Custom gauge pod project

[zporta]

So a while back a fellow forum member got a gauge pod made that was molded into his map light console. I really liked the location and the idea, he used 4 pods and I decided to go w/ two and keep the function of the lights.

It is still a work in process and is in the filler primer stage as we speak. I ordered some gauges through Van last night that should be here in about two weeks. I cant wait to get everything all wired up so I can monitor all my parameters.

The one thing I'm not sure about is the paint. Should I leave the pod smooth or go with a textured look? Second, what sheen of black to I go with? Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. What do you guys think...

Here are some pictures throughout the build. I'm not fiberglass expert so take it easy on me

 

[09Troublemaker]

satin + textured.....

waiting for finish product:beer:

g/l

 

[blacknlte]

I used semi and it seemed to be closer to the headliner color then flat and glossy

 

[GOTSVT?]

Look at you McGuyver!
Looks awesome. Looking forward to end result.

 

[zporta]

satin + textured.....

waiting for finish product:beer:

g/l

That was my thought, but I'm having a hard time finding a textured paint. Dupont sells a textured paint but it's $70 a pint. So I'm thinking more of a rattle can finish

 

[5spd07gt]

looking good Zak. I think you should make it into a periscope...

 

[zporta]

looking good Zak. I think you should make it into a periscope...

I'll save that prototype for your car nate

 

[5spd07gt]

awesome. Is that my amsoil in the background?

 

[Van@RevanRacing]

Impressive and insightful.

 

[cobra777]

Cool stuff. can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[09Troublemaker]

That was my thought, but I'm having a hard time finding a textured paint. Dupont sells a textured paint but it's $70 a pint. So I'm thinking more of a rattle can finish

then how about a textured roller. I've seen upholster shops use that
to blend panels, etc..

 

[zporta]

then how about a textured roller. I've seen upholster shops use that
to blend panels, etc..

i dont know, i think that would be hard to get uniform. with all the tight cracks and angles im afraid that i couldnt get it perfect enough. I found a few types of spray paint that claim to be textured. Im going to test them all and see what works/looks best.

tomorrow i am going to cut out the holes for my wires and scuff and clean inside the pod around the edges then run a thick bead of PL premium around the entire pod where the felt is touching the plastic. I want to make it as sturdy as possible so this thing doesnt crack and fall off. i might drill some small holes on the inside as well so the glue can seep through and really bond to the plastic of the console.

 

[blacknlte]

I know wal-mart sells some spray can stuff thats textured then just paint over it. Cant remember what its called, but ive bought it and think its called sand stone.

Found it
Krylon: Products: Make It Stone!® Textured Paints

 

[zporta]

i think im going to try the rustoleum textured paint. There is a hammered texture paint and a stone texture paint. The hammered just looks like the paint there are imperfections in the paint where it wouldnt stick in some places. The stone looks super stringy and gritty. I think the textured paint i might try is like sandy.

right now i am worried about making the structure super strong so the weight of the gauges and bouncing over time doesnt make the pod fall off of the map light console.

Now im thinking a two part epoxy with the holes drilled will work the best

 

[blacknlte]

Its not really stringy, but can be messy if you get to close. Ive done a few things with it and just stood away from it and sprayed it and let it fall, but tested the height and distance on some cardboard so you can get the look your wanting. Great work to!

 

[ivandrea]

op:

 

[Grabber07']

Subscribing

 

[PistolWhip]

That looks pretty good so far. I can't wait to see the finished product. I've been pondering doing something similar in a 10+ down below the HVAC in front of the shifter.

How hard would it be to cover it in a black vinyl to match the dash?

 

[zporta]

That looks pretty good so far. I can't wait to see the finished product. I've been pondering doing something similar in a 10+ down below the HVAC in front of the shifter.

How hard would it be to cover it in a black vinyl to match the dash?

I have thought about the vinyl thing, but unless it is super thin and streachy I think it would be hard to wrap the entire peice cleanly. Plus making all the seam blend in and cutting around the textured area where the alarm sensors are. I think I'm going to stick to textured paint

 

[5spd07gt]

I have thought about the vinyl thing, but unless it is super thin and streachy I think it would be hard to wrap the entire peice cleanly. Plus making all the seam blend in and cutting around the textured area where the alarm sensors are. I think I'm going to stick to textured paint

Going to paint it today?