Dashboard Thread

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 20 Sep 2008, 12:07

Does there exist an ashtray blanking plate? I could make one at a push but I no longer need the ashtray as the space is better utilised as a secondary junction box area for stereo, extra lights etc. Just wondered if there ever was one.

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 20 Sep 2008, 12:31

Forget that. Took all of four minutes to make one and spray it black.

However, it does occur to me that as I have a cheap (but functional) digital clock presently on double-sided tape on the dashboard, it wouldn't be THAT difficult to turn the ashtray slot into a small upright dial pod that could incorporate the clock and maybe a simple rev counter.

Will have a go next week. Off to New Quay Haven site from Monday.

Post by **ringo** » 20 Sep 2008, 13:58

Post a pic will you

Have a good week - i hope this weather stays for you!

Ringo

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 20 Sep 2008, 15:26

[img:500:375]https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/images/Blanking.jpg[/img]

Blanking plate - rectangular piece of hardboard sprayed black (need to round corners a bit)

Will show you the pod once I've figured the easiest way to do it. For some reason, a four pint milk container springs to mind. All will be revealed....

And yes I know theres an LED hanging out that speaker grill/vent thingamyjig. Don't ask

Oh and the box you can see lower left is a black seed tray (£1 shop of course) that is just as good as those over-rated dash tidies - double-sided tape and its going nowwhere. Same with small box to right that used to hold mens moistened wipes - ideal for small change.

Obligatory £1 shop digital clock (also stuck on with double-sided) that will slide out of its case for remote use or for changing the battery. It also bleeps (reasuringly) on the hour which I rather like on long journeys.

Well, thats CovKid's dash.....

Post by **Plasticman** » 20 Sep 2008, 19:31

Kept my ashtray for now but did some alligarmi round it
[IMG:800:600]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e308/ ... G_2035.jpg[/img]
to this
[IMG:800:600]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e308/ ... G_2036.jpg[/img]
then this
[IMG:800:600]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e308/ ... mi0001.jpg[/img]
use the trash tray as a coin stash and holds the lpg adaptor etc and most importantly the flat bit above the ashbin is to sit 2x pots of coffee or a tinny
Mike

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 20 Sep 2008, 23:12

How did you bend that so neatly?

Come on, more dashboards please. Must be some funky ideas out there. The T25 dash is mostly a big lump of useless nothingness without something stuck on there. I do like that folded box metalmick8y - given me a few more ideas.

Post by **asahartz** » 21 Sep 2008, 10:30

My bus came already fitted with an MDF dashboard tray which to me is near-perfect (it also came with all the stickers which are not really me but I've left them 'cos they're quite cool!).

There was a hole to access the ashtray, into which I dropped a digital clock which came from a Nissan Sunny that I broke up - just happened to be the perfect size for the hole!

[img:600:450]http://www.b0lus.com/images/cars/vw/IMAG0529.jpg[/img]

In the near future I plan to apply a similar redesign to the instument pod; which will feature hardwired design to avoid all the issues that the standard version has (like lights going out at random!) And of course blue LEDs - gotta have those to be cool!

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 21 Sep 2008, 12:25

Funny you should mention hardwiring dash pod. That thought occured to me today while sat parked outside a hospital waiting to pick someone up, an noticing ignition and oil lights stopped working again!

Replace the crappy ribbon connector with a multi-connector, fit resistors and other components on a circuit board and hard wire the rest into another multiconnector on output of board. I'm sure between us we could create a template circuit board that covers everything including all the high-spec add ons plus additional LEDs for extra ancillieries.

Somewhere on this PC I have a circuit board generator.....

That would make one humdinger of a WIKI article. We all seem to suffer from bad connections in the pod. In fact the entire board, with LEDs mounted. could fit right in the middle. Plug and play.

Post by **Mr Bean** » 21 Sep 2008, 12:54

CovKid wrote:
Replace the crappy ribbon connector with a multi-connector, fit resistors and other components on a circuit board and hard wire the rest into another multiconnector on output of board. I'm sure between us we could create a template circuit board that covers everything including all the high-spec add ons plus additional LEDs for extra ancillieries.

Somewhere on this PC I have a circuit board generator.....

That would make one humdinger of a WIKI article. We all seem to suffer from bad connections in the pod. In fact the entire board, with LEDs mounted. could fit right in the middle. Plug and play.

Yes I quite agree. My high beam indicator LED didn't wourk and due to my experience in aerospace I know that every time you wiggle a flexible circuit you risk an intermitent fault. So I hard wired back to the headlamp. My problem is I am not enamoured with the way those circuit diagrams are put together page after pge. But as soon as I get my grandsons busted shuttle PC off my Bentlys I will see if it is any clearer in there. Layed out a double sided 64 Meg extender card when the old BBC cumputer hit the streets but just don't have the dedication any more!
Cheers
Ken

Post by **High Peaker** » 22 Sep 2008, 13:31

I used a spare instrument cowl to create a space for CDs, sunglasses etc, with part of it panelled to take satnav and GPS.

Link below is to my garage photo. If it does not work, just look at my garage.

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/garage.php? ... age_id=943

Would like to properly install oil temp and pressure guages somewhere (having had vehicle off the road since May due to "inaccurate engine condition info" leading to all manner of problems).

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 22 Sep 2008, 13:42

lol - stick a third pod on - bank of gadgetry like the enterprise

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 22 Sep 2008, 17:31

After spending all day trying to get ignition and oil lights working, without success, thats it. I'm hardwiring that dash for good tomorrow. Case of browsing expensive Maplins for connectors and some veroboard but at least it will put an end to the grief that is THE T25 DASHBOARD

Post by **asahartz** » 22 Sep 2008, 17:57

Wiring connectors? http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... mepage.php - should have anything you need. Lucky for me they're two minutes from work, but they do efficient mail order.

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 22 Sep 2008, 18:18

oooh oooh - just what I need. This should sort this headache once and for all!

Thanks Asahartz

Post by **jamesc76** » 22 Sep 2008, 18:29

I use them loads too just down the road for me too there a brill bunch of blokes and really know what there on about!