Tuning the dashboard of a car is one of the most popular activities. But often an existing panel cannot be upgraded according to the desired result. There is only one way out - to make a new panel from scratch.
Necessary
- - material for the manufacture of the panel body;
- - glass for the panel;
- - instrumentation;
- - governing bodies;
- - backlight LEDs
Instructions
Step 1
First of all, thoroughly understand the device of a standard panel, carefully study the instructions and diagrams, find out all the nuances for yourself. Even in old Soviet cars, the panel structure is quite complex. Creating a homemade panel is impossible without excellent knowledge of the structure of your car. Draw a full-size drawing or sketch of your idea. Place all the devices and switches on it in order to finally consider their relative position and make sure that during installation they will not interfere with each other.
Step 2
In the next step, cut out the dashboard parts or the entire panel from the selected material (depending on the design). Remove appliances from the old panel or purchase new ones. Prepare fasteners for both the instrument panel itself and the instrumentation and controls. Paint the body of the panel, laminate or cover it with material - it all depends on your idea. If desired, disassemble the instrument cases, carefully remove the arrows and dials from them for their subsequent repainting or replacement with homemade ones. After tuning the instruments, put them back together.
Step 3
When creating a wooden dashboard, lamination is mandatory. Otherwise, it will get wet over time. When installing instruments in a new panel, their arrows should point to zero divisions. Install the instrument lighting LEDs and supply power to them. When choosing diodes, take into account their brightness and color so that the instrument readings are clearly visible, but the bright light does not blind the driver. Run the drives and wiring to the instruments. After installing the instrumentation, cut in the switches and connect them. When cutting technological holes for the installation of devices and switches, be careful and take your time so that you do not have to redo the work again.
Step 4
In the next step, install the glass on the new panel, if your project calls for it. In this case, you can use glass from an old dashboard or some other panel. Before installing, inspect it carefully for scratches and sand if necessary. Any cracks and scratches on the glass of the instrument panel will interfere with the readings of the instruments. After the final assembly of the dashboard, fully check its functionality and make the final installation on the vehicle.
