Ghia custom dash/console mock up – Part 3

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This is turning out to be a super highlight of this build.  As mentioned in the previous post, the new dash / console really changes the attitude of the interior of the car.  CJ at Revenant is doing masterful work.  I can’t say enough about how exciting and cool this is.

New dash and console modification. It looks rough now but it’s awesome work.  It has a bit of that GT-40 feel to it.

Close up view of the new console modification.

Ghia custom dash/console mock up – Part 2

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Part 2 of the custom dash and console work.  CJ took the cardboard mockup and made a metal version as shown below.   As with most new things, one may not be too sure of how ideas manifest in real life but, this is a very, very slick modification to the stock Karmann Ghia dash.  When inside the car, it brings a certain gravitas to the car that makes it feel very modern.  It has become the centerpiece of the interior at this point and I like it very much.  Can’t wait to see it closer to completion.  May try to get a picture with all the gauges set in place!

The start of going from cardboard to metal.

Underneath the “new” dash. Those speaker holes came with the car. Not sure if we’re going to use them or not.

Rough install of the custom dash/console. The three gauge holes have yet to be cut in.

Different angle.  You can see the double DIN cage in place.

Billet Ghia speaker grill cover.

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Picked up this cool speaker grill cover off eBay.  Solid aluminum and will accent the dash and Black Mamba billet gear shift.   It has the proper dash curvature and fits very well.

CNC engraved / milled Karmann Ghia script speaker block-off plate; 1/4″ thick aluminum, brush finish.

Ghia custom dash/console mock up – Part 1

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CJ at Revenant made some templates for the modified dash idea, looks pretty sweet:

(mostly) original dash before the console mods.

Double DIN cage purchased for future mockups.

Cardboard mockup – 1.

Cardboard mockup – 2.

For reference, this is what the original vision was.  And of course, my OCD kicked in! :)

NOS Karmann Ghia Sales Brochure

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I bought a new, old stock (NOS) sales brochure for the low light Karmann Ghia.  I thought it’d be cool to have it sitting in the car as a conversation piece.   Second, I wanted to look at the original, stock design cues so that I could blend the Porsche RS vision with the original.

Modern dash, old car – some new ideas.

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Spent some time tinkering with dash designs.  I’m going for a modern treatment but without detracting too much from the period design.

Here are a few digital mockups I did to get a sense of how it may turn out:

First mocked up option for the Ghia dash.

Second mocked up option for the Ghia dash.

I ran these ideas by a few friends and family and the consensus was the first option with the three small gauges on top of the double DIN opening. The thinking was “performance and engine monitoring first”, so that’s what we’re rolling with – the critical gauges (oil temp, water temp, volts) above the double DIN.

The DIN until will feature a touchscreen, bluetooth, GPS, the audio features you’d expect, rear camera support and GPS inputs for the navigation software.   It’s Android based so the ODB2 apps for car maintenance and enhanced performance monitoring can run there as well.  The ashtray will be used as a hidden USB media and charging port.