need some dash imput

[speedshftr]

i had the dash mostly welded up.i know the pics are not the greatest.im looking for ideas to jazz it up a touch and still be understated.the dash pad and window pillars will be covered by mister weaver of THE RECOVERY ROOM in black leather.im wondering if the dash from the pad down should be the body color blue or have it black?i know the welded up area looks a little hum drum so i hope to put something on the dash such as a new car trim piece or some thing late model.mabey even a clock in the top center.give me some input please.are white gauges played out now?here is a pic.

[Al Moreno]

It would probably help if we knew what the overall goal of your build is. Are you doing a street rod build, European, etc.... are you looking to build the "Baddest 1st gen in the UNIVERSE?

Any addition info would help to give you some suggestions.

[70rs]

Originally Posted by Al Moreno

It would probably help if we knew what the overall goal of your build is. Are you doing a street rod build, European, etc.... are you looking to build the "Baddest 1st gen in the UNIVERSE?

Any addition info would help to give you some suggestions.

Al....it's going to be "the baddest dash in the universe". Didn't you get the memo?

The gauge color depends on the dash color. I think white face would look good on a black dash, black face gauges would look good on a body color dash. Just my .02. And a clock of the right size and style MIGHT look ok. Make up some paper templates, print them off in life size and stick them on the dash. Make a clock, gauges, trim pieces...move them around and see what you like. Paper models are a lot cheaper than re doing the whole dash if you don't like it.

[marks914]

I agree,
We always tell customers to print out the proof sheets for the custom gauges we are designing for them, espescially if we feel that something might not be the best way to go.

As for colors, I also have to agree with we need to know the theme of the car. A small spear of aluminum or chrome might be nice somewhere, but it should tie in with the rest, like the gauge bezels, shifter, steering wheel. Those small details are what pulls a theme together
Mark

[speedshftr]

thanks for the input
the car theme will be subaru blue and all exterior metal will be brushed aluminum.
fessler taillights and door handles
brushed rushforth wheels
no locks or antenna
no other trim ect on exterior.
i know the street rod theme interior is not everyones favorite but i do like it so im going that route.im going to look on ebay at new car interiors for some ideas.any help from you guys would be great.
thanks

[70rs]

That is one of the best things you can do. Look for something on line, in magazines or at shows and get some ideas. Take a few pictures, make some templates and try different layouts. It will start to come together right in front of you.
We could throw out design ideas all day but in the end it's your car and you have to like it. After all you will be staring at it every time you sit down in it.

Making color, real life size templates is the best way to IMO. You can build the entire dash a hundred different ways for about 5 bucks and find a design that works for you.

If the rest of the car is brushed then the gauges should be too. As well as any trim you put on the dash.

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Take your whole theme and go with it.There is nothing wrong with some street rod touch's on your car,More and more of my customers are looking at that because they want the interior to be fully finished.The passenger area needs something to help break up that area,The new cars are using brushed and trim parts to do that.I like when the dash is painted or covered to match the rest of the interior,It makes it look like it was part of the plan to begin with.I would put some aluminum trim on that side and tie it in with the doors . They don't have to wrap around just something to give it the same feel all the way thru.Just my opinion.