New dash.....thoughts?

[TurboFource]

Waiting on shifter cables and saw the piece of diamond plate I acquired recently....

I need a new dash....this wouldn't delaminate etc... There's even enough to do the dash pad like in the first picture... Thoughts/suggestions?

[Bryan Boyle]

Waiting on shifter cables and saw the piece of diamond plate I acquired recently....

I need a new dash....this wouldn't delaminate etc... There's even enough to do the dash pad like in the first picture... Thoughts/suggestions?

Count me as a 'no' vote, but, I'm a traditionalist.  De gustibus non disputandum.

[Grumblebuns]

I would say no for the dash pad simply due to the safety aspect at neck level but maybe for the dash if you can live with the glare and reflection of the metal. I'm looking at carbon fiber for the dash if I can find someone who can work with it. I'm not much of a traditionalist.

[TurboFource]

I am Shore the Shorebillies would get a kick out of it! Maybe I could use the backside and engine turn it?

[Kendo]

The stock configuration shades the gauges from the sun. I think that feature is worth keeping. The dash pad is also called a crash pad for a reason. I’d keep that part softer than diamond plate. (Though now I wonder about my new Banks fiberglass dash pad)

[BDA]

My proclivities are toward the traditional wood dash, however I have seen other dashes I thought looked nice. I don’t remember any alternate crash pads that I liked though.

I think something that gives the interior some “classic” elements work best. Engine turned aluminum might meet that but for me it is too reminiscent of much older cars.

I also think that the Europa benefits from more refinement rather less. Just so you don’t think I’m really heading to a “wood only” position, I thought the gun metal dash of a car recently for sale looked nice and and also worked well with other elements done in the same color (bumpers, trim, etc.).

But all those are just my opinions and the person you want to make happy with your car is you.

[TurboFource]

This one used vinyl

[Triton]

I made a new dash out of 10mm  Burr Walnut laminated  fibre board,  I used the old dash as a template . I then cut another copy out of  2mm steel plate and bonded it to the back to give it strength. I treated the fibre board with sealant and i also welded a few small 6mm threaded bars  on the back for handy earthing spots. I am going to cover the old original dash with a piece of engine turned alloy plate to keep as a spare.

[BDA]

If you're not going to use a wood dash, that one looks pretty good. It certainly looks better than tread plate!

[dakazman]

If you're not going to use a wood dash, that one looks pretty good. It certainly looks better than tread plate!

   I'll chime in and have to second BDA's comment. I'm leaning for a wood dash in that it will last longer than the vinyl.
 there is a happy medium with formica products . easy cleaning , high durability, gloss, matt finishes. ease of application...
dakazmzn
 

[TurboFource]

I posted this in jest since it's April Fools Day

I intend to try to fix this one I got from BDA as a pattern or actually use it as a pattern!

The comments have actually been interesting to see other people's thoughts on the subject.

While diamond plate seems interesting I am not sure what I will ever use it for 

[GavinT]

Oh, I liked the checker plate, Turbo and think you should go ahead.
We can no longer be friends, of course, but go ahead. 

[BDA]

You got me, Turbo!!! I should evaluate posts based on the calendar in the future!

[dakazman]

 
 I think that’s a first Turbo. 🥱
Dakazman

[Bryan Boyle]

This one used vinyl

I actually like that look; if I was going to change the TCS panel...that would (could) be an option.  I have a stripped S2 dash in my PA garage that's in decent shape (only missing the veneer) this might be a candidate for.  Was actually thinking of changing the TCS panel to the earlier version...yeah, I'd have to rewire a couple of the switches but it could work...talk about not keeping original.  Just a thought.