Dash board on a truck

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#1

Hello I’m interested in help on a project i want to take on…

Its for my truck dash board its 1997 so the dash that i have, has seen alot of sun damage and has become brittle. what i want to do is replace the dash as it has cracks . I have done some research cost and instructions.

I’m not sure if I should do a mold or do a overlay type cf project. Just trying to get some direction, as I don’t want to screw up too much. I want to be able to modify if some time later to include other project I have in mind.

i was thinking about starting with Fiberglast :
3K, 2 x 2 Twill Weave Carbon Fiber Fabric

PVA Release Film

Polyester Laminating Resin w/ approprate hardener.

Any ideas, help , or suggestions ?

#2

From what you said above you have two paths which I’ll just outline below.

Overlay
This would be the simpler route, doesn’t require a vacuum or a mold and is relatively simple to get the hang of. For cosmetic purposes it’ll work fine

Total Carbon
This one will be a bit harder. You’ll need a lot more materials and equipment i.e you’ll need to make a good mold, then vacuum bag or infuse a part off of the mold.

If this is your first project and for cosmetic purposes only I’d suggest just overlaying. Practice first on some junk pieces first though before attempting it on your dashboard

#3

Well due to the cracks i may have to do a little molding or frame support on the underside. And one other thing i was wondering that not many people have stated how rigid would one or two pieces of Carbon-fiber overlay be.

Thank you very much for the information you have given me, it will be taken in to consideration and the project.

#4

For a dashboard one or two pieces of reinforcing carbon composite will be plenty, especially since the OEM dash will be underneath supporting it.

#5

And 2 layers of carbon without anything supporting it will be extremely floppy. Besides that, you will need to figure out a way to mount it again. So indeed an overlay is more simple. Do check however that you can accomodate for the slightly extra thickness.

And use a high Tg resin, as a dash can get extremely hot in the sun.