorrow I'll add more glass and body filler

Sanded down



The next step will be to remove the front flat area where the "X" has been cut. I will need to begin prepping to install the radio and upper gauge plates.


Pieces cut to fit the sides




I then heavily coated the sides with resin and clamped them in place - I'll go check it tomorrow



I got in the car this afternoon and saw this


I also wet sanded the door panel and painted but there was no reason to take pics - it's still looks the same. That's it for tonight

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-29-2010).]

Sofa King MAR 29, 08:45 PM
I do have a quick question for you guys and gals. The armrest lid is painted flat black and gloss white. The door panels will be black vinyl and gloss white. The radio console will be flat black and gloss white. My question is... what color should the instrument cluster plate and the side vents be? Right now the gauge plate is silver and the vents are still black. What do you think?
grkboy707 MAR 29, 09:21 PM
Hey Greg, I've got a quick question. I'm going to be glassing over the gauge pod with the temp and battery gauge, and I was wondering whether I should do the sides and top/ back in seperate sheets, or would I be able to shape one sheet of glass over the whole thing. What would you do?
Sofa King MAR 29, 09:37 PM
Hey G,

hmmmmmmm... good question. First... if you glass over ANY object and use that, then the piece will actually be larger than the original because you're wrapping the original object and creating more layers - if that makes sense. I would probably create a new piece. If you can get some foam core or card board (similar to what's on the back of drawing tablet) and create a mock up to get precise measurements and everything else.

Once you have a good idea and understanding of your design then create your fiberglass panels. I would go 2-4 layers thick for the sides. And then use a hefty pair of tin snips to cut the fiberglass to your desired shape. And of course prepare for sanding... lots and lots of sanding. For the curve section I would create a panel with only two layers (use matte - NOT cloth). You want enough flexibility in the fiberglass to make the piece fit the curve but light enough to hold in place with either hot glue or tape. Once everything is in place use either resin and ONE layer of glass or body filler around the edges / side where the three pieces meet and let dry so you can then remove the tape / hot glue. You can then add additional layers of glass to the curve section if need be.

I created this graphic - the yellow dotted line shows where to hot glue / tape the pieces and then glass on the inside of the shape.


And then remember... lots and lots of sanding.

If you can, create your panels using a mirror or large piece of glass. The fiberglass doesn't stick (you can always wax it to make sure) and you get an incredibly smooth fiberglass surface to work with when the resin dries.

Does that make sense?

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-29-2010).]

katatak MAR 29, 10:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by Sofa King:


Thanks man! It'll be nice to have ya working again. I missed your persistant nagging and nit picking. You know I kid! What's the plan for the Coupe?



Hmmmm.... Plan for the Coupe - well no thanks to you, a complete redo........ I have had to rethink the whole thing. I'm still planning something up and over the dash from the AC surround. I want to incorporate a large tach with a shift light in the center of the dash as close to the windshield as I can get it. It will need to be "molded" into the ac surround along with the 3 gauges. I also want to work on the rear console some more - still not crazy about the way it tuned out. You got me thinking about door panels now...thanks a alot!

Pat
Sofa King MAR 29, 10:37 PM
That's the flow... we're always pushing each other to do better things.
Sofa King MAR 29, 10:40 PM
Quick Update.

I went to take the dogs out and i decided to give the console a quick look. I then grabbed some filler and well... you know...

I removed all the clamps


The reason this is so glossy is because I added and layer of resin



With the filler




A majority of this will be sanded off revwaling a nice smooth surface. OK... now it's bed time

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-29-2010).]

Sofa King MAR 29, 10:45 PM
Question: Does anybody have any old radio and upper gauge trim plates for an 88 they want to sell?

Thanks
grkboy707 MAR 29, 11:28 PM
Thanks! However, when I glass over the plastic piece, the thickness will be compensating for the dreaded GM foam/ vinyl material (approx. 1/4 inch) I also thought that doing the sides seperate would be best. And your looking for the brushed aluminum plates, right? If so, I've got em, as I'm making my own (as shown in my center console thread ) if you just pay for shipping, I could get them to you. Can it wait a week or so though? I'm going to need them to trace the outline.