Still loving the dash idea keep up the good work. I hope to see door panels in the future as I would like to do the dash and door panels at the same time.
The kitcar market is a different story, however, the Fiero based replica market is dead...if not dead then near flat lining.
Rob Fierovation
Rob I know you left Madmechnics.com due to some hassles with uploading pics etc but that is fixed now and there are more replica guys there. In fact there was just a post by someone today about wanting a 355 dash.
P.S. Still would like some simple F40 replica door panels.
Sorry, you misunderstood me. I'm not after a replica Gallardo dash, rather an "modern supercar inspired" dash, where it would blend the best looks of: Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin (incl. Rapide), Audi R8, Lotus Evora, possibly Spyker, Tesla Model S, etc. Something where a 7" Double DIN screen looks at home, rather than an afterthought. Something that makes the Fiero interior look even more airy. It would be better if it's not a strict replica of any one car, because then people would notice that it isn't "exact" and the dash will suffer the same problems as with Ferrari/Lamborghini replicas that aren't exact.
I gave a friend a ride in my Fiero last weekend, and her first response, is that the interior looks very "industrial", which I think was a nice way of saying "screams '80's! )
When I mention things like liking a certain look for switches, it's not because they're original Gallardo, rather that I like the look of them. I've been always a fan of toggle switches. (see: MINI Cooper) I do understand it's not for everyone. My guess is that your dash will ship without switches, but allow for many different styles of switches based on user preference. Maybe you'll include pictures of different style switches you liked, and then the end user can choose among those, or find more.
It also seems that a few like the idea of including an iPad, or Android tablet in the center waterfall, so those users may forego the switches altogether and opt for a touch screen and maximum room for their chosen tablet.
The reason I asked about the stock console skeleton is because many Fiero owners suffer from "broken console skeleton's", so they should have an option to use your interior and "kill 2 birds with one stone", rather than having to find a skeleton, just to cut it up again. I also feel the high plastic surround makes the center tunnel unnecessarily large and separates the driver from his (often female ^_^) passengers. (or vice versa) Also "pushing" the dash and waterfall as far back as possible will open up the interior and make it more airy. Having driven both the Gallardo and the Audi R8, I preferred the R8 in a heart beat. For starters the interior didn't feel so cramped on the Audi. Part of it was because the center stack was further away, and because the windshield wasn't as raked.
I've noticed many Fiero passengers have their feet firmly planted on the ground, rather than their legs stretched out. It would be good if their kneecaps wouldn't touch the passenger side glove box, or dash structure. the reason is 2-fold. One is comfort, the other is to avoid damage to the dash itself. Even the stock vent pods are nicknamed "knee busters" for a reason.
I undestand that having an aluminum milled (or plastic imitation) gated shifter may not be for everyone, but it may be a good option for those interested.
Similar to the above, it may be fun if you could either do door cards as an option, or as a more budget friendly alternative, just a few pieces that bolt on/replace Fiero components to keep costs down and tie the look for the new dash into the doors. (think door handle surround, possibly blended around radiused corner with the dash, or maybe a different door handle structure/shape that uses existing bolt holes.)
Obviously I'm only offering suggestions, and brain storming. None of these are requirements. You're the artist, have fun with the creative freedom and let your ideas flow.
Originally posted by ferrobi: Rob I know you left Madmechnics.com due to some hassles with uploading pics etc but that is fixed now and there are more replica guys there. In fact there was just a post by someone today about wanting a 355 dash.
P.S. Still would like some simple F40 replica door panels.
Too bad AirDynamics dropped the Ad360 kit. I was going to do an interior for it. I guess he's doing the Mercielago now.
Well here is my parts that I am going to place in this amazing dash that is coming together:
code:
Still trying to figure out where to relocate dimmer switch...any thoughts?
Good luck getting an hvac panel from Riceburner, I've been waiting for over 2 years for him to have product; I even had to give away my last panel to a customer who was also waiting. I've already given up on him.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 04-04-2012).]
Test mounting of the prototype instrument pod & optional gauge panel for use with digital mini gauges from : http://www.tomsdigitalelectronics.com/ Main Gauge cluster will have a 35 degree tilt . Exposed screws only for test fitting purpose.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 04-22-2012).]
Uhh, what is the guage going to hold??? Dummy lites? Where would the left/right sensor be for the turn signals?
Thanx all, for your time!!
Ear-ick
There's a guy on the Forum who makes the digital replacement gauges & he sells them on ebay. All the stock indicator lights are still in the same locations, just hidden behind the tinted window.
It'll start looking better once the pieces of this puzzle begin to fit together.
Rob, once again, you are the master! I'm not worthy but I am definitely in line!
Dr. W.
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[This message has been edited by infinitewill (edited 04-04-2012).]
Rob, once again, you are the master! I'm not worthy but I am definitely in line!
Dr. W.
Great! I'll be asking for a commitment from all who are interested before I plunge in & spend the $$$ & time to create all the required molds/tooling for this dash/console.
Good luck getting an hvac panel from Riceburner, I've been waiting for over 2 years for him to have product; I even had to give away my last panel to a customer who was also waiting. I've already given up on him.
you should try him again, from the time i contacted him to the time it arrived at my door step was less than one week.
G6 air vent hole sizing with some scrap leather & foam. Remove the bezel for a flush look, but more difficult to mount as the bezel doubles as a retainer...maybe better to just shave down the bezel.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 04-09-2012).]
G6 air vent hole sizing with some scrap leather & foam. Remove the bezel for a flush look, but more difficult to mount as the bezel doubles as a retainer.
Is there a way to mount the bezel directly to the fiberglass and pad around bezel lighter to hide under leather?
Another idea might to us Pontiac Solstice air vents...a little more flush I believe.
Bezels/retainers must go on top of upholstery to work...and would look better with the overlap...better to shave down the bezel.
I'll look into the Solstice. It'll be good not to remove the bezel retainer ring for simplicity sake, but it has to be cheap and available in good supply.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 04-07-2012).]
Also just FYI...I am planning picking up a salvaged solstice in May ...going to strip complete suspension, breaks, and a few other parts for my 86 GT. After going over all the options for the past four months...decided that picking up a salvaged solstice was the cheapest way to obtain actually the best answer for a much needed upgraded suspension & breaks to match my 3800SC swap. Thinking about also utilizing steering wheel and shift knob as well out of it.
Also just FYI...I am planning picking up a salvaged solstice in May ...going to strip complete suspension, breaks, and a few other parts for my 86 GT. After going over all the options for the past four months...decided that picking up a salvaged solstice was the cheapest way to obtain actually the best answer for a much needed upgraded suspension & breaks to match my 3800SC swap. Thinking about also utilizing steering wheel and shift knob as well out of it.
Please do a build tread. both Rickady88GT and I were thinking about that suspension.
I'm already going out on a limb doing this dash for the Fiero crowd...a market that really doesn't spend much on interior mods. I could be wrong, but my sense is that no matter how cheap I try to make this dash, it won't be cheap enough for this market. I will do door panels only if enough of you guys order the dash & want the doors.
Thanks, Rob Fierovation
quote
Originally posted by TXOPIE:
Rob...Please let me know how much down $ and when you need it.
Thanks for running with this...I am so thrilled where how this is turning out.
I never pressure a Master....nudge maybe....but I REALLY would like matching door skins to give it the Complete updated look...so I humbly request.
If you don't I will be forced to find some hack that won't match your level of quality...what you do is truly an art!
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 09-20-2012).]
COME ON EVERYBODY...lets show our real support. This is the best dash the Fiero will have seen in years! If you belong to a local Fiero Club, please do a mention and attach a link to the G1 build.
Have you thought about contacting Dan Wilkinson ( wilkidan@hotmail.com ). He is the one that builds my Gallardo inspired re-body. This dash would be an excellent option for others that already have the kit and his future purchases....just a thought.
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