Who's the resident expert?

I've got a dash for a Z1R I'm needing some glass work done on. I'm needing the speedo and tach hole sizes smaller. I would rather have someone who knows their stuff and knows what these old bikes are, not some macco joe saying it looks ok to me. I figured I would ask here because I've seen some over the top work on here and I respect nice work.
So whos up for the challenge?

Blackbanshee and I had talked about this before. Post a pic of the dash- I'm certain I can accomplish what your asking

Here's a pic, If you need more detail I'll have to take it off tomorrow. I'm just needing the 2 large holes taken down to 3-3/8 with no recess.

Great, thanks Les. The short answer is yes, I can do it. The long answer is that to do it right, I would need to make a splash mold, or temporary mold from the original. Then make a light replica out of fiberglass. I would make the modifications to the glass replica (namely filling in the recess" then make a more permanant mold from the modified glass part. Once I have the permanant mold, I can laminate a permanant part from fiberglass/carbon fiber/kevlar/texalum..ect I could cut one of the steps out, and make a mold off of the OEM part, then modify the mold and fill in the recesses, but mold repairs don't come out as nice as a monolithic mold, and imperfections get transfered to the finished part. In your case, your build, I think a carbon dash would fit in the nicely

You know, I was just thinking about the backside.....is there alot of mounting points on the back? If the back of the dash is complex, then it would be easier (and cheaper) to fill in the recess and just overlay the face of the panel. Re-cut the gauge holes smaller and then your ready to rock

It does have mounting tabs on the back and ends of the ears. I would be content with your last suggestion. I do like the carbon fiber idea.

If you plan on taking the panel off, post a pic of the backside as well. A couple of tabs isn't too bad, nor are a few simple mounts. Leon- if you have a Z1R dash layin around, then you can do it too. Oh, and just for the record, I'm no pro :whistle:

My main goal is for it to be sturdy, flat and symmetrical. As I pointed out in my PM to you I plan on having it covered. If your up for it let me know

Les why not pick up some black nylon or black delrin and machine two hole reducers that press into the factory gauge panel, then you can make the 3.375 holes fit as lose or tight as you want them.

these dashes are (to my knowledge)not available anywhere.i am sure one like les's with no repairs would pull an inordinate amount of cash if offered for sale.having said that,i would rather do as adam has suggested and lay one up.
rather than modify a unmolested one.
call me a whiner or whatever but i have two of these bikes and one dash (that has been repaired)and have searched for years for another one.
so it is self serving for me to see adam lay one up for les.then i could i try and elbow my way on for the "second"one :whistle: :evil: .

i will be watching this thread to see what shakes out as i am in need of at least one dash and two if they are available.

rslingshots, idea of spinning up some stepped reducers would be a nice workaround to keep from permanantly altering a previously unmolested original.

for my 1978 dash i dont need anything but a flat dash to use a trailtech vapor for the guages.my 80 i want to keep the guages on.

i don't have my dash off adam so i can't get the needed pics.i bet les can come through tho :whistle: .

i just had the little triangle endcap that holds my dash and fairing together crack and break off.what about some billet ones les ?

the end caps could be a good exercise in titanium fab and welding,adam :silly: .hehe,just sayin.

leon

rslingshot wrote: Les why not pick up some black nylon or black delrin and machine two hole reducers that press into the factory gauge panel, then you can make the 3.375 holes fit as lose or tight as you want them.

i like this idea too. or maybe even make them out of alum. the id could be machined to accept the new gauges. then u could paint them black .
i have always thought i would have a ring like this machined so i could mount an Acewell gauge inside my kz cup. i just need someone with the talent ,like one of u guys to do it for me . :kiss:

Leon is right, almost impossible to find in good condition. This has been broke and repaired, that's why I don't feel guilty modifying it. It doesn't look too bad to the untrained eye but it isn't good enough and I paid 200 for it. I'll bet some good money that you could sell more than the 2 that myself and possibly leon would take. I actually thought about turning rings to reduce the hole size but I don't think I'll get the look I want. There is a vinyl shop around here that does little things clear up to complete car wrap. He guarantee's me he can make it look like real carbon fiber.
Here is a pic of one of the gauges.


I think the carbon fiber look would be on the money for these.