New C3 product suggestions

[rtj]

Actually, this is clean and simple, and cheaper than buying a fiberglass or carbon fiber dash.

[Metalkid]

I'd like to see a '78 dash done in fiberglass or CF that would keep the same flowing curves of the original and accept the stock instrument cluster/console for under the $499 that it's going to cost to replace my cracking OEM vinyl covered unit.

I'd also like to redo the center instrument cluster as individual modular units, i.e. recreate the faux aircraft look with the real thing, aluminum bezels that slide into a rack secured with real allen head screws instead of molded plastic. (This one I could probably do myself).

[advancedtool]

I am a master patternmaker by trade and I have done some of this type work over the years. I am however new to vettes. Which pieces could there be a market for? I am in the process of building a thermoforming machine right now. Any interest in plastic componets?
Thanks,
Scott

[rtj]

Originally Posted by advancedtool

I am a master patternmaker by trade and I have done some of this type work over the years. I am however new to vettes. Which pieces could there be a market for? I am in the process of building a thermoforming machine right now. Any interest in plastic componets?
Thanks,
Scott

I think fiberglass or carbon fiber would be more desireable.

If you look at the fiberglass camaro dash I posted, guys drill them and put gages straight into the dash and it is only 4 lbs. I'm not sure plastic would be much better than the factory dash or door panels.

But, that is just my opinion.

[Metalkid]

I can think of things like the T-Top panels, console sides (carpeted on a 78), T-top header bar pads, etc that are made of compressed fiber paper covered in vinyl, that could be done in ABS, (in fact at one time I found the T-Top center trim piece made in black ABS, but wasn't ready to redo the interior yet.)

Pretty much anything that uses that moisture and odor absorbing (read: mold) pressed fiber paper as a base could be replaced with molded plastic.

Other thoughts: A-Pillar(?) instrument clusters, Door panels to replace the 78 Deluxe OEM panels with angled speaker boxes in place of the carpet storage pockets....

[Marks76ray]

Originally Posted by rtj

Here is the 4lb VFN dash in my Camaro. 250$ plus s&h, and it fits very good. But took a lot of trimming.

I asked if they would make a c3 dash if I gave them the parts. Basically they were too busy, but maybe in the off season. I'd send them door panels too if they were interested.

Hey rtj how do you like those cowl mounted gauges? I have been thinking about mounting some in my hood scoop angled to the driver side. Any downsides to them. Mark

[rtj]

Originally Posted by Marks76ray

Hey rtj how do you like those cowl mounted gauges? I have been thinking about mounting some in my hood scoop angled to the driver side. Any downsides to them. Mark

It's the way to go if you have a cowl hood in my opinion.

My c3 has cheap gages mounted under the scoop. That way there are no oil or gas lines in the car, and the gages can be mechanical.

I have 6 in the Camaro and all are easy to see.

I have a photo of a VFN dash with expensive gages installed, it looks top notch. I'll post it later.

A three piece fg or cf dash like the original for 300 or 350$ would be interesting to me. I took my factory gages out and they are heavy ( and were no longer used).

[rtj]

Not mine, I just did an image search and found this, but I think it looks good.



Another nice feature would be if it could be removed easily. I know I tried working on the clutch mechanism under the dash and it was uncomfortable when the dash was installed.

[ylose]

I would love more gauges in mine, but I might go the cowl route for most of them, behind the L88 hood.

I don't want to go this C2 route though:

[phantomjock]

Originally Posted by ylose

I would love more gauges in mine,...

That is some serious ANALOG Data Acquisition.
Don't suppose he "Texts" the details to the Pits?

And, I've been thinking of how to build a HUD on a Carb/NON-ECU (no ODB-II)vette!

(But it is impressive from a "Total Array - standpoint.")
Cheers - Jim

(NOTE TO SELF: How to add HUD to Non ODB-II?)

[lsejlowe]

Originally Posted by ylose

I would love more gauges in mine, but I might go the cowl route for most of them, behind the L88 hood.

I don't want to go this C2 route though:

holy shit. I can't imagine what that dash is like on the backside if all those gauges and switches are functional.

[XQIZT]

GTFO!!

How important could a gauge possibly be that is clear across the cabin?

Neat looking...but damn!!!

[shelin]

Originally Posted by Bill Davies

What is the red dish in the center gauge cluster?

It's the FLUX Capacitor...

[bojvette]

YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE WIRES HANGING **
MAN IN MY NAVY DAYS MY AIRPLANE DID NOT HAVE THAT MANY GAUGES IF THY DID I NEVER NOTICED THEM **

AND YES I AM OLD AND WE DID HAVE PLANES BACK THEN

[advancedtool]

I am seriously considering starting a side business catering to the C3. What do you all want that you cant buy now or is is overpriced? I am serious no bs.