Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

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Syncro
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:54 am
ECU Model: S100 Pro
Distributor: Direct
Firmware Version: 73.01
Location: London, UK

Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by Syncro »

I have used, with great success, free software called Front Panel Designer available from
http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/en

Its aimed at front panels for rack mounted PCs and equipment but you can basically design anything and they make it and post it to you with a pack of gummi bears (a lot of German companies do this for some reason?)

I used the software to design an insert for the original instrument cluster for my Golf. The indicator and warning light strip is a separate item.

Image

Also another insert for some switches and the DTA comms plug to go in the dash.

Image

Materials are available in different thicknesses and finishes. You draw the outline yourself and add holes (including tapped) and things like threaded studs. Then the software calculates the cost. Really cool.
AWD Golf 2.5T
stevieturbo
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Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:08 pm
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Location: Norn Iron

Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by stevieturbo »

Is there some sort of dropdown menu for switch shapes etc ?

What's it made from ? Looks quite tidy.
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ignitionautosport
Posts: 577
Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:30 am
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Location: New Zealand
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Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by ignitionautosport »

Very cool.
| '94 GSR Lancer | '96 Toyota Carib 20V | '83 Toyota Starlet | www.ignitionautosport.co.nz |
Syncro
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:54 am
ECU Model: S100 Pro
Distributor: Direct
Firmware Version: 73.01
Location: London, UK

Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by Syncro »

stevieturbo wrote:Is there some sort of dropdown menu for switch shapes etc ?

What's it made from ? Looks quite tidy.
The switches in this case were just clearance holes. They should have been D shaped so I had to be careful to align them whilst tightening to stop them from rotating.

The hole for the 9-way D-sub was pre-installed in the software though.

You can import outlines in DXF format. I found a neat way to do this; buy a cheap licence for MS Visio on eBay (<£15) and from there you can export drawings in DXF!

The material in those panels was 2mm black anodised ally. I think they do steel too.

I made a spacer for my clutch master cylinder in 10mm ally and that came out well.
AWD Golf 2.5T
Syncro
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:54 am
ECU Model: S100 Pro
Distributor: Direct
Firmware Version: 73.01
Location: London, UK

Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by Syncro »

ignitionautosport wrote:Very cool.
The text engraving is done by them too and they in-fill with white paint. Looks amazing up close and its very clear to read in low light.
AWD Golf 2.5T
stevieturbo
Posts: 3577
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:08 pm
ECU Model: No ECU
Location: Norn Iron

Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by stevieturbo »

Rough pricing ?
Syncro
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:54 am
ECU Model: S100 Pro
Distributor: Direct
Firmware Version: 73.01
Location: London, UK

Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by Syncro »

Dirt cheap in my opinion.
I have the invoices in the loft - I'll check what it was and let you know.
AWD Golf 2.5T
Syncro
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:54 am
ECU Model: S100 Pro
Distributor: Direct
Firmware Version: 73.01
Location: London, UK

Re: Custom dashboard inserts for gauges or switches

Post by Syncro »

The insert for the tacho and speedo was 35 Euro and the insert for the switches was 29 Euro.
You have to add DHL shipping (7 Euro to UK) and 19% tax on to that also.

The bulk of the cost is clearly in the material, since the smaller insert had way more machining.
The software calculates the cost as you go along so you can exactly what each machining instruction costs.
AWD Golf 2.5T
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