Building Carbon Dash...

[motoxris]

So I'm starting the project soon. I haven't really seen any carbon dashes. especially none that are manufactured. I'm setting out to make direct replacements for OEM dashes. And I mean dash boards, not the gauge cluster. I have the skills to work with carbon and I work at a company that makes makes reconnaissance UAV's. Meaning, we make a lot of s*** out of composites. I bought a junkyard dash and it looks like its doable but there are a few obstacles to overcome. This looks like it will be a pricey product but I'm not out to scam anyone. It's a little more of a fun side project for me.

So.. Reasons for this future product... 1. Looks (not my personal first reason)2. Weight3. Gauge pods. Who wouldn't like tree nice factory looking gauge pods right above the heater vent that everyone use for gauges. I personally want all my heater vents functional.

So I want to see how many people out there are interested in an interior product like this. I have any idea of what a carbon dashes will cost and I'm sure you guys do to.

How do you guys feel about this?

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Well, if you do the dry look, I'd be somewhat interested. The wet/normal look, no way, too much glare.

How much are we talking here price wise?

[motoxris]

I agree with the glare factor. It something that I was pondering my self. But truthfully I think people will deal with it. But most of those (fancy carbon products are made over weighted with to much resin to give that shiny look that so many people want. I don't personally. When you make the parts to the specified material to resin ratios, it comes out more dull than most of the shinny stuff out there. As far as price goes, take a look at seibons prices for there exterior parts and go up a little. But I seen there hoods before and was not impressed with the quality when I opened the hood.

[Brandon1605]

I agree with the glare factor. It something that I was pondering my self. But truthfully I think people will deal with it. But most of those (fancy carbon products are made over weighted with to much resin to give that shiny look that so many people want. I don't personally. When you make the parts to the specified material to resin ratios, it comes out more dull than most of the shinny stuff out there. As far as price goes, take a look at seibons prices for there exterior parts and go up a little. But I seen there hoods before and was not impressed with the quality when I opened the hood.

Id be interested if the price was right and if you did it dry so that it could be painted or tolerated in stock form. The glare would be unbearable with any gloss at all, honestly.

Give us some figures here. And you should make a prototype so you have something to show off.

[motoxris]

Ill make the price as reasonable as can be. I am going to build several dashes before selling any. I'm an aircraft Tech. which are trained to have very high quality standards, let alone my own that I have always carried with me. I'll be putting one in my car and my brothers car first. I will be legit about the parts, and will post pictures.

Real carbon products don't have quite as a glossy finish as people are use to seeing on aftermarket import products. The people that make a lot of carbon parts for cars cure the parts then put more resin back on the surface. Then put the parts back in the molds to have a nice smooth glossy finish. Then are clear coated after that. The common buyer wouldn't like the carbon as much if it was not as "flashy" to them selves and the people around them.

And there is no reason to not paint it to your own liking. Yes you can paint it. I personally wouldn't.

[Broadfield]

I am going to go out on a limb and say you probably won't sell a single one. You have to realize your average 240 owner is young..... so not a lot of money in their pockets. The price of the materials alone: 3K, 2 x 2 twill weave carbon, resin and shipping would be more than what anyone on here is willing to spend. Let alone factoring in initial plug/mold fabrication and then the labor to make each piece. Then you would have to also make a carbon center console. No one is going to want a carbon dash that fits up to a plastic center console. Then you also have the issue of the glove box. So you would have to offer carbon glove box doors. Then the provisions to mount the dash to the support, to mount the cluster, vents, glove box, center console etc. I can foresee the price being way out of range.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

If it's under $200 and I pay for the shipping and include my dash, I'll buy it.

Otherwise, honestly, me (and most others) have more important things to spend that much money on. I mean, a carbon fiber dash isn't any more functional than a regular oem dash.

Just sayin.

[motoxris]

The rest of the center console will come later. I'm more focused on the hard part right now. As for the prices you listed, "witch would be scaring people" is way out of range. And there are many ways to work with composites. I'll use the methods I choose. What matters is the price that I sell things for and I might not even offer it to the rest of the world if that gets to be an issue

[motoxris]

There is not going to be any large scale composite parts under $200. Unless you like big carbon stickers.

As for finding better things to spend your money on, I can agree a bit. This for the enthusiast that feels like they need some thing like this for there 240sx.

Anyway, things are barely getting started. When I make this stuff, I'll see if you guys like it. Witch I'm sure you all will. I'll keep you all posted as things move along.

[motoxris]

One more thing to add. Like I said before, I'm going to make a dash that replaces the oem dash. Allthe fitments will be the same and the rest of the stock parts will fit in place where they did before. But yes again, down the road I will make the center console.

[AIRFORCEONE]

gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

it's which, not witch

I keep reading your posts and you keep saying witch!!!!!

but I agree with Broadfield unfortunately

[motoxris]

No I meant witch. Just kidding. Excuse the spelling.

Well I'm not gonna sit here and tell everyone they need to get one of these. It's just a personal project that I'll make available to others one day. And I know that not everyone can afford something like this but at least everyone can know one there will be someone that has this part available.

[MastaYu]

this will be interesting to see

[georgegto]

We have to see pictures of the finish product...then u might have a chance of selling

[motoxris]

Yes of course. Like I said, I make some stuff then I'll put out pictures for everyone to check out.

[sr_240sx]

Okkk!!!! All this was on August/2009 and Today is May 28/2010 over 6 months it should be done by now!!!!
I am interested but I agree with some forums members about the dry carbon because of the glare. ahhh Price is important I now carbon is expensive but price is the key I also agree on the center console, arm rest, radio bezel and ashtray. I am upfor all this
if the price is right.

[ZootedS13]

id much rather spend a lot of money on an uncracked oem dash than anything aftermarket. just saying

[ProjectSileighty]

You can purchase a brand new OEM dash unit from Nissanpartswarehouse for $970.01. If you could keep the cost around $500, $600. I would be interested in purchasing your carbon dash unit. I'm anxious to see a finished product.

[sr_240sx]

I want to be different and also for show it will be great not only for daily driven.
and regarding the oem dash I asked on a Nissan dealer and they told that is not available no more. also I am not going to spend $1,000 on an oem dash that is no different.

[RB26needaparachute]

Im interested as well..but I would want a triple gauge pod molded in the center Because right now I dont have enough rooms for gauges and I cant bring myself to put a hole in my perfect dash.

[OM3GA]

Im down to see.

[whyteboi]

im interested to see the final product.....

[hatedinthemind]

Whats the weight of an oem dash?

[PyR0NiAk]

Whats the weight of an oem dash?

Not much. I'm pretty sure this guy was just talking....

He does still post though, so maybe he will step in and prove me wrong.

[hatedinthemind]

Whats the weight of an oem dash?

Not much. I'm pretty sure this guy was just talking....

thats what i thought