Some time ago I started try out some dash ideas in 3D. I was (am) looking for an updated version of the modular fiero dash. Not something completely different but a new millenium interpretation of the stock dash. And some retro accents made with modern materials....I guess I want to achieve a classy+modern look at the same time...uhhh. Anyway, These are the lastest 3D renderings I did:
Now the time has come to get to work! Those who played with LEGO (or still do!) might recognize my build-up concept.... many simple pieces are used to build a final model. I guess I am going crazy with PVC tubing. It's cheap and it comes in many sizes and accessories so I will use a lot of those to build the basic shape of the mockups...
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1987 Fiero concept GTR in progress... 1969 Chevy Suburban
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01:28 PM
PFF
System Bot
Mr. Pat Member
Posts: 1860 From: Melbourne, VIC Australia Registered: Apr 2003
Do you plan on making a mold and selling it? It is SHARP!! I love it, looks like a spaceship!
------------------ 1986 GT, LT1/4T60E http://hometown.aol.com/ptfiero/index.html On the forum https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/045554.html more in depth look http://dtcc.cz28.com/LT1build/index.htm
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01:42 PM
Fie Ro Member
Posts: 3735 From: Soest, The Netherlands Registered: Sep 2001
This was a very "loose" setup hehe, dont touch anything Everything has to be cut down and trimmed before I can "group" them and smooth them but a rough mockup really helps in taking decisions about getting it right.
I already got some straight woven Carbon Fiber some time ago but since of today I have the choice of 2 different styles
No there's no "triple" theme....!
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01:43 PM
DotTC Member
Posts: 2345 From: Hamlet, North Carolina Registered: Nov 2003
OMG, that looks AMAZING! I hope my car comes out as good as your stuff! You have some of the best ideas! lol I was planning on using pcv tubing for my tail lights that I am creating.. Never thought of using it for the interior! Crazy stuff man! + to you, keep it up!
After all that boring sanding on the body it is really fun to build something from scratch again. Cut about an inch from the upper MDF for better looks, theres still room for a serious glovebox in there
A cut duplicate on the other side is easily made because the main dash has the same curves on both sides. With the upper vent mockup:
Work goes quite fast this way! Doing some homework before getting to work really pays off right now.
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07:48 AM
BtotheB Member
Posts: 2581 From: Peterborough, Ontario Registered: Dec 2001
Selling parts is not high on the list right now, I want to finish the body+interior first before seriously thinking about selling kits. There are always changes before it is finished. I might want to outsource any serious production because I want quality products and service before promising anything...
I DO think about making every part compatible with the stock fiero mountings and lines though. And this fiero is still my daily driver so being able to mockup and replace parts and panels fast is important too. Thats why I build the dash in several sections, the mockups can be removed within a minute.
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01:35 PM
TwoTimer Member
Posts: 104 From: Greenville, South Carolina Registered: Aug 2004
I will keep the gauge housing at a straight angle BUT I might angle the gauges themselves in the housing.....These mockup pipes are 80mm diameter and the gauges will be 52mm so theres some room to play with the angle when I get to it. I havent decided yet, I will do that after trying out and see what works/looks best....
Well if you want the guage housing straight still. Then I would have the guages angled themself like you said, and w/e angle you have the guages themself, also trip the actual guage housing that much too. If you get what I mean..Either way good work Fie Ro.
I have searched for quite some time but it looks I have found someone who sells a set of Audi TT vents.
He has only 3 of them so now I am going to use only 2 ! this forces me to stay really close to the concept in a funny way (square middle vents in the 3D model)\ Theres slow progress on the mockup these days but I hope to post some updates soon.
I like new ideas but I havent found any better looking vents than those on Madcurl's car so I am getting those too. Credits to him. That dash is the best inspiration for my build-up anyway! Thanks
These DO look good! Its just you have to be lucky to find those basic parts from a hard-to-find "new" donor car.....I am just happy I found the TT vents because they will blend nicely with the rest of the setup...
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03:07 PM
dgmp123 Member
Posts: 212 From: Plainfield, Illinois, USA Registered: Jul 2004
I just wanted to let you know that some Ford Expeditions have the round vents with the silver rings around them. You might be able to find those easier and cheaper. David
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03:35 PM
Nov 4th, 2004
fiero go fast Member
Posts: 1728 From: Royersford, PA Registered: Apr 2002
I did an angled gauge tryout a few days ago. Trying to angle the housing and centering the bezel:
Inward/outward comparison:
Hmmm.I still am not really convinced to angle them... Some work on the dash part:
After the last pic and testfitting I had to angle the front pieces about 15 degrees to fit right. Now I can finish the frame and start with the glovebox cover.
I guess only about 10% of the time is put into fabbing...testfitting, thinking,looking, sketching,planning takes up the rest. Right now I am dedicated to free my fridge of all the beer
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04:15 PM
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
I guess only about 10% of the time is put into fabbing...testfitting, thinking,looking, sketching,planning takes up the rest. Right now I am dedicated to free my fridge of all the beer
Blue 87 GT w/ 4th generation Firebird interior. Suncoast Fieros
Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 20th Anniversary Show @ Pontiac, Mich - 7/2003 Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 8th Annual Fiero Fun Weekend @ Daytona - 3/2004
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04:19 PM
Fie Ro Member
Posts: 3735 From: Soest, The Netherlands Registered: Sep 2001
I like new ideas but I havent found any better looking vents than those on Madcurl's car so I am getting those too. Credits to him. That dash is the best inspiration for my build-up anyway! Thanks
Thanks for the compliment. My next vents will be from the 2005 Mustang. Are they better looking than the Audi vents? I'd say it's a toss-up. The Mustang are chromed w/o ridges in them.
You can get the Audi TT vent at a local Audi dealership. I couldn't wait around for a wrecked Audi 2003, so I bought them for $55 buck a piece. I have the part number if you want it?
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-04-2004).]
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08:49 PM
Nov 6th, 2004
Fie Ro Member
Posts: 3735 From: Soest, The Netherlands Registered: Sep 2001
I had a peek at a parked audi TT today...wow those vents DO look good! Now I am also sure I want the chrome shifter ring too! Guess I looked a bit suspicious peeking in the car so I kept it short
Yeah post the partnumber please, I hope I dont need it but others may want to know...
I am hoping to get a set of 3 (I will use only 2) for about $40! But I havent had a response yet to the last email....hmm
some more buildup pics later...
edit:spelling
[This message has been edited by Fie Ro (edited 11-06-2004).]
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11:58 AM
Fie Ro Member
Posts: 3735 From: Soest, The Netherlands Registered: Sep 2001
Right now there are some parts that can be glued together and I cant wait to get everything smoothed! I was going to use the 2part expanding foam stuff but I still get the basic shapes just right with these materials...
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02:04 PM
Fie Ro Member
Posts: 3735 From: Soest, The Netherlands Registered: Sep 2001