ericleroi Posted May 25, 2014 Author Share Posted May 25, 2014 Thanks Richie. I'll be keeping the PC separate - it's next to my desk in a corner, out of the way. For the front section(s), I am in the process of building an air intake with mesh: And I have a grille for the front (I may not attach this - I will see what it looks like before deciding): There's a badge and a tow hook too: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richie_jones Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 I like it, I think the front grill will look cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 26, 2014 Author Share Posted May 26, 2014 Thanks Richie. I am pleased with how the grille turned out, I'm just debating whether the front will look too busy! With the remaining filler sanded down ad a few extra spots re-done, it was time to apply the vinyl. Two hands are better than one for larger, more complex surfaces. Before starting, it goes without saying that the area should be inspected very carefully for debris. Typically, I will is a duster and then brush with my hands. Line the vinyl up and push it firmly around the first edge. It's a very important step to ensure there are no bubbles. All the places where I've applied previously haven't developed any. Note: 90 decree angles are very difficult and typicaly I will try and avoid that or use a light chamfer to help it along. Step 1: line the vinyl up and negotiate the first edge: Step 2: carefully draw back the backing paper and smooth the vinyl on: Step 3: continue to cover the piece, ensuring to press firmly around any remaining edges: Step 4: rough trim excess to allow the final trim to be easier: Step 5: get the tools ready, a decent flat length of wood strip and a sharp knife: Step 6: work in sections to make the process easier: Step 7: complete all the sides: On close inspection, it looks to have gone on very well with no bumps or air bubbles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 26, 2014 Author Share Posted May 26, 2014 I've painted the outside face of the front to ensure that no MDF is visible should there be any gap: The left side piece is now in place with the wiring for the LEDs fed through the dash section. Close-up of the fit: Profile: It's looking decidedly meaner imho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 26, 2014 Author Share Posted May 26, 2014 Second side has been attached: The dashboard will fit over the top section. I've made it nice and wide so I can fit lots of switches and extra bits: Still deciding whether to attach the grille. I quite like plain ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 26, 2014 Author Share Posted May 26, 2014 I bought one of these to control the lighting: Completed the lighting for the wiring (hot glue gun will be used to make all the wiring secure): Side: Top (this will be masked considerably by the monitor hood so only a thin slice of light comes through - can you slice light?): Nose: It looks like a solaruim in there ... best get some tanning lotion ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zomboided Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 Really stunning, especially the subtle lighting. Grille - without is my 2p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richie_jones Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 How does the vinyl stick? Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 27, 2014 Author Share Posted May 27, 2014 Thanks mattedsmith - I've not tried a temporary fit but I suspect I'll leave it as is. The vinyl is self adhesive richie_jones and sticks extremely well to MDF provided that it's free from dust. Started on the dashboard top panel. This is what I call a 4 hour piece of wood. Cutouts to allow the piece to slot in: Beveling on the front face: Extra depth to avoid the CSW wheel base interfering with the panel: Curved around the CSW base to ensure it's visible: The whole piece will be covered in leather material. The back will be hidden by the monitor hood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 27, 2014 Author Share Posted May 27, 2014 Without a doubt, the most difficult part of the whole build, upholstering the dash ... It took about 2 hours to get this on. I almost gave up, twice. The staples will be hidden by the monitor cover. Fully covered: I'll need to epoxy the material to the edges. In place: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazzardActual Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 wow, i read leather before i scrolled down and thought that it wouldnt look right. boy was i wrong, that looks slick as hell. I say go for the grille, it'll look nice. then down the road maybe add a CO2 tank and a blow off valve with an actuator switch. nothing will make beating that new lap time better than sounding off the valve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 27, 2014 Author Share Posted May 27, 2014 Cheers HazzardActual I have the leather material in a couple of other places. It goes one easily on flat surfaces. More complex shapes ... not so! I'll be concentrating on the dashboard next - won't have the opportunity to go overboard would love some sim instruments - fuel guage etc - but my budget has been well and truly blown with this! I'll design it in to be flexible and probably cut another couple of dashboard panels out for when I do upgrade. Blow off valve sounds a blast - literally Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 28, 2014 Author Share Posted May 28, 2014 Most of this morning was spent finishing off the dash top plate and designing the dash panel. I also rough cut one of the sides for the monitor hood. It still needs quite a bit of work yet: I made a template for the dash panel which took much longer than expected and then cut both of them out: The lower part will have a vinyl R-Pod logo: And will be covered in real carbon fibre: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 28, 2014 Author Share Posted May 28, 2014 I've finished the side pieces for the monitor hood, there's only a limited amount you can do with a cover: They need a little bit more work before filling, sanding and painting ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 All the pieces for the monitor cover have been cut: I've cut a hole in the top which will allow TrackIR to be fitted. I will be amking another box to fit on the top of the monitor to house the TrackIR receiver. Connected by convoluted sheathing rather than an ugly, thin wire: Currently gluing everything together (epoxy with some extra wood glue down the sides. I've made some braces for added support and will attach these later: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmsilva Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 This looks amazing dude. You are very talented! By the way, NICE steering wheel...its beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Thanks lmsilva The wheel is a cracking one! With all the focus on the front and the dash, I'd completely forgotten about the right side panel for the seat base: I'd redone it all a couple of weeks ago and forgotten about it (there have been bits lying around all over the place). I got around to cutting the mesh, acrylic, artwork and backing board: Just loose assembled at the moment. I'll get the hot glue gun out and then glue and screw it together: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Well, my deadline to finish this cab was today - looks like I've missed it but still have 3 days to go before work beckons. I know I won't get to finish the dashboard layout as I've only just ordered the DSD button box. Hopefully I can set everything up so I just have that to do and stop boring you all with all these updates Finished attaching the outer 2 pieces of the monitor hood: Looks like I was a little off with the top piece. Nothing that a bit of filler can't resolve: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfancella Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Well, my deadline to finish this cab was today - looks like I've missed it but still have 3 days to go before work beckons. I know I won't get to finish the dashboard layout as I've only just ordered the DSD button box. Hopefully I can set everything up so I just have that to do and stop boring you all with all these updates Far from boring!!! I look forward to seeing your updates on a daily basis. And miss them when you don't post. Even if I don't say anything, I still watch the thread with great anticipation! The work you have done is incredible! Thanks, Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agrajag Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Seconded! I'm learning a great deal from this thread that I hope to put into practice eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Thank you both I'm making some of this stuff up as I go along - you never really know how it's going to turn out sometimes. Test fit: I've left room to fit an aluminium bar at the bottom but I cant' help thinking it needs something to perk it up a little - I've bought another sheet of acrylic for a small r-pod logo cutout panel (new Batman pictures in the background ): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 30, 2014 Author Share Posted May 30, 2014 As the main rig build is drawing to a conclusion (as is my holiday), today I will be taking a diversion and start on the accessories: 1. Amp and fan unit: Shelf 1 - Amplifier Shelf 2 - Fan Cable cavity - Hide all the unsightly cables and power strips 2. Mouse and keyboard unit Shelf 1: Cavity for shoes Shelf 2: Mouse surface and recess for cup Keyboard mount - haven't finalised the design on this yet 3. Accessory wall plate Headphone hook Hat hook Glove shelf The hooks / shelves will be similar to something I made for my PC: Take some coat hangers and bend them to shape: Make a backing board and insert the wire into it: Attach it to the wall: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 30, 2014 Author Share Posted May 30, 2014 Measured, cut and flush trimmed 8 side panels for the amp and keyboard/mouse racks: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericleroi Posted May 30, 2014 Author Share Posted May 30, 2014 The first side piece for the amp unit has been cut. I don't want to go too fancy with this, the rig needs to be the centrepiece really. A hole has been cut in the side for some interest and also to allow air to circulate. Rough cut: Flush trimmed: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziggy Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Awesome, I'd love to have the room to build one of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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