Anyone got info on how to make a T n' R dash pad like on the 58 in American graffiti? This is my progress on mine. Putting floors in right now. Drivetrain steering and suspension rebuilt with 350 and 3spd OD. Interior is half done.
I’m not a professional, but I believe you would need to do the top in two base pieces and then put your TnR top on it as either one very difficult piece or also two pieces. A third piece would be very thinly padded if at all and would go down and tuck under the trim to hold it. A bead along the edge. The front edge would tuck under the windshield garnish and A pillar garnish. So cut one piece around the Speedo bulge, the second piece to cover the bulge. Sew them together and make sure they lay flat. Or put your TnR on the big piece and mark the bulge piece so the rolls line up and then join them after you have them matching. Working on curves makes everything harder to keep the lines fluid and true to the edge. But looking at the rest of your work, you’ve got this.
Nope, I do not do Patina unless I am paid. I know it's an unpopular opinion, but prefer finished. I like shiny and yes, plan to drive it rain snow or shine. My Dad's 59 Belair is awesome in snow. I raptor line the undercarriage on all my vehicles.
I see now, the two pics that didn’t pop up in the Thumb nails. Had to tap on the file to view them. Didn’t do that the first look.
Haha, so my design will be a red that is black until the light hits it and deep gunmetal gray. That's the plan.
I might try making a fiberglass removable mold and cover it. I did all the work on the seats and door panel. I got a few thoughts. But thanks for the reply.
Making a fiberglass base would be super trick. If you do it, make sure try and keep things from dripping into your dash and interior. If you had a dash out of the car it would be super easy. I’ve used shrink wrap as a barrier on things when making molds before. Lay it on, heat it with a heat gun or hair dryer. When it is taunt with no wrinkles. Spray it with mold release and then put some cheese cloth or glass cloth down and paint it with resin/hardener mix and let it dry. When you have the mold the way you want it, try it on the car and make sure it will clear the garnish trim. Would you Velcro it down, or just use a pressure fit?
I think I would do on like other dash pads and maybe use studs were my first thought. I know what not to do. Dealing with muscle cars from all car companies. But, it will definitely be removable. I plan to do it before it is painted or anything. And I was thinking of possibly buying a dash used to make it.
every rolled and pleated dash I have ever seen the upholstery was glued to the dash and inserted under the garnish moldings and gauges. I don't know why you would make something removable. this one has been on the car for over 60 years
Moriarty, I am open to suggestions, I figured It may be easier to cover a shell. But, I cannot find ANY info on doing a dash p2ad like this. It may look cleaner too. Just worried about separation and such, but maybe it's not an issue. The only Pic I can really find, other then the one you posted is the AG 58. Would love to find more.
Thank you my friend. Definitely helped a lot. I think I been over thinking it. I just need to figure out my color combination with my interior colors. Thinking the dark gray with the dark red piping. Or just dark gray. I like accented piping.
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