Billet aluminum dash bezel

[pro70z28]

This does eventually turn into a welding project.

I started out by downloading pictures of the gauges I'll be using, off the net and printing them out actual size on the printer. Then made actual size PVC mock-ups on the CNC.


Then I made a dash bezel template. Designed the gauge layout and machined the bezel from 1/4" aluminum plate.



The bezel & gauges mocked up

[pro70z28]

I had to play around with the brake to get the right set-up to bend the bezel to conform to the fiberglass dash.


Bending the bezel.



Got the bezel formed to the correct angles. Ready to fit to the dash.

[DSW]

Thats D@MN nice work! Very pretty, I like it alot. Looks alot like the dash for an older Mopar. Whats it for?

Ok skip the mopar part, you hadn't put the 2nd post up when I replied.

[pro70z28]

I cut the dash opening and then fiberglassed the bezel to the dash with a release agent, to get a good fit. The bezel will be mounted to the chassis and the fiberglass dash will be removable to service electrical stuff.


Here's where the welding finally comes in. I added aluminum strap top & bottom to stiffen up the bezel to support the gauges. And, to provide a place for mounting grommets.



Roughed in & temporarily fit in the car to make sure everything will fit as planned.


That's it so far. Still have a long way to go, but I'm getting there.

[burninbriar]

Why did you turn the brake fingers upside down? Was that to gain extra clearance for the thick material?
Nice looking piece.

[pro70z28]

Thanks DSW. It's going in the "Z".

[pro70z28]

Why did you turn the brake fingers upside down? Was that to gain extra clearance for the thick material?
Nice looking piece.

Yes. I flipped them over to move them back from the edge. I then put a radius edge on a 1/2" pc. of aluminum, the same radius I wanted on the bezel. Also, using the 1/2' plate spread the load over several fingers since I was bending thicker material than I'm supposed to with this brake. I drilled & tapped a couple bolts in the 1/2 plate so I could put the fingers right on the edge without them slipping off. Then, finally I had to make an aluminum shim to fit between the 1/2 plate & the machined area of the bezel to get an nice even bend. Took some trial & error, but it worked out.

[burninbriar]

Pretty cleaver, here is a few pics of a radius bender I made for my brake, it was fairly easy and worked well. I think it is 7/8" radius. It snaps right onto the nosebar.

[pro70z28]

That's a good idea. You could make a whole set of different sizes for different jobs.

[willy]

Gonna need to see some pics of the motor in that baby.....