Carbon fibre dashboard

Here’s one that someone made earlier.

This is ACT’s carbon fibre dash, produced by their unique and rather secret method. The finish, which is perfectly smooth, varies depending on the angle of view and the direction of light.

It matches the underside of the solid top of the hood.

I was going to go for alloy bit: dial surrounds, heather controls and light buttons, to match the alloy stalks but went for the all black finish instead. The radio, which was damaged in an attempt to steal it, doesn’t work so will be replaced by something blacker.

The dash looked very different on fitting but it soon became familiar. I’ve had various veneers, an imitation carbon fibre dash and was considering a stainless steel one but I am well pleased with my choice.

It hasn’t, so far, generated a wealth of comments, but still more than the veneer ones. I’ve not found anyone who didn’t like it. Hen driving, like most dashboards, you tend to ignore it.

I like it. I like it a lot.

The warning lights appear brighter against the dark background, the smoked plastic covers to the lights on the lower dash.

Special offer

RV8R has negotiated a special price for ACT’s carbon fibre dash.

With both the Chimaera and Griffith catered for, the price is just £157.50, a  reduction of 10% over the normal asking price of £175.

The product is exactly the same as the full price one, built to ACT’s exacting standards with their own processes which are believed unique in aftermarket dashboards.

The price includes both parts of the dash for Griffiths and Chimaeras.

Click HERE to obtain the price reduction.

The main advantage of carbonfibre is that strength for weight it beats steel and fibreglass. Further, unlike fibreglass it is little thicker than steel for more considerably more strength. However, given that this carbonfibre dash as supplied by ACT is moulded to the original steel blank there is, obviously, no weight advantage. The steel dash was more than strong enough on its own. So why bother.

The answer is to look at it. It is delicious.Not apparent in the photographs is the depth of the finish.

It is easy to fit, one the roll top is removed, will not peel and is resilient. It is also cheaper than walnut. Not only that, readers of RV8R can get it even cheaper.

You will need to remove the dash yourself, take off the veneer, and sand off any rust. Send the dash through to ACT, details will be sent to you, and the completed dash will be returned by post.