Fiberglassing the dash pad - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BLE 'BURBAN · 09-20-2008, 04:35 PM

I'm looking for info on fiberglassing over the dash padand was wondering how well the fiberglass would bond to it? Will it stick without major prep work or is there some proceedures I've got to do to ensure it will?
Or should I just completely strip down an old dashpad and build it/shape it back up the way I want it to be? I'm adding a 15" widescreen monitor to the dash center andam building a mold for the pod I want to incorporate into the dash and have it look totally seamless.

Mr79C10 · 09-21-2008, 06:40 AM

Good post. I'm looking to do the same thing to mine. I think their are a few members here that has glassed their dash pads.
I'm thinking that sanding down any and all cracks to smooth the surface, clean,clean,clean surface. Use a sheet of fleece and then glass? Or maybe use a glue for the fleece to bond to dash pad?

rod86 · 09-21-2008, 09:19 AM

hmm so im not the only one wondering the same thing..

im thinking of carefully removing all the cracked plastic covering then smoothing out with fiber filler then getting it wrapped in good quality stretchy vinyl...

454HO · 09-21-2008, 10:14 AM

My fiberglassing skills aren't that good, so I bought a 1-piece fiberglass pad from USBody for like $300. I figure my time is worth at least $50 an hour, and it would take me way more than 6 hours to make a something presentable out of the original cracked dash pad. Plus I would have spent quite a bit on materials.

OJOE · 09-21-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 454HO

My fiberglassing skills aren't that good, so I bought a 1-piece fiberglass pad from USBody for like $300. I figure my time is worth at least $50 an hour, and it would take me way more than 6 hours to make a something presentable out of the original cracked dash pad. Plus I would have spent quite a bit on materials.

do you have pics and how about the fit. thanks joe

kainzien · 09-22-2008, 10:02 PM

454ho
I'am also very interested in this for my truck.

454HO · 09-22-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OJOE

do you have pics and how about the fit. thanks joe

Sorry, no installed pics yet. I can take a few of the dash pad itself though.

leprcon · 09-22-2008, 11:18 PM

heres some pics of my dash

the trick is clean, clean,clean i sand with 120 fix all cracks and resin the whole dash sand smooth filler primer a couple times sanding between and paint

**old Rusty C10** · 09-21-2008, 12:04 PM

i believe there were threads about this before and if i remember correctly you have to remove anything loose that is on there and clean the dash pad with a good degreaser and all... if there is shine to the pad at all id lightly sand it with a hi grit sand paper then start glassing... id also make sure i got all the bubbles out of the fiberglass go real easy and be patient... ive done fiberglassing on my boat and it can be a real PITA

BLE 'BURBAN · 09-22-2008, 11:45 PM

How long did it take to do that?

leprcon · 09-23-2008, 12:09 AM

to paint? 3 hours. paint time maybe 1 hour with clean up. now i did start out with a pretty decent dash

rod86 · 09-23-2008, 06:43 AM

very nice, dont you get alot of glare from the gloss paint?
i would be going satin finish...

leprcon · 09-23-2008, 09:26 AM

windsheild is tinted

rod86 · 09-23-2008, 09:31 AM

oh ok.. its ilegal to have tinted windshield over here...

leprcon · 09-23-2008, 03:43 PM

well its illegal everywhere, but only if you get caught. its pretty light but does the trick

andresco50 · 09-23-2008, 11:23 PM

I prefer a classic style...

leprcon · 09-23-2008, 11:37 PM

L-dub my home town wassup

yellowGT · 09-25-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rod86

hmm so im not the only one wondering the same thing..

im thinking of carefully removing all the cracked plastic covering then smoothing out with fiber filler then getting it wrapped in good quality stretchy vinyl...

This is exactly what i was thinking about doing too. Im currently looking for that stretchy material if you find it let me know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leprcon

to paint? 3 hours. paint time maybe 1 hour with clean up. now i did start out with a pretty decent dash

now... do you remove the old vinyl pad down to the plastic (i think it is) or do you just glass it over the old stuff?

Thumpin455 · 09-25-2008, 03:59 PM

hhhmmm... An opportunity here. I wonder how much demand there would be for something like this in glass.

Mr79C10 · 09-25-2008, 07:11 PM

Im going to try and do mine.
But Im wondering on if I should use a layer fleece or fiber glass matt?

BLE 'BURBAN · 09-25-2008, 10:28 PM

I'm going to use fleece for mine so I can incorporate the curves I want more easily than I could with 'glass matting. I'm going to start on it this weekend and take pics of it along the way to post my progress on here ONLY IF it comes out looking the way I hope it will.

yellowGT · 09-26-2008, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

I'm going to use fleece for mine so I can incorporate the curves I want more easily than I could with 'glass matting. I'm going to start on it this weekend and take pics of it along the way to post my progress on here ONLY IF it comes out looking the way I hope it will.

Are you done yet? how about now? come on we want to see the pics.

BLE 'BURBAN · 09-26-2008, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowGT

Are you done yet? how about now? come on we want to see the pics.

JEEEZZZZ!!!!! Youz peoples is so im patient!!! Well here's what I've done SO FAR.... I bought some "FLORIST GRADE STYROFOAM" and cut it in half. Then I glued the 2 halves together @ a 90* angle.
I then took some 40 grit sticky backed longboard sand paper and stuck it to an old decrepit dash pad I have left over from my old crew cab and proceeded to use it as a sanding block to shape the backside of the Styrofoam to conform to the dash pad. I then took a spongy sanding block to sand down the "RELIEF AREA'S" on the left backside of the console so it would butt up against the side of the Instrument cluster side wall on the dash.

ca180 · 09-25-2008, 11:16 PM

For sure post some pics...

COMP · 09-26-2008, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca180

For sure post some pics...

i agree

09-20-2008, 04:35 PM	#1
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Fiberglassing the dash pad I'm looking for info on fiberglassing over the dash padand was wondering how well the fiberglass would bond to it? Will it stick without major prep work or is there some proceedures I've got to do to ensure it will? Or should I just completely strip down an old dashpad and build it/shape it back up the way I want it to be? I'm adding a 15" widescreen monitor to the dash center andam building a mold for the pod I want to incorporate into the dash and have it look totally seamless. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

09-21-2008, 06:40 AM	#2
Mr79C10 It Is What It Is,,,, Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Gun Shine StateFlorida* Posts: 1,765	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad Good post. I'm looking to do the same thing to mine. I think their are a few members here that has glassed their dash pads. I'm thinking that sanding down any and all cracks to smooth the surface, clean,clean,clean surface. Use a sheet of fleece and then glass? Or maybe use a glue for the fleece to bond to dash pad? __________________ 79 C10 Short Box ST8 6 bang'r Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT __--__* 79 C-10 project* .........................__ ..............._____ l __\___ ..............\|_(O)_ \|___(O) ] FAQ INDEX Thread The Kulture My Rat Den

09-21-2008, 09:19 AM	#3
rod86 great southern land Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: perth - australia Posts: 6,194	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad hmm so im not the only one wondering the same thing.. im thinking of carefully removing all the cracked plastic covering then smoothing out with fiber filler then getting it wrapped in good quality stretchy vinyl... __________________ rod 86 chevy c10 silverado

09-21-2008, 10:14 AM	#4
454HO Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,223	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad My fiberglassing skills aren't that good, so I bought a 1-piece fiberglass pad from USBody for like $300. I figure my time is worth at least $50 an hour, and it would take me way more than 6 hours to make a something presentable out of the original cracked dash pad. Plus I would have spent quite a bit on materials. __________________ - Greg

09-22-2008, 10:02 PM	#6
kainzien Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 93	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad 454ho I'am also very interested in this for my truck. __________________ Chickenhouse chopshop 81 rcsb chevy bagged LS1/4l60E(under the knife) 94 ecswb L92 headed LQ9/ 4l80E(waiting to go under the knife) 78 rcsb chevy LQ4/4L80E

09-22-2008, 11:18 PM	#8
leprcon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: wpb florida Posts: 78	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad heres some pics of my dash the trick is clean, clean,clean i sand with 120 fix all cracks and resin the whole dash sand smooth filler primer a couple times sanding between and paint

09-21-2008, 12:04 PM	#9
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad i believe there were threads about this before and if i remember correctly you have to remove anything loose that is on there and clean the dash pad with a good degreaser and all... if there is shine to the pad at all id lightly sand it with a hi grit sand paper then start glassing... id also make sure i got all the bubbles out of the fiberglass go real easy and be patient... ive done fiberglassing on my boat and it can be a real PITA __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

09-22-2008, 11:45 PM	#10
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad How long did it take to do that? __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

09-23-2008, 12:09 AM	#11
leprcon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: wpb florida Posts: 78	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad to paint? 3 hours. paint time maybe 1 hour with clean up. now i did start out with a pretty decent dash

09-23-2008, 06:43 AM	#12
rod86 great southern land Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: perth - australia Posts: 6,194	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad very nice, dont you get alot of glare from the gloss paint? i would be going satin finish... __________________ rod 86 chevy c10 silverado

09-23-2008, 09:26 AM	#13
leprcon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: wpb florida Posts: 78	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad windsheild is tinted

09-23-2008, 09:31 AM	#14
rod86 great southern land Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: perth - australia Posts: 6,194	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad oh ok.. its ilegal to have tinted windshield over here... __________________ rod 86 chevy c10 silverado

09-23-2008, 03:43 PM	#15
leprcon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: wpb florida Posts: 78	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad well its illegal everywhere, but only if you get caught. its pretty light but does the trick

09-23-2008, 11:23 PM	#16
andresco50 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeworth, Fl Posts: 633	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad I prefer a classic style... __________________ 2001 silverado 2wd 2003 silverado 4wd 1975 scottsdale c10 (project)

09-23-2008, 11:37 PM	#17
leprcon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: wpb florida Posts: 78	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad L-dub my home town wassup



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

09-25-2008, 03:59 PM	#19
Thumpin455 My truck is an alcoholic Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Marquette Mi Posts: 303	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad hhhmmm... An opportunity here. I wonder how much demand there would be for something like this in glass. __________________ Too much stuff, too many projects to list everything. my 454 urged 76 swb beater

09-25-2008, 07:11 PM	#20
Mr79C10 It Is What It Is,,,, Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Gun Shine StateFlorida* Posts: 1,765	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad Im going to try and do mine. But Im wondering on if I should use a layer fleece or fiber glass matt? __________________ 79 C10 Short Box ST8 6 bang'r Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT __--__* 79 C-10 project* .........................__ ..............._____ l __\___ ..............\|_(O)_ \|___(O) ] FAQ INDEX Thread The Kulture My Rat Den

09-25-2008, 10:28 PM	#21
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad I'm going to use fleece for mine so I can incorporate the curves I want more easily than I could with 'glass matting. I'm going to start on it this weekend and take pics of it along the way to post my progress on here *ONLY IF* it comes out looking the way I hope it will. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade Last edited by BLE 'BURBAN; 09-25-2008 at 10:31 PM.

09-25-2008, 11:16 PM	#24
ca180 tryin to get laid Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: OK Posts: 198	Re: Fiberglassing the dash pad For sure post some pics...

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.