DIY: i-WERKS custom dash kit by siver-SI

[siver-SI]

After seeing this dash by i-WERKS LINK (http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36364) I wanted it but he did not have much of DIY so I did one this weekend. I mush say it was some hard work. Took me about 8-10 hours to do total. This was my first time with bondo and after I put the final coat on I see that I need a little sanding for some fine scratches and to even a few spots but nothing that bad.

Supplies needed,

1) 02-04 Civic SI
1) Metra Dash Kit
1) 13 once can of Bondo
1) can of black primer
1) can of Silver paint

Tools,

Dermel Tool
palm sander (I did not use one but think I should haved)
drill
drill bits

The start of the work.

First take apart your dash just like stated in this DIY
LINK (http://www.k-series.com/tech_detail.php?Tech_ID=EP_HU_INSTALL)

After it is fully taken apart your dash should look like this,

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00036.jpg

Now that it is all taken apart it is time to cut up the Metra kit. I made the cut right down the middle of it between the pocket and the top HU part. Then take the top and find out were you want to place it. You will have to shave it on the sides the lower it goes. I wanted it centered so I measured and it looked like this.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00037.jpg
http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00038.jpg

To get it to stay I added some bondo.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00039.jpg

Now it is time to fill in the huge gaps. I took the dremel tool and I cut up the pocket into small parts for filler.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00040.jpg
http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00041.jpg

This is what my pocket looked like after all the cutting.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00042.jpg
http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00043.jpg

Now it time to get into the heavy bondo work. I just started to fill it in with bondo and I held the back the plastic with my hands. After I got down with the first heavy coat it looked like this.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00044.jpg
http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00045.jpg

Then it is time to get sanding it down. This will take a while. After my first sanding it looked like this.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00052.jpg
http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00053.jpg

After this was down I went out to the car to make sure everything was fitting right in the car and then I went to bed since it was all most midnight.

The next morning it was time to primer. I would say use black because it will show a lot of mistakes in the sanding. You might have to resand and put on some bondo to full in a few spots like I had to do.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00054.jpg
http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00055.jpg

Now it is time to paint with silver finaly.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00056.jpg

After it has dried it is time to get it all put together and get it back in the car. I had to drill into the stock metal bracket to get some new holes made for the HU to sit in.

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00058.jpg

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00059.jpg

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00062.jpg

http://www.jarrettracing.com/honda si/dash/Dsc00063.jpg

[skooba]

looks a little rough around the edges.

[EnJaNir]

nice start, but needs a little finishing work to look perfect

[siver-SI]

Yea I know. I think over the 4th of july weekend since I have anouther 3 day weekend I am going to get it just right. It should not take me more then a day but I want to leave myself some time for drying and that. Now that I know what I did wrong I can work off that that.

[02civicSI]

nice work!

[Civicvtec1ps]

Where did you get Silver spray paint?
Do they match stock dash pretty closely in real life?

[siver-SI]

Where did you get Silver spray paint?
Do they match stock dash pretty closely in real life?

It is close I had primered all my parts before I compared them so I am not for sure how close they are. I used Testors spray enamel #1246. It is the stuff that you use on toy models.

[i-WERKS]

nice. Just needs a little touching up. hope you're liking the HU.

[siver-SI]

nice. Just needs a little touching up. hope you're liking the HU.

I am liking it. Now that I burned backups off all my CD's with CD-TEXT it is so nice to see what is in the 10 disk since after a while I forget what CD's I have in it.

You had a great idea with this because when it is at stock height you can not tilt the face with out being harder to see and if you put it at the lower spot on the double din that is to low for me. Just wondering what grits of sand paper did you use for your install?

[raiyo]

not to shabby. I like. Just need some touching up. Very noticeable it's been worked on. Still a great!!!! job, since it's your first time with bondo. I'll be scared shitless if it'll be my first. Try using automotive bondo, if u didnt with the last. It sands down better. That's what I've been told from selling paint for a few years.

[siver-SI]

not to shabby. I like. Just need some touching up. Very noticeable it's been worked on. Still a great!!!! job, since it's your first time with bondo. I'll be scared shitless if it'll be my first. Try using automotive bondo, if u didnt with the last. It sands down better. That's what I've been told from selling paint for a few years.

I used bondo body filler. I think my problem was that I went with to light of a sandpaper. I was using 200 and up grit. I think I need to take a 100 to it to get it all even now and then work up.

[raiyo]

I used bondo body filler. I think my problem was that I went with to light of a sandpaper. I was using 200 and up grit. I think I need to take a 100 to it to get it all even now and then work up.

What the......... 200 grid? Try not to put TOO much bondo on, then use wet-n-sand sandpaper. I'll use like.... hmm.... forgot amount, but 1000 or 2000. I help out for free at my friend's body shop sanding bumpers, heheh. It'll take a long time, but it makes things more flush

[i-WERKS]

Get a rasp. Pile on the bondo, then after about 5-10 minutes, when the bondo is in the rubbery phase, use the rasp to shape it. I used 180 grit to get it close to flush, then 200 to get it flush, then 400 wet sand followed by 800 wet sand. If you have pinholes in the bondo, get the bondo glaze to fill them and repeat the sanding steps. Primer then paint.
1000+ grit is only for wet sanding the paint which is not necessary unless you want a mirror gloss finish. If that's what you want, spray about 6-7 light coats of paint, then wetsand 1000 grit, 1500 grit then 2000 grit. Finish with a fine cut rubbing compound and 2+ layers of wax. This will remove the "orange peel" effect and give you a mirror finish. I used this method for my plastic models.
If you want a stock matte finish, spray light coats from about 1-1.5 feet away until evenly covered.

[siver-SI]

What the......... 200 grid? Try not to put TOO much bondo on, then use wet-n-sand sandpaper. I'll use like.... hmm.... forgot amount, but 1000 or 2000. I help out for free at my friend's body shop sanding bumpers, heheh. It'll take a long time, but it makes things more flush


That is what I screwd up on the first time was putting to much on. The highest I used was 400 so now I know I need to get some 1000 and 2000 to get it to look right.

This is why I did not try and fix it today since I figured I would get some tips on getting it to look like OEM. I am glad I have tryed this before I ever touched a car body.

[i-WERKS]

And post some updated pics when you touch it up!!

[Civicvtec1ps]

Started work on this today.
I used too much bondo and its really bitch to work on haha.

I will have result in couple days.

[siver-SI]

Started work on this today.
I used too much bondo and its really bitch to work on haha.

I will have result in couple days.

I hope you can show up at the meet this weekend so I can see what it looks like.

[1EP2NV]

WOW!!! really nice man that's the best set i ever seen , good job man

[Civicvtec1ps]

I am redoing everything from scratch.
Bondo didn't mixed too well with hardner.

Long project i tell ya..
I ended up getting another Bondo for free , because i told them hardner was solid and couldn't use it lol.

[siver-SI]

Well I am noticing that the testors is scuffs easy. If I rub my finger nail against it I leave a mark. Do I need to use a different paint next time or should I put a clear coat over it? Just want to make sure I get this right the second time.

That does suck with the hardner though. I used to much one time and the stuff hardend in 4 min on me. :(

[raiyo]

u should put a clear coat over it. protect your good work. but one thing though. sheen/shine shows more imperfection than less shiny surface. get like a low sheen/satin finish clear coat.

[siver-SI]

u should put a clear coat over it. protect your good work. but one thing though. sheen/shine shows more imperfection than less shiny surface. get like a low sheen/satin finish clear coat.

Thanks

[Civicvtec1ps]

siver-SI

Did you strip the original silver paint?

I am currently stripping paint off dash right now.
It's getting there...

I also bought spray paint but its too metalic.
Also lighter than Stock silver paint.

[siver-SI]

I just took some 400 grit sand paper to it the rough it up and that was it. But the OEM stuff was coming off with ease doeing that. I am going to have to take everything down now to bear when I do my fixes so I do not have caped on areas.

I guess you must have had a hole day off to do this. I wish I did. I worked on it Saturday night, and then I had to go to the hospital for the grandmother on Sunday. One reason why I did not get it perfect, plus it rained monday so my day was shot.

[Civicvtec1ps]

It's almost done.

There is some rough areas here and there but not sure i am going to fix that.
As long as I can see the display during day.
I am ok..

EDIT
Pictures.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wNDQ2NDE4NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg
Primed
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wNDQ2NDE5NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

It was alot of work involved.
Especially sanding too lonnng time.

[i-WERKS]

Civicvtec1ps, You have the pioneer 8500mp too right? If you angle the headunit downwards, the display would be easier to see. You'll have to make new holes in the metal bracket to screw in the headunit. I'll try to snap some pics.

[Civicvtec1ps]

Civicvtec1ps, You have the pioneer 8500mp too right? If you angle the headunit downwards, the display would be easier to see. You'll have to make new holes in the metal bracket to screw in the headunit. I'll try to snap some pics.
Yup
I have 840mp but its pretty much same as 8500 series.

[SaBerCiviC]

looks like SHITT!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

[Civicvtec1ps]

looks like SHITT!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

That's great.
Good for you.

[siver-SI]

That's great.
Good for you.

I will second that.

This prodject is a lot harder then I thought it would be. I do not know if I am going to wait to the 4th weekend I might try it this weekend and at worst have it unfinshed in there for a week. I am going to see how late I get home Saturday from the meet to see if will get to it.

[mathman]

Just a thought... if you're thinking about doing this, and you're not using the hole to the right side of the shift lever, it might be worthwhile to fill that as well while you've got the tub 'o bondo open.

Ma+hman.

[chubbychu]

ive always liked that whole clean dash look, but does anyone else think its kinda...ehhh, boring? i mean, you could probably spend 100 bucks and get a nice LCD and bondo it in there. that would be sweet. IMHO

[Civicvtec1ps]

ive always liked that whole clean dash look, but does anyone else think its kinda...ehhh, boring? i mean, you could probably spend 100 bucks and get a nice LCD and bondo it in there. that would be sweet. IMHO
Yea.
I think 7" monitor would fit perfectly in there.
But then you would relocate CD player..

That's another new project.

I am going to resand one more time tommrrow and look for new spray paint.

[raiyo]

Yea.
I think 7" monitor would fit perfectly in there.
But then you would relocate CD player..

That's another new project.

I am going to resand one more time tommrrow and look for new spray paint.

or..... put in a modded PS2 and connect it to the LCD. That's my plan. Well, until I can find a place to mount it.

[1EP2NV]

That look so hot if you put a Alpine IVA-D900 Car Audio Video and connect the xbox in to the LCD., replace all JL speaker, with 500w. amp for the speaker and 1000w. for the 12"w7 hahah that's kick ass right there that's my stuff there hahaha :tongue: I want to put the ps2 in too but no room =[

[reszmeth]

i was wondering where did you get your shift boot and fhor how much

[chubbychu]

i was wondering where did you get your shift boot and fhor how much

ebay used to have them.

[siver-SI]

i was wondering where did you get your shift boot and fhor how much

It is a Integra Type R boot. I bought it off this board used but I know you can get them online just not sure were.

[1EP2NV]

It is a Integra Type R boot. I bought it off this board used but I know you can get them online just not sure were.

www.optauto.com got them

[Civicvtec1ps]

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wNDQ4NzMxNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wNDQ4NzMyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

It's not done... haha

i-WERKS

How did you make new bracket for back of the cd player.

[siver-SI]

Not bad. Are you going to paint the bottom black too?

[Civicvtec1ps]

Not bad. Are you going to paint the bottom black too?
I think so.

But i still need to finish sanding once again.

[BlackSi613nin]

looks good paul.... i dont have the testicular fortituded to mess with that.... i know if it attempted it it would be all lumpy and shit.. looks good.. but i used the little bin under cdplayer to much to get rid of it..looks nice!! keep progress posted!

joHn

[siver-SI]

I just ran into a problem. In the corners the bondo is coming up. That is were the bondo is the heavest so I think that is the problem. I was going to do the finish sanding this weekend, but I guess I am going to have to learn how to work with fiberglass to fill in that big gap at the top and bottom.

I think what caused the problem was the heavy bondo and this week it is getting hot and humid and in my car it was well over 100+ and humid.

[Civicvtec1ps]

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wNDcxNDMzNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

Bondo isn't too good with plastic...
It is going to crack in the future. most likely.

[siver-SI]

Bondo isn't too good with plastic...
It is going to crack in the future. most likely.

I-werks help me with the problem. I took out all the bondo and used a fibre type bondo. What is has is small parts of fiber in it. Then I went drill happy in the back making holes for it to catch into. Well 3 corners went great and are still holding up I just had one corner that did not catch well. I noticed when I filled it with the fibre that the drill holes did not have much mix in it when I did filled it, but I did not know till after it was dry since I filled the dash while it was on the car.

I think next weekend I am going to just sand down the one corner far enough down to drill a few new holes and then refill it.

[LiLxKeNnY]

your dash looks pretty badasss ... imjust not use to see one hole instead of two ... but its nice ... good job!

[guMMer]

if you use 40/40 bumper repair glue stuff it won't crack/seperate like the bondo does...bondo doesn't stick to plastic...40/40 does :D