RE: Vacuum-formed plastic dash parts

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

> > I have no knowledge about plastic fabrication and manufacturing, but
> > this looks like an expensive piece to make in small quantities.
> 
> It might be easier to make a cover for the stock coupe 3 gauge panel
> that will set neatly on the stock dash to the right of the cluster?
> 
> Those panels are still avail. new for about $10.
> 
> Of course it would be nice to be able to run the wiring up through the
> cluster, avoiding any drilling.
> 
Cool!  It is great to see at least a bit of energy put to this thread!  

This is along the lines I was thinking as well ... we don't necessarily need
to duplicate the "Abt" gauge extension panel, but if something could be
devised to attach to the side of the stock instrument cluster hood that
would allow 3 standard gauges to be mounted it would meet my requirements.  

I had a thought on the "calfskin" discussion as well ... when I modified the
diff locking panel on the console of the QTC to add a couple gauges and an
LED voltmeter I simply started with the stock Audi plate without the
adhesive backed plate with the graphics.  I found a small sheet of black
plastic with a "pebble" finish that was adhesive backed, which I use as a
fascia behind the gauges ... looks pretty nice IMO.  If we could get a
vacuum formed faceplate that was smooth for a fairly reasonable price, we
could certainly use a similar technique to make it look a little better ...

I also have one of the VDO 3-gauge binnacles which sits on the top of the
dash ... It really doesn't fit into the angular style of the interior ...
and I'd really rather not have to cut into my un-cracked ur-dash to mount
and wire it.  

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)