DIY- Repairing MM540 Fibreglass Dashboard

[sreejeshtpl]

Hi all, this is an ongoing DIY for my friend's MM540.


We all know that getting parts for old vehicles is very difficult and most of times we end up in gujris or chor bazaars.
Like that we bought the dashboard for this beast.


It was in decent condition except some minor cracks and broken areas of screw holes.
With my assurance that it's repairable, he bought it. I was more happier that i got a chance to do another DIY!

So here it is!

Man, Materials and Machineries used:

Manpower - 2

Machinery - one dremel with cylindrical grinding bit and one grinder with sand disk.

Materials -

Fibreglass materials

• Resin (1 Ltr) - Rs.145
• Glass mat (0.4 Kg) - Rs.46
• Accelerator (100 ml)- Rs.35
• Catalyst/Hardener (100 ml)- Rs.35

Masking tape, paper, card boards, knife, scissors, gloves, masks, toothbrush etc

The repairing is like, grind off the broken or brittle areas and patch them with fibreglass. Let the photos speak now!

The dashboard condition.







Yeah that's me! You guys can wish me!

 

[dharmesh]

Re: DIY- Repairing the MM-540 fibreglass dashboard

Very excited to see the final outcome. Please post rest of pics as well.
All the best. :-)

 

[Varun560061]

Re: DIY- Repairing the MM-540 fibreglass dashboard

Hi sreejeshtpl, you are back with a SURPRISE..
Nice DIY.. please update.

BTW the jeep is looking cool, is it B'lore ?

 

[carfreak]

Re: DIY- Repairing the MM-540 fibreglass dashboard

Hey good to see you back buddy! Good luck! Eagerly waiting for more updates and pics

 

[350Z]

Another awesome upcoming DIY. Keep it up. Waiting for more details and images of the restoration process.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[ss80]

I am stuck to this thread, you are an expert in precision plastics & fibre stuff. Eagerly waiting for further progress.

 

[sreejeshtpl]

Thank You everyone!
I was out of state, will update it today.

Varun, he bought it from bangalore and now its in Kerala.

 

[sreejeshtpl]

Because of lack of space we did it indoor and especially the grinding in bathroom

Grinding off the brittle and broken areas.

 

[sreejeshtpl]

I have placed thick paper for support from the front side and I'm applying fiberglass on the back side.

 

[sreejeshtpl]

Fibreglassing process begins!!

The glass mat can be separated as layers and then make into pieces for easy application. The fibreglassing process was done at night so considering the low temperature I used the ratio like, for 100ml resin, 4ml of hardener and 4ml of accelerator. It will be good if you mix and use them in small quantities. Paper cups are used for mixing the resin.








If the gloves become sticky, pour some talcum powder on them.


I used an old toothbrush to apply the resin.




Removing the paper supports after the resin cured.


The grinding process.


Buddy!!
















Today gave a single coat of matte black paint. Need 2 or 3 for the final finishing. The screw holes will drill at the time of installation.

 

[ACMohan]

Great job. Looks neat and professional.
Eager to see the final outcome.

 

[Varun560061]

WOW !! Its look as if it has be done from a machine.

BTW : Where do we get all these materials ? May be I have to come for classes for learning from you.

 

[sreejeshtpl]

Exactly a one year of waiting, my friend's MM540 came out after restoration and I'm too happy to be a part of this. Sorry that I don't have more photos.



The dash board which I repaired.

 

[sreejeshtpl]

One more image.

 

[ramankanythia]

well done bro

you have changed look of car