Dashboard upgrades

[DendroTECH]

Hi guys. I would like to make a custom dashboard for my 1986 XJ. Did somebody try before to make your own dashboard? Maybe using fiberglass and parts from other cars?

I am a fan of high tech gadgets and I would like to install some stuff but I don't want to put all of them on top of the dashboard, that would be a temptation for thieves and seriously with all the things I want it would look cluttered.

I am considering to install, making them to look as part of the dashboard, a Amazon.com: GSM Remote Camera: Camera & Photo@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31paJpxG5dL.@@AMEPARAM@@31paJpxG5dL (so if somebody steal my car I can get photos of the thieves on my cell phone) HAM radio, a car stereo with screen to watch videos (and the back camera I am installing too), digital speedometer and change everything else to digital.

Ideas? Suggestions?

[Mudderoy]

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/ff/suycar/cquinn/suy_cquinn_lrg_02.jpg http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/ff/suycar/cquinn/suy_cquinn_lrg_03.jpg

:link: (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11382_7-6261864-3.html?tag=rb_content;rb_mtx)

It's not the one I was thinking about but it's still pretty cool.

[DendroTECH]

Thanks Mudderoy, those photos look really good. I guess I will visit a junk yard to see what I can get from a more recent model of SUV to install in the center where I am going to put the big stereo/gps/dvd thing.

For the speedometer I am considering something from Dakota Digital (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=488/category_id=69/home_id=59/mode=prod/prd488.htm) but all their stuff come only in miles and I need it in Kilometers. I sent them an email asking for a Km version. Anyways, I am still just looking around, maybe for that I can get also something nice at the junk yard.

There are some interesting videos online about making changes on the dashboard, an interesting one is from these guys installing an ipad. A lot of delicate work.

As I said before I am open for your suggestions guys!
:driving:

Installing ipad

[4.3LXJ]

I have an 86 also and been in the dash. There are some limitations you will have here, namely the HVAC stuff. The heater controls and stock radio sit on top of the HVAC housing. So you have room behind them, but then no room underneath. So then you would have to decide what to do with the HVAC controls. You can extend vacuum lines to them, but there is a cable that runs the temp control that will cause you a problem. So OK, you need someplace to put all that. I would suggest going to an all in one digital gauge cluster, check Summit Racing for these. Not cheap, but it gains you room in the instrument area. Then you would have room for that screen you want and be able to look directly at it instead of to the side. Just a thought.