Aluminum panel with gauges to replace plastic panel with heater

[zgeezer]

Back in 2002 a member "Brad" posted CAD or other file type with the dimensions of an aluminum panel to replace the stock plastic inset that contains a courtesy light, heater controls, and center vent.  His panel had a number of variations including all gauge, radio, and heater control cutouts.

 

Are there any old timers here that downloaded and buried that file for future reference and would be willing to share it with me.

 

Failing the file, does any one have contacts with  "Brad", the original poster.  I belief the file contained the following information... logos perhaps.  "Omniglass" "Brad"  "240z Com".

 

Z

[nzarano]

would be very interesting in this too, could be used to make molds for carbon fiber too

[240Z2NV]

Where in southern CA are you ?  I'm in Long Beach now, and you can scan mine.  I bought two from Brad a decade or more ago.  Sold one to a neighbor, and have one sitting on my dining room table awaiting install.

 

I haven't been on this site in a LONG time ... Life got in the way.  I don't even know if Messaging would work here for me, so use AldosPapa@me.com

[rossman]

I'd be interested in this too.  Right now, I'm looking at designing a panel that replaces the heater controls and radio with 3 2-5/8" gauges at the correct angle for proper viewing.  The problem is...I've been thinking about it for a LONG time 

[Annunaki]

240z2nv- could you post a photo of that? I'm local to you, ill like to see what you got that i can have made.

 

-thanks

[Leskinen]

I would be really interested in some kind of schematics/dimesions of this too... I was planning on fabricating only a piece up to the heater controls, but if there are ready dimensions available it would make the work way easier.

[Jay Gadsby]

I am hoping someone can post some accurate dimensions. I plan on drawing it up and utilizing a friend who purchased a cnc plasma cutter. I may be able to dig up the dash and parts to measure.

[ryant67]

You check this thread?  

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/87446-brad-ds-laser-cut-hvac-and-gauge-panel/

[ryant67]

Also, these guys might be worth a look if you lack access to a machine that can make these for you.  I looked into using them for a gauge panel where the HVAC controls are, and the prices seemed very reasonable.  http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

[Jay Gadsby]

Thanks Ryan! You are a time/life saver.

[The Infidel]

I have the files from Brad on a USB stick somewhere.

[Jay Gadsby]

The ones in that link are good files as well. I opened up last night with no issue.

[rossman]

I made some progress on my gauge panel.  Living near Houston, AC is a must but radios are optional.  

 

Edited May 30, 2016 by rossman

[dmoralesbello]

Looks great! Beautiful gauges. Details please.

[rossman]

It's an 3D printed ABS panel made for SpeedHut 2-5/8 revolution gauges (as shown).  I took lots of measurements, modeled it up, printed it at a local print shop then cut out a matching hole in the stock panel.  It'll eventually get bonded in place and painted when I'm happy with it.  It probably needs tweaking again before I make it permanent.  I made another panel to adapt the Vintage Air controls to the console opening where the choke light, antenna and rear defrost used to be - none of which work in my car anyway.  

 

Edited June 1, 2016 by rossman

[rickyellow zee]

I used quilted maple. No quite as polished looking as above but it serves me well.

Edited June 3, 2016 by rickyellow zee

[rossman]

The completed panel.  I filled the gaps with epoxy, sanded it smooth and coated it with two coats of satin black.

 

[dmoralesbello]

Very nice work. IMO now you need to paint those 2 screw heads black.

[rossman]

Thanks!  Yah, I'll use new or reconditioned fasteners for the final install.  

[ktm]

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/86127-my-speedhut-gauge-install/

 

Same concept.  I did not need the controls or light but did need a radio.