Anyone make an aluminum dashboard?

[Gamble]

Thinking of doing this, but here are a few concerns:
Onlinemetals only sells the aluminum sheets at 48" max. So I'll have to make a few pieces.

I don't have anyway to bend the aluminum, can it be done by hand?

What is a good thickness? I was thinking .063.

Looking for people that have done this with pics and such. So I can get some ideas.

 

[slopecarver]

look for a local metal supplier, they will either have aluminum sheet in stock at a size of 4'x8' or larger or could order it from their supplier for probably cheaper than online metals. Also, Google Is Your Friend.

 

[rsanter]

a shop that can cut and bent the material as well as supply it may be what you want

I kind if like the idea of installing tubes across where the dash will go and then hold the panels on with duzs fastners so it can be pulled away to do work under there is you had to without working on your back
done this way you can make the top piece and front piece seperate and have no need to bend

bob

 

[Jim Stabe]

What is the car you are making it for and how complex is it going to be?

 

[Mario428]

VFN sells a variety of fiberglas dashes, very light and relatively easy to muont with 1/4 turns.
I put all my gauges in an alum insert that stays in place when the dash comes out.

Just a thought, makes a more finished look

 

[kmacht]

I buy my aluminum sheet from www.wicksaircraft.com. They sell sheets up to 4'x12' and from .025 to .190 thick. If it is .032 or thinner they can roll it and ship it regular UPS without an oversize charge. My preference is to use 6061-T6 for most stuff but if you want an alcad that is easier to polish (but scratches easier) you might want to use 2024-T3.

Keith

 

[WILD-BILL]

Jegs sells one that is already preformed and that's what I used in my charger.

I just mapped out where I wanted everything and drilled the holes.

It does glare a little on the windshield if I'm driving directly into the sun but I can avoid that if I throw my gloves up there between the tach and shift light.

Thankfully they build tracks so they run North/South

 

[ZRX61]

Made aircraft instrument panels which are basically the same, we use 0.120/0.125

 

[Gamble]

This is going to go into a 88 chrysler conquest tsi.

 

[MQ Unlimited Media]

Look for a aircraft or metal supply shop, buy .063 since its thick enough to have integrity but thin enough for you to be able to "work it" pretty easily. Depending on how ellaborate you are going to get with it, you may have to make your dash in sections and will require welding.

 

[bad_idea]

I would look for a local fab shop. You may be able to find one with a piece of drop that will fit your needs. They may be willing to cut and bend it to your needs for a cheap price.

 

[Wingnut65]

Keith already mentioned Wicks, so I'll throw in Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. I've bought plenty of sheet aluminum from both.

 

[DCarr]

A dash I made for my 64 Malibu SS .... I sold the car before I finished the dash so I never got it installed. Its made from 1 pc.

 

[Racer-X2]

Go to your local circle track parts shop and pick up a sheet, they can be had in a variety of colors and should be 4 x 10 or 5 x 10. I'm not sure what gauge they are but they would be just fine for a dash. Price should be about $80.00

 

[427FAB]

Go on Race Zert.com,they build desert racing trucks,There is a guy Ztfab(I think he posts here as well).The guy is an amazing fabricator.I think he built one for a Polaris(I think thats what its called) type vehicle.Sick work.I am sure he has a few tricks.

 

[ZTFab]

Go on Race Zert.com,they build desert racing trucks,There is a guy Ztfab(I think he posts here as well).The guy is an amazing fabricator.I think he built one for a Polaris(I think thats what its called) type vehicle.Sick work.I am sure he has a few tricks.

Thanks 427. I think you mean Race-dezert.com.

Here are some pics of a few that I've built. A couple for the Polaris RZR's that 427 mentioned and one for an R1 powered Rhino.

 

[ZTFab]

The other RZR

 

[ZTFab]

The Rhino

 

[427FAB]

Yes thats it Race-dezert.com.Outstanding Ztfab !! As always !

 

[t100]

if you want have it bent, rolled or hammered, you need 3003 and if you want it to be cut and welded, then you need 6061.

 

[ZTFab]

if you want have it bent, rolled or hammered, you need 3003 and if you want it to be cut and welded, then you need 6061.

...or 5052.

All the above sheet metal work is 3003-H14, rolled, bent, cut, and/or welded.

Other projects I have done have been in 5052-H32 both in either .050" or .063".

 

[uhohjim]

Call AAA Supply in Schererville Indiana.........they will have what you want....http://aaa-supply.com/ .....ask for Josh he's a good guy to deal with.............Jim

 

[NASTYZEN]

Made this one out of .065'' thick 6061T-4

 

[popper]

Check with Alston in Wauconda, I believe they offer an alm dash also. They are part of Heidt's now.

popper
John Lynch

 

[Gamble]

The car just pissed me off so I am not going to bother with it anymore and it's up for sale. I realized I don't have time for it anymore.

 

[Jamesbbh]

Attaway to stick with it, lol

 

[rider_inc]

The Rhino

Awesome work! I am building a dash for my rock crawler. I designed it in Solidworks first and cut out a trial on a CNC kongsburg for cardboard. I am wondering what thickness and material you used. I was thinking 3003 aluminum 11 gauge. Do you think that is too thick?

 

[rider_inc]

Do you think 3003 aluminum in 10-12 gauge is too thick to bend?

 

[NASTYZEN]

Do you think 3003 aluminum in 10-12 gauge is too thick to bend?

Should bend easily. 3003 is utility grade and quite malleable.

 

[APEowner]

if you want have it bent, rolled or hammered, you need 3003 and if you want it to be cut and welded, then you need 6061.

3003 can be cut and welded. For something non-structural like a dashboard I just use 1100