My 88 Formula Interior Redesign (Page 53/87)
Sofa King MAR 31, 09:21 PM
UPDATES!

I went ahead and installed the radio cover over the console and I heard a CRACK... The good news is the actual console is fine. The radio cover cracked at one of the seams. This is actually a good thing because the fit was REALLY tight and was very difficult to remove. I sanded down the areas applied more resin and glass. I also cut the face from the radio cover and I'm prepping for the trim plate. I'm thinking the radio cover might be 75% complete this weekend - if all goes well.

First, a preview. This is the radio console in the car



CRACK!!!! DANG IT


Despite the crack I went ahead and painted the radio console black to get a better idea of what the cover looks like - I LIKE IT




In the car


I then took black paint and sprayed the inside of the console and radio cover. The paint laid out a template so could see exactly where to remove the fiberglass so I can see the radio, A/C, etc


I then cut out the material and installed it back the car - looking real good!


Check it out! No face plate yet - but I also have to remove the area where the upper gauges are. The plan here is to permanently adhere the face plates to the radio cover and blend them into the piece using fiberglass and filler. The is going to take a lot of glass because the plastic is so thick. I will only add the glass to the front of the cover and not the sides. I will try to utilize the hex bolt holes just to stay true to the original design.


I then addressed the crack with more resin and glass - this weekend will include lots of filler and sanding. All the resin and filler are added to outside of the cover - not the inside. NOTE: I can't add anything to the inside of the mold (resin or filler) or it will alter the shape of the piece and will not fit as snug as it does now... despite the crack LOL

I am however leaving the cover on the console as I apply new glass and filler - I want the piece to fit properly wrap around the console without too much stress. I just hope it works.



That's it for tonight. No movement on the door panel. I ran out of light. I think I'm going to take the door panels and headliner to a shop to apply the black vinyl. I also wanted to add piping to the door panel vinyl along the area where the smooth gloss white area meets where the carpet used to be. I think the piping will add to the look and give it finished look and feel.

More tomorrow.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-31-2010).]

Sofa King MAR 31, 09:25 PM
Check this out. I took the concept drawing I did and placed it beside the actual radio cover - pretty close!

It is a heck of a lot bulkier than the concept.

[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 03-31-2010).]

grkboy707 APR 01, 12:20 AM
Looks amazing! By the way,today I glassed over the temp gauge pod, with 1.5 coats. After the first one, I sanded it and whatnot, blah blah blah. After the second coat though, I gave everything a hefty glazing of resin. I'll post pctures in my thread tomorrow hopefully. It's gonna kill me to sand down part of it, because of how straight, flat, and perfect most of it looks. The only thing is, with the ".5" coat was just making a larger lip on the small sides. It's gonna look great, thanks for all your advice!!!
DeLorean00 APR 01, 12:31 AM
I think its very cool how you have a vision and go for it. This is DIY at its greatest. Awesome thread.
deloreanant APR 01, 04:09 AM
Very inspiring, keep up the great work!
Sofa King APR 01, 08:31 AM

quote
Originally posted by grkboy707:

Looks amazing! By the way,today I glassed over the temp gauge pod, with 1.5 coats. After the first one, I sanded it and whatnot, blah blah blah. After the second coat though, I gave everything a hefty glazing of resin. I'll post pctures in my thread tomorrow hopefully. It's gonna kill me to sand down part of it, because of how straight, flat, and perfect most of it looks. The only thing is, with the ".5" coat was just making a larger lip on the small sides. It's gonna look great, thanks for all your advice!!!



POST THOSE PICS! Remember when sanding to use even strokes and a circular motion (someone might have a different method). Also be sure use varying grits of paper to achieve the look you want. And anything we can to help get your project finished, just let us know.
Sofa King APR 01, 08:32 AM
Thanks for the kind words, gang. It really means a lot.
grkboy707 APR 01, 09:34 AM

quote
Originally posted by Sofa King:


Remember when sanding to use even strokes and a circular motion (someone might have a different method). Also be sure use varying grits of paper to achieve the look you want. And anything we can to help get your project finished, just let us know.



Actually, I have a portable belt sander (I use it as a stationary one...) and its large enough to cover the whole piece I'm doing. Thats how I've been sanding thusfar, and it seems to work nicely. Btw, pics will be up in about a minute
katatak APR 02, 12:14 AM
I really like your "Vision"!
grkboy707 APR 02, 12:18 AM

quote
Originally posted by katatak:

I really like your "Vision"!



20/20?