For example, I want to make some custom panels perhaps to mount a guage or some switches. Where can I find such material?

Anyone have any ideas?

Either that, or where can I buy some custom panels in the same material?

 

Hmm... it seems like I've seen a material you mix up (like a bondo or something) and it comes with several different "texture pads" or whatever they are called. Once you get it molded/formed the way you want and it is still wet, you push the correct texture pad onto the wet "stuff" and it gives it the same texture as your dash. Did I just dream that or has anybody else seen something similar and can give it a name? LOL!

 

How big of a panel do you need? For small parts, I've gone to Walmart and bought the $4.00 center console for a truck and cut my textured plastic patch out of it. For larger pieces, there is a place in my area that does custom waterjet cutting, they carry all sorts of textured plastic and foam.

 

As far as paint, look at the "vinyl coat" from The Eastwood Company. Their "graphite" is a 98% match for my Formula Graphite interior. I am currently making some dash blankoff plates for George Baxter's 30th SS convertible, and the same color seems to be a good match for his interior. They have other shades of gray available, and a tan.

Click on the "Step into my office...." link below for a rough idea of the paint match on the A-pillar and on the radio delete plate.

Take this link:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/s...&attribute16=0

and look at pages 2 to 4 for the color chips.

 

I just went to the local plastic store and got a sheet of black abs plastic for a couple bucks and use that every time i need to make some kind of panel. The flash made it look a little funny but it matches pretty well.

http://ieng9.ucsd.edu/~ahartoun/100_0122.JPG

 

But you can get closer on the color...... couple that with the texture on your ABS plastic and it might be a good combo.

http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun.../DCP03456a.jpg

 

I was searching for something else and came across this thread, and i'm glad i did.

Fred, i was just wondering what all did you use on your radio delete plate. Did you use the sand free prep kit?,did you use the adhesive promoter?, and most importantly did you use the low luster clear coat? or did you just paint it and leave it?

 

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=265-948

This is where I bought mine, they sell it in different thinknesses.

 

I always use the painting process to texture the custom stuff I do . I start with a thicker filler primer , and spray from very far away so it just mists the panel lightly , taking time to dry or tack in between coats . I apply the paint the same process . It takes forever to paint it that way because it numerous very light misted coats , but the end result looks factory IMO .

Here a pic of the custom radio bezel I did to get a double din radio in my TA , also a pic of power window door lock bezels I made to adapt camaro switches .

Pic 1

Pic 2

For the paint I went to a local automotive paint shop and had them custom mix a match for the 00-02 Ebony interior color . They also sold these little jars with a screw on aerosol top so I could apply it .