15 replies to this topic

[NorthernPhil]

I'm plotting some things, one of which would require chopping a hole in the top of the dashboard... which I have concerns about. Not the fact that I need to cut a hole, but HOW to do it.

 

As the top surface of the Bora's dash is that odd rubberised "soft touch" stuff, I have a couple of questions I need some input on.

 

Question number one: What is the most effective way of cutting this stuff? Brand new Stanley blade? Dremel?

 

Question number two: How do I make the edges of the cut look decent? Careful application of a heated edger? 3D print a "collar" for the hole and glue it in?

 

I'm assuming chopping holes in the top of the dash is fairly uncommon, but has anyone here done it? Or know anyone who has done it?

[northpole]

all depends how exposed the hole is going to be... i would recommend using a hole saw or just drill a hole the soft material won't burn or anything like that.. (it'll have some melted sides in the hole you drill or hole saw.. but if you go and hack it you'll want to create something that makes a nice base/edge around that hole...  

[NorthernPhil]

The intention is to have the end product looking like a OEM thing. 

 

What is actually going into the hole will be 3D printed, so I guess I'll just build a collar/lip into the design.

[adam-]

Where are you doing this hole?  Obviously access will be difficult depending if you have it near the windscreen.  Go to a breakers and try?

[DerPanzerWagen]

...wonder what it might be?

 

 dasboat.jpg   92.58KB   4 downloads

 JC.jpg   57.03KB   3 downloads

[NorthernPhil]

Where are you doing this hole?  Obviously access will be difficult depending if you have it near the windscreen.  Go to a breakers and try?

 

Cabin-facing, not close to the windscreen.

[NorthernPhil]

...wonder what it might be?

 

dasboat.jpg

JC.jpg

 

Noooop.

[northpole]

it might be a big 10 inch screen, that is on a pop up mechanism? ( sweet idea... but know it won't be that lol) maybe just some central placed driver facing pod-less gauges ?  

[DerPanzerWagen]

it might be a big 10 inch screen, that is on a pop up mechanism? ( sweet idea... but know it won't be that lol) maybe just some central placed driver facing pod-less gauges ?  

 

He says 'cabin facing', so um, perhaps it's a piggy bank for him to put his loose change in to fix it when he finds it doesn't work!

[NorthernPhil]

I don't want to say yet, as I'm not sure if/when I'll actually do it. I will say I haven't seen it done before, though.

Also, already planning on a screen on the head unit.

[DerPanzerWagen]

I don't want to say yet, as I'm not sure if/when I'll actually do it. I will say I haven't seen it done before, though.

Also, already planning on a screen on the head unit.

 

How are you gonna attach the screen?

 

[NorthernPhil]

How are you gonna attach the screen?

 

 

I'm looking at getting a Pioneer AVH-Z7200DAB, so the screen is part of the unit. Single DIN with motorised screen, so less obvious to any thieves, and I get to keep my cubby-hole.

[DerPanzerWagen]

I'm looking at getting a Pioneer AVH-Z7200DAB, so the screen is part of the unit. Single DIN with motorised screen, so less obvious to any thieves, and I get to keep my cubby-hole.

 

Right, know what you're up to now. 

[NorthernPhil]

What do you think I'm doing?

The Pioneer unit, and its screen, will be going in the standard radio cage position.

[DerPanzerWagen]

What do you think I'm doing?

The Pioneer unit, and its screen, will be going in the standard radio cage position.

 

...never said it wasn't. 

[NorthernPhil]

...never said it wasn't. 

 

Wait, now I'm confused...